There are hundreds of support groups throughout the U.S. for patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. Since 85% of those surgeries in 2008 were performed on women, these support groups are often run by women and for women. There is very little access to the experience that men have following these procedures.
More than 30,000 American men had weight loss surgery in 2008; more than 60,000 American men will have weight loss surgery in 2009. By 2015, more than a quarter million men will have weight loss surgery each year.
As morbid obesity climbs, so do the medical consequences of diabetes, hypertension, and other life-threatening conditions. Just because men have more lean muscle mass and a lower body fat percentage than women, weight loss can be just as challenging for men.
At the American Diabetes Associations 65th Scientific Symposia, Dr. Ruchi Mathur talked about the role of gastric bypass in the treatment of diabetes. In the two hour presentation Dr. Mathur suggested, "Basically there are two main approaches to gastric surgery for obesity: A bypass- also called a roux en y procedure, and gastric banding. The first avoids a section of the absorptive surface of the intestine, and the second seals of a large portion of the stomach making the functional portion quite small and easily filled."
He went on to identify who is a candidate for these procedures. Usually patients with a BMI of over 40 or over 35 with health consequences that are obesity related. He reported that gastric bypass has an effect on diabetes. In a series of 1000 patients, 150 of whom had diabetes, 83% experienced resolution of their diabetes (defined by a normalization of A1c and coming of medications for diabetes) after the surgery.
In another study of 191 patients followed out to 5 years after surgery, a shorter duration of diabetes lead to a better A1c outcome, and a lower weight post operatively also lead to a better A1c. In this series, 80% came of oral medications for diabetes, 84% of those who stayed on meds after surgery reduced their dosing, 79% came off insulin of those still requiring insulin 90% dropped their dose. With regards to the gastric banding procedure, in a study of 66 patients, A1c dropped from an average of 6.3 preoperatively to 5.3 post operatively.
Beyond these medical results, men have a different experience following weight loss surgery. The need for protein to support a healthy lifestyle, which may include weight-training, can be most challenging. Finding the best combination of vitamins for absorption or taking care of one's appearance can be brand new for men (whereas women in American culture are conditioned to focus on appearance.) Many men, who may not have felt sexy in a long time, are suddenly seen as attractive, providing a totally new series of challenges and opportunities.
Over the next year, will collect hundreds of personal stories about how men are dealing with weight loss surgery. These stories will help men who are considering a weight loss surgery know what to expect. These insights and experiences of real life men will highlight the huge life-changing lifestyle choice. Links to a variety of resources from vitamins, skin care, exercise, book reviews, and news links will be updated regularly. Men who share their story receive a gift from the company.
WeightLossSurgeryMen
TR Cutler
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