Bariatric surgery proven safe, transformative for weight loss, diabetes treatment

VICTORIA: A groundbreaking Australian study has confirmed that bariatric surgery is a safe and highly effective treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes, with 61% of diabetes patients discontinuing medication five years post-surgery.

The research, led by Monash University and the University of Sydney, analyzed 122,567 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2012 and 2021. The findings, published in the ANZ Journal of Surgery, highlight substantial long-term weight loss and major health benefits.

Significant and Sustained Weight Loss

The study evaluated four common types of bariatric procedures:

• One-anastomosis gastric bypass: 34.88% total body weight loss
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 30.73% total body weight loss
• Sleeve gastrectomy: 26.5% total body weight loss
• Adjustable gastric band: 17.6% total body weight loss

These figures confirm long-term weight management success for patients undergoing surgery.

Diabetes Remission and Medication Reduction

Among participants, 13.6% were treated for diabetes before surgery. One year post-surgery, 71.6% of those followed up required no diabetes medication. At the five-year follow-up, 61% remained off medication, proving bariatric surgery's effectiveness in managing and potentially reversing diabetes.

Low Risk and High Safety Standards

The study found that only 3.6% of patients experienced complications such as unplanned readmission, intensive care admission, re-operation, or death within 90 days post-surgery. This rate aligns with other minimally invasive procedures like gallbladder removal, reinforcing bariatric surgery as a safe option.

Professor Wendy Brown, Chair of Monash University’s Department of Surgery, stated:

“This is the first large-scale study confirming bariatric surgery’s safety and effectiveness at a community level, not just in specialized centers. It should reassure patients, families, and healthcare providers.”

She also emphasized the economic benefits, highlighting that reducing diabetes medication dependency can significantly lower healthcare costs.

Future Research and Patient-Centered Outcomes

The study utilized data from the Australia and New Zealand Bariatric Surgery Registry, with future research set to focus on revisional surgery trends and patient-reported outcomes starting in 2025.

With obesity continuing to pose a global health challenge, this study reinforces bariatric surgery as a powerful intervention, offering sustained weight loss, diabetes remission, and improved overall health.