Comments on: The Bypass Effect On Diabetes, Cancer

Surgery Can Send Diabetes Into Remission, And May Reduce Risk Of Certain Cancers

[lanne1009]

I appreciated the news story and it couldn''t have come at a better time. I am currently struggling with my insurance company. I do meet criteria for bypass surgery, but am being denied coverage due to a series of episodes of misinformation that was given to me by the insurance company. I have been researching this for better than a year and am glad that there is more conversation about gastric bypass than ever before. It should always be considered a last resort for anyone considering this surgery as an option. I''m sure the benefits don''t always outweigh the risks for every person considering the surgery. FYI, many of the others in my support group report their diabetes in remission, many left the hospital without ever needing their meds again, and with improved renal function. I think there is more to it than eating less for such a quick remission from diabetes. I''m still going for it.

[surfalice]

I also had the surgery in 2001 and lost 90lbs and have kept it off. Another fact that needs to be considered is the insurance companies don''t want to cover post bypass patients without escalating the premiums. I really think this is unfair, because in the long run we are healthier and no longer take many of the medications they use to pay for. So why are our insurance premiums higher? I would like to hear from others on this and see if we can''t lobby to congress to get this changed. Thank you!

[jbwarman]

I WAS PLEASED TO VIEW YOUR SEGMENT ON BYPASS SURGERY. I THOUGHT IT WAS VERY WELL PRESENTED. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE YOU WERE REMISS IN NOT DISCUSSING THE OTHER SUCCESSFUL METHODS OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY, SPECIFICALLY LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BANDING. THIS SURGICAL PROCEDURE IS A SAFER,HEALTHIER METHOD OF LOSING WEIGHT, AND SHOULD BE PRESENTED ON YOUR PROGRAM SO THE PUBLIC CAN MAKE CLEAR, INFORMED DECISIONS REGARDING THEIR HEALTH CARE.
PRESENTLY, WE AT SYOSSET HOSPITAL (SYOSSET, NY) HAVE PERFORMED OVER 2000 OF THESE PROCEDURES, WITH EXCELLENT RESULTS INCLUDING REMISSION OF DIABETES AND OTHER CO-MORBIDITIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: DRGEISS.COM

JUNE WARMAN, RN BSN CNOR

[sirin9]

I felt that Lesley Stahl didn''t do her homework for the bypass surgery segment. I think that a questionable "cause and effect" conclusion was drawn between gastric bypass and the reversal of diabetes as well as the reduction of certain cancers. The viewer is left with the idea that the surgery itself is responsible for the disappearance of diabetes and lower rates of cancer. Ms. Stahl doesn%u2019t seem to realize that a number of eminent physicians are reversing diabetes and heart disease and lowering the risk of cancer through diet alone, and their accomplishments are well established in the scientific record. These gastric bypass patients very likely reversed their diabetes because they no longer eat in any quantity the foods that cause and promote diabetes. For those who are interested in losing weight (with no limit on portion sizes and no calorie counting), and preventing and reversing heart disease and diabetes, as well as lowering the risk of cancer, I recommend these books: %u201CThe China Study%u201D by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, %u201CEat to Live%u201D by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, board-certified physician specializing in preventing and reversing heart disease through nutritional methods, and %u201CPrevent and Reverse Heart Disease%u201D by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., former surgeon, clinician and researcher at the renowned Cleveland Clinic and President of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (1991).

[photogrrl2]

To claim WLS is the easy way out is to have no idea of what is involved. WLS is merely a TOOL. Not a miracle cure or a guarantee you will be thin for life, and should not be undertaken lightly. It is the start of a journey for which people have to be constantly vigilant and self-accountable. It%u2019s a LIFETIME commitment to portioned controlled meals 3 X a day, adequate water intake, daily vitamins and exercise. A lifetime abstinence from sugar, carbs, caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, high-caloric foods, overeating and snacking. Not adhering to this will result in not losing all the weight you want, to weight regain and long-term health risks: over stretched pouch,intestinal blockage, dumping syndrome, hernias, abscesses, ulcers, gallbladder issues, anemia, nerve damage, osteoporosis etc. Follow up appts with your surgeon and yearly blood tests, attending support groups, counseling/therapy is essential to long-term success. Emotions WILL run amok, relationships WILL change, and body dysmorphia may arise. But for me the benefits greatly out weight the complications that may arise. If your surgeon has not addressed all these issues and more, if they do not have pre/ post surgery support then look for another clinic. I was fortunate to go through a highly accredited program in CA, which is regimented and very supportive. It has made all the difference. Good luck to all of those having undergone it. Anyone interested in a copy of the program,e-mail me. [e-mail]

[divajean]

I also question how the title of this suddenly changed today to indicate how cancer is less likely in post gastric bypass patients.

There is some thought that post bypass patients may be likely have more advanced bowel cancers- as gi symptoms would not be experienced since so much of the bowel is bypassed. (Normally, gi cancer patients would have obstruction, bleeding, other symptoms- this might not be experienced if the portion of the bowel affected was bypassed).

[norma467]

All well and good but try telling the other side of the story: all of the foods you can no longer eat, the problems with having a lot of gas, the vomiting, the stomach problems. There is another side to this coin, tell that as well

[ngutierrez-2009]

I too had the surgery 5 years ago in Florida, back then insurance paid for it , no problem, I no longer have Asthma, Borderline Diabetes, and High blood pressure, so I think the insurance did well I took meds for that every single month. Had many tests done, now I have nothing! I have not gained but 20 pds back of which I forced myself to gain. It was a health/life changing exp and I promote to the right candiates. Good luck to all.

[jamiestott]

I am extremely concerned by the report I just watched on 60 minutes, so much so that I feel I need to make my case known. I am now several years out from roux en y gastric bypass surgery and love the news attention the benefits of the surgery gets! So many people have benefited from highly improved lives due to this modern medical procedure. However, I am concerned that the surgery is labeled as a wonderful fix and a cure for those who suffer from obesity for whatever personal demons which drove them to overeat/under exercise in the first place, while the down sides of this life changing action are irrationally overlooked! I have never seen a report on the side effect that has thus far ruined my and my families lives. Even doing deep research, the newly discovered connection between roux en y and the side effects I have developed turns up extremely lacking. I believe that patients considering this surgery as well as those who have already had the procedure need to be made aware. Please check the link to my story! http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/a,messageboard/action,replies/board_id,4856/cat_id,4456/topic_id,3591778/ Hopefully my journey is almost over, but I wish there was more information out there for potential patients in the future.

[ladysue7]

I HAVE ALWAYS HAD GREAT RESPECT FOR 60 MINUTES, BUT I CAN NOT KEEP QUIET ABOUT YOUR PROGRAM NOT COVERING THE TOTAL PICTURE ON THIS PROCEDURE. FIRST OF ALL, IT IS NOT A CURE ALL, IT''S A HARD ROAD FROM START TO FINISH TO EVEN GET THE OPERATION. THE PROBLEM IS MOST H M O'' S CONSIDER THIS OPERATION AS COSMETIC AND WILL NOT COVER IT WITH INSURANCE. I AM AT LEAST #275 POUNDS OVER WEIGHT AND HAVE TRIED TO GET QUALIFIED FOR THIS SURGERY WITH 2 SEPARATE INSURACE COMPANIES. EVEN THOUGH ALL THE DOCTORS I HAVE TALKED TO STRONGLY RECOMEND I GET THE OPERATION, THE HMO''S WILL NOT PAY A CENT TOWARDS THE OPERATION. MOST PEOPLE IN AMERICA, DO NOT HAVE $25,000 TO GET THE SURGERY AND GETTING THEIR HOPE''S UP BY CLAIMING THIS AS A CURE ALL IS TOTALLY IRRISPONSIBLE. UNTIL THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS CHANGED SO THE DOCTORS HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON THE CARE OF THIER PATIENTS AND NOT THE HMO''S, I WOULD''NT GET PEOPLES HOPES UP. OBESITY IS AN ILLNESS, BUT IT IS ONE OF THE ONLY ILLNESSES THAT SOCIETY AND THE HMO''S CONSIDER OUR OWN BURDEN TO BEAR.

[brendielee-2009]

I had gastric bypass surgery 5 years ago. I''ve lost 130 pounds, have not gained anything back. Have more mobility, etc. This surgery for me was a lifesaver. As with ANYTHING not everyone is going to "recover" or "respond" to surgery like everyone else. More scientific research needs to be done before claims like this are aired. But don''t knock the surgery, it is a lifesaver for some.

[divajean]

This story was extremely one sided. I urge anyone seriously considering gastric bypass procedures to look online for the other side of the story. I have witnessed extreme situations post operatively where patients have required intravenous nutrition due to blockage, motility problems, etc. I have also seen horrific post operative complications from poor healing.

There was no discussion whatsoever in regards to the data about increased suicide in post bypass patients. In our society, it is very easy for a fat person to build up a "fat fantasy" about the sunshine and rainbows life will be once the fat is shed. Once reality doesn''t live up to this fantasy, one can imagine a deep depression setting in. Not to mention the fact that eating- the coping mechanism- is gone.

I have also witnessed relationships crumble from changes post bypass. Friends of ours, who had been together for over 10 years, broke up 5 months after the surgery. The world interfaces differently between fat and thin people. I speak from a place of experience- my partner had RNY surgery 4 years ago. It has almost been more emotional work for me to remain as I am compared to changes she made- she gets the congrats from acquaintances-- while I must to the actual physical work of raising our kids-- since she is too weakened most of the time to chase after them. Big fat me has the energy and ability while she is too weak to keep up with the kids. I would never ever consider bariatric surgery.

[scientist21]

I can''t believe you aired such a one-sided story. Nowhere was there a comparison between the long-term weight loss effects produced by laparoscopic surgery with those produced by proper diet and exercise. There was no mention as to whether a change in lifestyle would have benefited these people as well as if not better than opting for surgery. Bypass surgery is a quick fix but does not solve the problems such as depression and addiction that the people interviewed said lead to their overeating. I also cannot believe that you allowed the doctor to state that obesity is an incurable disease when that is NOT TRUE. While there are some conditions that may lead to obesity, there is a wealth of knowledge to support the fact that with a change in diet and an increase in physical activity that obesity can be beaten. This piece was just a 20 minute infomercial designed to put more money into the pockets of the surgeons who perform these surgeries as well as to put more of a strain on the health system by suggesting that insurance should pay for this surgery. I would hope that next time you deal with a subject that affects so many people that you will provide a more balanced review of the topic.

[confucious_says]

The segment on gastric bypass surgery played more like an infomercial than the investigative journalism 60 minutes is known for. The story was one-sided to the level of negligence. All interview subjects were very pro-gastric bypass surgery in spite of many detractors around the nation.

The positive of the surgery were grossly overstated; gastric bypass may lower cancer risk somewhat, but viewers were led to believe this decrease is well-established -- which it isn''t -- and cuts risk "in half". I have researched this and the only source I can find for this "in half" claim is 60 minutes.

Worse was the coverage of the negative side effects of this drastic surgery which are common and severe, including malnutrition, baldness, infection, drug and alcohol addiction, suicide, increased risk for gastric cancer, and more, all of which a simple internet search will turn up.

[bowmasterone]

Iam glad to see that GBS cures a lot of things I try to have gbs or lab band but was too no. the reason was that I had a kidney transplant. Sure wish they find a to help poeple lke me. yea I have HB.DIABETES
HEART PROLEMS well you all know well good luck to all

[nutritionist-2009]

We''ll see where you are years from now...neurologically, nutritionally as well as weight. Without behavior modification you WILL gain the weight again whether your stomach is the size of a pea or a grapefruit. It''s a fact.

[trafficdonna]

ANSWER TO RIVERCS
Yes, for some there can be malnutition issues BUT not if you follow your surgeon''s post-operative care suggestions. I do take vitamins and supplements but not any more than before the surgery. I do make sure I eat protein first (something everyone should do). I don''t eat sugar or lots of carbs--again something I should have been doing all along. Basically the surgery MAKES you eat healthy foods. Appetite is reduced so you don'' feel you are suffering by limiting portions. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU CRITICIZE THE COVERAGE. I do not suffer from malnutrition or anything else. If behavior modification would have worked, I would have been thin years ago. Steroids for asthma and the diabetes dictated my weight gain--not a lack of good food choices or exercise or motivation. Walk the walk before you talk the talk.

[trafficdonna]

I had gastric bypass on April 17, 2007. My BMI was 51. I was 129 pounds overweight. I had sleep apnea, severe asthma, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gastric reflux disease.

I have lost 112 pounds in one year. I am OFF of 12 prescription medications. I am CURED of diabetes. I am CURED of sleep apnea. My arthritis is no longer painful. My blood pressure and cholesterol are normal. I do not suffer from reflux disease. I have gone from size 26 to size 10. My asthma is non-symptomatic and I don''t use ANYTHING for it. This is the first time in 37 years I have been prescription free. This surgery saved my life. We MUST work to ensure that morbidly obese individuals can get this life-saving surgery no matter what.

[nutritionist-2009]

This report was extremely biased and did not even touch on the horrid side effects that can accompany this surgery. Yes, for some it is a lifesaver, but you must report from both sides. People come off their blood pressure medication and diabetes medication because they loose weight. I see it all the time on a restricted diet using meal replacements with the same response in yes, as little as one to two weeks. What about the malnutrition issues 60 minutes? What about the fact that a person can only eat ounces of food at a time without becoming extremely sick? People don''t have as many cravings because if they overeat they become extremely sick to their stomach. For all those interested there are new studies out that reports neurological issues due to malnutrition and restricted vitamin absorption from bypass surgery. What about teaching behavior modification? The suicide rate is increased because people that were used to dealing with their feelings by the massive consumption of their favorite foods are left without an outlet. Next time please provide experts representing both the good and the bad that comes with a topic.
I was extremely disappointed in this news broadcast. I have been an avid 60 Minutes watcher since I was I child, following in my dad''s footsteps. I am rethinking my loyalty. I hope I get over this issue and can trust your reports again. Please address these issues on your show.

[drtcotter]

We doctors value diabetic patients%u2019 billings. It can generate $500,000 to $1,000,000 over a patient%u2019s life. We must change the insulated bureaucracies that ignore this health-giving protocol. Government%u2019s concern for our wants has turned 180 degrees. Now we must fear their moods. The world%u2019s highest priced healthcare shouldn%u2019t get dismal results. Bariatric surgeries are proven to give us more life. NIH and FDA must keep their big-pharm-pampered butts from hampering progress. First rule: have life and have it more abundantly. We know the cost of diabetes, obesity, gallbladder surgeries, cardiac disease, amputations, cancer treatments, nursing care, hospice care, funerals; the plethora of related items. We can eliminate our cruel wasteful programs suffering and shift to surgery that can be cloned and accelerated and made safer and less expensive. This decision is too big for government. CBS has lighted this solution. It should continue this cause cilibrie and force the feds to stop inhibiting this economical solution to obesity, diabetes and cancer. They can%u2019t %u201Cdecline to comment.%u201D Death from diabetes, cancer and obesity is very painful. We can make this surgery an American solution to a world health problem. We aren%u2019t obese because we overeat, anymore than we%u2019re alcoholic because we over drank. Obesity causes over eating and alcoholism causes over drinking. Let%u2019s make this cure happen. Stay on this CBS.