Bariatric Surgery Article in the New York Times

March 27th, 2012

After reading the article, “Surgery for Diabetes May Be Better Than Standard Treatment” I am concerned about the short-sighted view of bariatric surgery.  While the studies mentioned the death rate from the procedure is below 1%, I believe the lifetime risk for other health issues must factor into the decision and discussed.

Four examples of patients from my clinical experience who have had gastric bypass demonstrate this fact.  One patient was initially placed on a liquid diet post-operatively, as per protocol, but unfortunately even years after the procedure, she is still unable to eat solid foods.  She once enjoyed preparing food and eating with her family, but now is limited to shakes.  Another patient was found to have breast cancer on a screening mammogram after the surgery and is now struggling to keep on the weight with the nausea induced by chemotherapy.  Despite being given appetite stimulants, her stomach will not allow her to eat adequately.  A gentleman acquired HIV shortly after shedding the pounds and now is dealing with stomach issues from the medications he must take daily.  The fourth patient regained her pre-surgical weight over four years as she has received no further dietary advice since the six months after the surgery.　

While I do agree surgically reducing the size of the stomach can play an important role in preventing diabetes, physicians must address the possible long term complications fully with their patients.