Bariatric surgery, or “weight-loss surgery”, has become recognized by medical professionals and lay people alike as the most successful treatment for morbid obesity.  Now, there is strong evidence showing that bariatric surgery, especially the gastric bypass, is also a cure for type 2 diabetes, forcing it into almost instant remission.  These results are clear and striking and show great promise for the millions of US adults who suffer with type 2 diabetes.  These people currently view their disease as progressive and incurable with the long-term fear and expectation of debilitating complications like blindness, amputations, and kidney failure secondary to life-threatening coronary artery disease or vascular disease.  It is clearly time to view bariatric operations as interventions for patients with morbid obesity as well as diabetes.

Both the gastric bypass and the Lap-Band have been shown to result in complete remission of type 2 diabetes.  With the gastric bypass, an operation that rearranges the gastrointestinal tract anatomy, diabetes has been shown to resolve in a few days—long before substantial weight loss.  But remission of diabetes can also be achieved with the Lap-Band; studies show that at 2 years diabetes resolves in 50-70% of Lap-Band patients. Bariatric surgery is not only effective, but safe with a mortality today that is comparable to a simple gallbladder operation.

It is estimated that one-third of adults in the US are obese, and largely because of this, at least as many have diabetes or have borderline diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most expensive diseases to treat and patients who are diagnosed with it are burdened with constant monitoring of blood sugar levels, medications, and even frequent insulin injections.    

At CBSI we think it important to raise awareness that through surgery, metabolic change  is possible, and bariatric surgery is the best treatment known for the obese patient with diabetes. If you are morbidly obese and have diabetes, surgery is the best option to cure your diabetes and to lose weight long-term.  If you have type 2 diabetes and are not obese, know that these are compelling data that represent a medical breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes. 

• A multidisciplinary approach to treatment of bariatric surgery
• A program that meets the standards of both the National Institutes of Health and ASMBS
• Certified centers with the most experienced surgeons who tend to have better outcomes
• The high volume that is consistent with a Center of Excellence translates into lower complication rates

What are the areas of emphasis at our Center of Excellence?
At this Center of Excellence, our experienced professionals, our comprehensive in-house program, and our favorable outcomes best highlight our success. Some important strengths and points of difference:

• We have a compassionate and experienced multidisciplinary team, all in-house, dedicated to the treatment of obesity
• We have a comprehensive program with full pre- and post-op support
• Patient education is an integral part of our program, complete with an extensive patient “manual”, lecture series, and support group
• We have long-term follow-up with our multidisciplinary team, resulting in excellent continuity of care                                    

What are expected patient outcomes at our Center?
We have consistent, favorable results in our patient population with a total of 2,000 bariatric procedures performed. Patients experience significant weight loss, and obesity-related illnesses are reversed or dramatically improved, greatly contributing to improved health and overall quality of life. Among our data:

• > 2,000 cases performed; 99% completed laparoscopically
• Average 6 month weight loss = 90 lbs; 1 year = 117 lbs (gastric bypass)
• 75% reduction in excess body weight within 1 year (gastric bypass)
• 94% of diabetes resolves within 3 months
• 66% of hypertension resolves within 6 months; 75% at 1 year
• 64% of sleep apnea resolves within 1 year
• Need for prescription medications greatly diminished

Testimony to the importance and effectiveness of bariatric surgery…
It is importance to seek out an “ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence” when considering bariatric surgery, since these Centers have high volume and expertise with low rates of complications. It is equally important to recognize that in this seriously obese patient population, there is no other effective treatment. Bariatric surgery allows these patients to

• lose significant weight
• reverse many obesity-related health problems
• and favorably impact longevity and quality of life.

Support Group: 3rd Wednesday and 2nd Tuesday Monthly at P/SL

As a patient of the Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute (CBSI) you are invited to join our monthly support groups. On the third Wednesday of every month we offer a support group at P/SL hospital from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on the second Tuesday of every month we offer a support group at P/SL hospital from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During the first hour of the support group we organize speakers to come and conduct classes that are of great importance to bariatric patients. Some of the past classes have included a chef making delicious meals that bariatric patients can eat, pilates instructors, plastic surgeons, and dining out classes. The second hour of support group is an open forum that allows you to chat with other patients, deal with questions and issues you are all facing and talk to the nutritionist and nurse. It is such a great support for our patients because it allows for the building of new friendships and support systems with others in the same situation.

Support for the Supporters
This group is for the friends and family member of patients who may be seeking more information about what to expect and how to best support their loved ones.

Thursdays, 1:00 - 2:00--friends and family

For more information, please contact Liz Rosenzweig at 303-839-6614

Participation in CBSI Support Groups Encouraged

As a patient of CBSI we strongly encourage you to take advantage of all the great support systems we provide. Support groups are a valuable aid in learning and feeling comfortable with modifications in your daily diet and lifestyle. Talking and sharing with other patients helps you realize any limitations you may feel, and that these limitations likely pale in comparison to those experienced by the person who continues to be morbidly obese. Bring your family and friends as well, as support groups can be a great source of support and encouragement to them as they assist you in achieving your goals.