Bariatric Surgery: Pathophysiology and Outcomes.

Overview

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are closely interrelated and pose a major burden on health care in terms of morbidity and mortality. Weight loss has favorable metabolic benefits for glycemic control and improvement of metabolic syndrome. Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective treatment for weight loss with durable results as compared to lifestyle modification. BS procedures have been associated with significant reduction in abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome components, and glycemic control requiring fewer medications. Long-term risks of surgery include nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, bone fractures, and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, which need to be carefully balanced with metabolic benefits for individual patients.