Thousands of people are expected to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes this year, and a new study just released says bariatric surgery may be helping diabetes patients get rid of their problems for good.

“Our patients are finding out its happening within the first 30 days!” says Dr. Moses Shieh. Dr. Shieh, Lee County’s only-full time bariatric surgeon, says that’s because calories are being cut because of less food intake after the surgery. “Now imagine, you’re restricted, and all you can take is 400 to 600 calories a day in the first and beginning of your post-op period, so the amount of glucose or blood sugar, that itself, is going to be inherently low,” explains Dr. Shieh.

The study in the American Journal of Medicine found that 78% of diabetic patients that underwent weight loss surgery between 1990 and 2006 were no longer diabetic after the operation. “We’re finding a link between losing weight and that will help with their blood sugars. We’re even finding, tremendously now, after losing from weight loss surgery, it resolves their diabetes and they are off their medications,” adds Dr. Shieh.

There are several theories out there as to how each bariatric technique can reduce Type 2 diabetes. “It’s actually a good 80% that will resolve their Type 2 diabetes within the first 3 to 6 months,” says Dr. Shieh.

Of course, weight loss surgery is not the best option for everyone. As always, if you are diabetic, you should always consult your own doctor for the best solution for you. In addition, patients who undergo bariatric surgery often experience a reduction in their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and sleep apnea.