The data is in. Weight-loss surgery, in combination with behavioral modifications, can be a “powerful tool” in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for obese patients.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention said as much in a position statement released recently.

The taskforce substantiates evidence backing bariatric surgery as a cost-effective treatment for type 2 diabetes in obese patients, that it should be considered earlier in the treatment of these patients and that prejudices in regard to severe obesity (even those that exist within the healthcare and insurance systems) “should not act as a barrier” to patients receiving “clinically-effective treatment options.”

St. Joseph’s Center for Weight Management surgeons, Dr. Daniel Smith and Dr. Robert Wroblewski, have worked to educate primary care physicians and patients about surgical weight-loss treatment options and the significant effectiveness surgery has in normalizing blood glucose levels in a relatively short time.

This is in addition to a scope of other health benefits including a reduction or reversal in other life-threatening chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and more.

“Gastric bypass (the gold standard of weight-loss surgery) creates hormonal changes immediately after surgery,” says Dr. Smith, “such that type 2 diabetes is immediately improved, even before there has been any weight loss. Almost every week we discharge a diabetic patient after gastric bypass surgery who no longer needs oral medications or insulin to manager their diabetes, even though they are only about three days out from surgery and haven’t lost any weight yet.”

Studies looking at RNY gastric bypass surgeries show the 5-year death rate decreasing “three- to nine-fold” compared to patients not having surgery, he notes.

In his presentations, Dr. Smith sites medical studies that show weight-loss surgeries save lives, improve quality of life for patients and are cost-effective.

The IDF would like to see priority strategies put in place to ensure accessibility to weight-loss surgery for obese patients with type 2 diabetes who are most likely to benefit.

Leah Walters, St. Joseph’s Center for Weight Management bariatric coordinator, says stereotypes and prevalent bias from society are non-productive in helping patients with life-threatening chronic conditions such as diabetes get the help they need.

While any surgery carries risks, evidence associated with modern weight-loss shows surgeries and mortality rates to be relatively low, comparable, in fact, to elective gall stone surgery.

Because St. Joseph’s Center for Weight Management is an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) “Center of Excellence,” it is among only those facilities that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to consistently deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care.

From January 2000-2011, St. Joseph’s Center for Weight Management reports a 90-day mortality rate of 0.15 percent (or 1.5 patient deaths per thousand). Equally impressive is the ASMBS Centers of Excellence nationwide reported an aggregate outcome for June, 2006 (Pories), of 0.35 percent.

“If you presented with heart disease at a clinic or hospital and needed surgery, you would more than likely get the treatment you needed immediately,” Walters says. The same consideration is not given to obese patients suffering or “dying” from their type 2 diabetes.

Months of psychological evaluations, nutrition counseling, and stipulations are required before patients are allowed proper care.

“Obesity is a complex, chronic disorder with serious adverse consequences for health which requires a comprehensive approach to both prevention and treatment,” IDF task force experts states. “People affected by severe obesity often struggle not only with the health and physical consequences of their chronic condition, but discrimination at work, socially and within the healthcare system.”

St. Joseph’s Center for Weight Management has surgical options for anyone with a body mass index of 40 or higher (about 100 pounds or more overweight). A non-surgical option is available to those with a BMI of more than 25.

Weight-loss surgery solutions include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable banding. All procedures are usually performed laparoscopically.

The Center for Weight Managements uses a multi-disciplinary team approach to care and features follow-up care and ongoing support. Anyone who would like to learn more about St. Joseph’s surgical weight-loss program and call 218-237-5757 or 1-800-566-3311 or e-mail leahwalters@catholichealth.net.