Endocrine Society Cautions Against Bariatric Surgery

A number of important factors must be considered before a clinician recommends their obese patients with type 2 diabetes for bariatric surgery, according to a statement from the Endocrine Society. 

The statement, given in response to 2 studies published last week which found that obese patients with type 2 diabetes benefited more from bariatric surgery than from medical therapy alone, stressed that not all diabetics are candidates for bariatric surgery. 

Clinicians should first take into consideration several factors, including a patient’s age, body mass index, and how long they have had diabetes.  Most importantly, they must consider how well a patient would abide by long-term lifestyle changes. 

"Sustained long-term benefits will require maintenance of the metabolic changes achieved. Bariatric surgery is not a guarantee of successful weight loss and maintenance," the statement said.

-Michael Potts