The Bypass Effect On Diabetes, Cancer

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

(CBS)  It's pretty well known to doctors that the most successful treatment for obesity is surgery, especially the gastric bypass operation. But here's something the medical world is just realizing: that the gastric bypass operation has other even more dramatic effects. It can force type 2 diabetes into almost instant remission and it appears to reduce the risk of cancer.

Surgeons have been performing bariatric, or weight loss operations since the 1950s, but they're much safer than they used to be. They're typically done laparoscopically now, where doctors use tiny surgical tools and video cameras instead of making big, deep incisions.

Despite the increase in obesity, only a small number of people have had the gastric bypass operation.

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Correspondent Lesley Stahl met some people who were once morbidly obese.

There was Tony Sideman, who underwent surgery in April 2007 and has lost 140 pounds; there was Janet Rovak, who lost 90 pounds in the eight months since her surgery; and there was Travis Goodbou, who lost 260 pounds in the seven months since he underwent the operation.

Dr. Neil Hutcher from Richmond, Va. has performed more than 3,000 bypass surgeries. Asked how many people gain the weight back, Dr. Hutcher tells Stahl, "You know I think when you’re dealing with an incurable disease that kills many people, if you have an 85 to 90 percent success rate, that’s pretty darn good."

"Is that what you have?" Stahl asks.

"Yeah," Hutcher says.

There's no diet, no exercise regimen, and no pill with a success rate like that. These patients lose a ton of weight and keep it off.

Here's how Hutcher does the surgery: first, he sections off a small pouch of the upper part of the stomach, which is then attached to a lower part of the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach, so that there's not a lot of room for food.

It used to be that roughly one in 100 people died from this operation. Hutcher says it's now about one in 1,000, which makes it less deadly than most major surgeries.

"It's less than gall bladder surgery. It's about one-tenth of cardiac surgery," he explains.

It's safer because of new surgical techniques which have also made it more effective. For instance, they can make the stomach pouch smaller than they used to.

"Even if I wanted to eat a whole cheesecake, my stomach is very tiny. It holds four ounces max, stretched to the max. And that's not even one piece of cheesecake," a female patient explained.

A big reason the operation works is because it seems to suppress appetite. "If you listen to your patients, they come back and they say, 'Doctor, you put the fire out,'" Hutcher says.

"When you see a sign for fast food or…she's already shaking her head at me," Stahl asked a patient.

"Don't want it," the female patient replied. "I used to crave sweets all the time. I couldn't go past the gift shop at work without getting a candy bar. Now I go past it and I never give it a thought."

Paul Delios of Saugus, Mass. has lost 90 pounds. He owns a doughnut shop with his siblings, but he's able to resist the cravings. "Before I'd have cravings for everything. Now I really don't," he told Stahl.

For most patients the cravings really do disappear. One theory is that's because the operation suppresses the levels of a stomach hormone called "grelin" that activates the sensation of hunger.

Yet most people who have this operation do not get skinny. Dr. David Cummings, an expert on appetite at the University of Washington, says as a rule these patients end up just one third lighter.

"Most people with severe obesity who undergo gastric bypass do not become fully normal, in terms of body weight. They go from severely obese to mildly obese, or from obese to overweight. But nevertheless it’s an enormous change," Dr. Cummings explains.

And not just in terms of weight loss. Dr. Hutcher says the operation itself can take type 2 diabetes - which has ballooned in this country - and throw it into complete remission.

[karensparks]

Congratulations to 60-minutes for having Dr. Neil Hutcher, the former president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, as a part of this story. He also makes a very profound statement that supports the understanding that obesity is a disease and for many, bariatric surgery is the best treatment. His quote is found on the back cover of the number one patient education book on weight loss surgery, The REAL Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery, 2nd Edition, 2007, stating that, "Weight loss surgery is the most rehabilitating treatment done in modern medicine today." I had weight loss surgery in 2003 and have kept off 250 plus pounds. This surgery saved my life. Listen to Dr. Hutcher, read this book, and learn about what option is right for you.

It amazes me how all great discovery in Medicine are either Drugs or Surgery related. This seems to be what they reported in the main stream media whose largest advertiser are the Pharmaceutical Companies. All natural products with no side effects seems to be completely ignored, probably for lack of advertising dollars.

[karensparks]

When it comes to options for the obese, morbidly obese, and those suffering with multiple co-morbidities where natural products are not an option, yes, pharmacology and surgical intervetions are, and have been proven to be, the most effective for these individuals. Despite my weight loss surgery (RNY, 2003 - 250lbs gone), I untilize many more natural products and foods to help manage and maintain my continued life saving weight loss. I do not promote that surgical intervention is for everyone. It is critical that each individual become educated about the disease of obesity and discuss with their doctor what options are right for them. Read the book "The REAL Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery, 2nd Edition" to discover what option is right for you.

[idnnsg]

The most commonly cited mortality rate for bariatric surgical operations, across the United States, is 0.5%. That looks pretty good, till you do the math and realize that means 1 of every 200 patients die as a result of this surgery.

And there are side effects, too:

Nausea and vomiting, dehydration, food intolerance, changed bowel habits, dumping syndrome, transient hair thinning, cold intolerance, and the need for extensive plastic surgery after about 2 years living with excess drooping skin.

I wouldn''t recommend it unless you are permanently morbidly obese.

[jrinnebraska]

I was at 400 lbs when I had the full Roux en Y bypass three years ago. I was on 12 medications, including 300 units of insulin for diabetes daily. I also had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and enough other problems to be told that without surgery my long term prognosis was poor--2-3 years, probably. After a six month battle with health insurance company to get the surgery covered, it was done via laproscopy. I was under for about an hour, able to work again the following week. I dropped below 190 pounds after surgery. Within two weeks I had no more diabetes or other health problems. After recent medical tests I was told I had the stats of a 35 year old...and I''m 55! It''s been a miraculous, life saving experience--but it takes hard work to keep the weight off!

[jrinnebraska]

BTW, I''m far better off dealing with some of the side effects than to not be here at all! Yes, it''s not perfect--but when done right, the side effects are tolerable. So I wear a sweater more than most, the hair was going already, anyway. And you can avoid dumping by watching what you eat (which you should, anyway...) Yeah, some plastic surgery would be nice, but more for vanity than physical comfort. The point is, I CAN live with it, because the alternative--at least in my case--was a VERY early death!

[karensparks]

The correct mortality rate is .2%, you can visit American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at ASMBS.org to find out the most current information available on weight loss surgery statitcs. Additionally, people do not die from weight loss surgery, they die from complications related to surgery. The same types of complications that can result from any surgery. Yes, there are side effects, as with any intervention concerning matipulation of bodily functions. It is critical to understand that obesity is a chronic progressive long-term disease state. I say again, surgical intervention is not for everyone. Do your homework, work with a multi-disciplinary team, and make an informed decision concerning your best options and what will provide you with the best result and quality of life expectation. I urge you again to educate yourself, read the book, "The REAL Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery", go to the ASMBS web site, go the Obesity Action Coalition web site at obesityaction.org for the most up-to-date information available.

[naber1961]

This is a great story. I have all the health problems above except for the cancer. I am having my surgery May 8 and this has encouraged me that much more!

[angusandme1]

I had the RNY Gastric Bypass on Dec. 14, 2006. I have since lost 170 lbs. Prior to the surgery I was pre diabetic, had hyper tension and my body was pretty much shutting down. I would do this surgery again in a heart beat. I believe my docter-Dr. Vince Ianacci was a God send. I also agree this surgery is not for everyone and that you need to exercise, watch how and what you eat and you can not view it as a cure all. I exercise everyday and as I recently turned 45 I am thankful because I feel and look a lot better then when I was 30! I no longer have any health issues as I did prior to the surgery. Good Luck to anyone who is about to go through with the procedure!

[kctreat3]

For once there is a positive story about Gastric bypass! I''m a living, breathing healthier adult because of the great surgeons of Unity Hospital, Fridley, MN. I had open RnY surgery 16 months ago and am maintaining my 155lbs of weightloss, without this surgery I know I would have never been able to lose the weight conventionly. For those naysayers, you will never know till you''ve walked in the shoes of an obese person!

I will be forever grateful for gastric bypass surgery that I had in January 2002. It saved my life, emotionally & physically. I no longer suffer from diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic leg/back pain, depression, fatigue, chronic nasal stuffiness, snoring and social isolation. My life is so much richer and healthier today than 6+ yrs. ago.

[lakabos]

I am glad there is a positive spin here as I am a weight loss patient. Two years ago I was 360lbs pre diabetic high blood pressure sleep apnea and I could not make it up a set of stairs without losing my breath. Then I had the RNY 5-1-06 and have since lost 195LBS and maintained my current weight of 165 for 1 year and I feel great and look great. Thank you to all of the Dr''s at University of Minnesota for saving my life.

[desno06]

It''s wonderful when such surgery works, but so sad when it does not, please read:

http://www.tribune-democrat.com/archivesearch/local_story_076231435.html

[djbrackbill]

I had BPD-DS surgery in 01/08 and my wife had RNY surgery in 08/06. SHe has lost over 200 lbs and I have lost 80 lbs. I see a new alive lady every time I look at my wife, and I feel better than I have in DECADES! We had both tried the "diet/exercise/regain" routines over and over. She thanks Centenial Center for Weight Loss and I thank Baptist Hospital Center for Metabolic Surgery for giving us our lives back.

[tomhyde2]

I had Gastric bypass 11-26-2007. I had to gain over 35 pounds to qualify for the insurance paid surgery. Before surgery I was taking up to eight shots per day for diabetes, four 70/30 insulin, three fast acting insulin on a sliding scale at meal times, and one shot of Byetta. I also took two perscription pills daily for diabetes. Also two perscription drugs for blood pressure and one for cholesterol. I also wore a CPAP air mask for sleep apena. ALL those items are now past history.

Tom

[joyceinomaha]

I''m assuming that by ''gastric bypass" you mean the RNY. I urge you to also research and report on the procedure known as the Duodenal Switch. This is a different form of weight loss surgery, which has been performed overseas as a cure for type 2 diabetes, even on people without a weight problem. Here in the US it is successfully performed for weight loss by an elite group of surgeons who have devoted time for the extensive training needed to master this surgery. I urge every obese person, with or without diabetes, to fully research ALL of the surgical options available, not just the one or two that your local surgeon may perform. Do a search for Duodenal Switch. Find a surgeon who specializes in this particular surgery, and ask questions. Understand that surgeons favor their particular specialty, and you need to speak to an expert to get accurate information. Make sure that you are a fully informed consumer before committing to any elective surgery.

[tomhyde2]

I''m assuming that by "RNY" you mean Roux-en-Y. Lets not get to far into details.

[jen118h]

I am pleased that 60 minutes is having a feature on bariatric surgery and how it helps put Diabetes type II in remission and alleviate many other co-morbid medical conditions that obese individuals experience. I think it would be interesting to educate the public on the various options available for bariatric surgery today, as the term "gastric bypass" does not clearly differentiate between the procedures available that include a bypass of the lower intestine to produce a malapsorptive effect to aid in weight loss maintenance. There are:
1. Duodenal Switch, formally termed the Biliopancreatic diversion with Duodenal switch, or BPDw/DS
2. The Roux en Y Gastric Bypass or RNY
3. The Fobi Pouch Gastric Bypass
4. The Lap Band
5 The Gastric Sleeve or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
6. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
7. Mini Gastric Bypass

[djbrackbill]

It would be interesting for your program to investigate why the insurance industry is trying to supress the Duodenal Switch surgery as "expermental/investigational/& unproven" when it is the most effective for long term permanent weight loss of any of the WLS procedures. The DS also has the highest sucess rate of all of the surgical procedures for the treatment of Morbid Obesity.
Thank you.

[djbrackbill]

All of my co morbities have been eliminated. I no longer use a CPAP; have to take medication for hypertension, fluid retention, or depression; am working out 5 days a week; and feel fantastic. But many people are giving up on being able to have the DS procedure because MOST (not all) major insurers AUTOMATICALLY deny approval for the DS procedure. This would truly make for an interesting investigation. I hope that your producers will research this, and the denial of other needed medical procedures by health insurers.

[meltingmama]

The bypass effect on someone who didn''t have diabetes? Severe hypoglycemia, perhaps requiring future pancreactomy. I cannot eat carbohydrates unsupervised - because of this same procedure. I never had a blood sugar problem, now I do, among other health issues, all caused by the gastric bypass. http://meltingmama.typepad.com

[meltingmama]

The bypass effect on someone who didn''t have diabetes? Severe hypoglycemia, perhaps requiring future pancreactomy. I cannot eat carbohydrates unsupervised - because of this same procedure. I never had a blood sugar problem, now I do, among other health issues, all caused by the gastric bypass. http://meltingmama.typepad.com

[disdannie-2009]

I hope they mention lap-band on the show tonite. I had it in July 07 and no longer have diabetes. I have stopped 14 meds. It is slower to lose weight than the RNY but it is healthy and less invasive.

[wildpalemoon]

What you failed to mention in your report is there are other studies that proove many of the people who have this surgery exchange one addiction for another. A colleague of mine, who had this surgery a year ago, fell off the wagon and has not been sober since. Three car wrecks, several attempts at rehab have failed. This week she lost her job because she became drunk at work. Now she does not have insurance for rehab or any form of counseling. She believed this surgery would be the answer to all her problems. Yes, her diabetes disappeared as did her asthma, and other health problems, but it could not cure her alcholism. I think the public should be warned that this surgery does have other risks for people who have other psychological problems.

[nhskinnygirl]

It is finally nice to see a positive piece on this life saving surgery. I have lost 142 lbs since Jan 04
and have maintain my loss within a 5-10 lb window.
This surgery did save my life and I now enjoy the things I missed out on for the last 30 + years. I thank God everyday for my Surgeon Dr. Jeff Brown and all the staff that worked so hard to prepare us for the life we now live. I don''t need to eat constantly, in fact I have to now remember to eat. What a difference this surgery is and even though the weight does come off quickly, it is still a juggling act to keep it off. We start out with small pouches but over time they do let us eat more so if trained properly, like I was, the weight will stay off for the rest of my life. Thank you CBS for doing such a great job on this piece.

[fabrat1]

My cousin had this done and she''s lost over 150 lbs now. She said that she is very happy with having it done and it''s only changed her life for the better.

[wylie2000]

Dr. Atkins obtains the same results non-surgically - by practically eliminating carbohydrates from the diet. It works for me!

[lillybet-2009]

I found this news segment very interesting. I work for the State of Texas, who steadfastly refuses to pay for any type of weight loss procedures. In fact, when one of my friend''s was having severe health problems mainly due to her weight, she was told by a Blue Cross Blue Sheild representative that the State of Texas "would see her dead and in her grave" before it would pay for weight-loss surgery. The state, however, had no problem paying for another co-worker''s husband to have a penile implant. So much for health system priorities!

[bobbelive]

I can''t express enough how Leslie Stahl was the wrong person to do this interview. Obviously Leslie is battling a weight problem. I have lost 1oo-pounds ten years ago by something stupid called lifestyle change which was not addressed in tonights story. Shame on CBS. CUTTIBG EDGE is what you''e supposed to report, not stupidity. bob belive on google

[Denise Gillies]

I''m no expert, but ''built fat" ought not to have anything to do with current carb intake where high blood sugar is concerned- especially carb intake 4-5 times the norm- which is drastically reduced as soon as the surgery is complete.
Hence- why the miraculous reaction to the elimination of type 2 diabetes in gastric surgery patients.
Why would anyone correlate remedies achieved in type two gastric applications with type 1 or juvenile diabetes?
Common sense would suggest there is no correlation beyond drastically reducing carb intake- which, in non- obese folks- might be dangerous.
MCG

[mammabee7]

I believe this is a very beneficial surgery and I was incredibly interested in the effects of the bypass on Diabetes. I am disappointed though, that there was only one mention of Type 2 Diabetes. The term "Diabetes" is very overused and usually to describe Type 2 Diabetes. As a Type 1 diabetic, I do not want to be lumped into that category. I am slim, exercise, eat right and have had Type 1 Diabetes from childhood. What is unclear is whether this surgery could be a benefit to both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, because the program did not specify. I would love to learn more about the effects of bypass on Type 1 Diabetics and have the press differentiate the two diseases of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

[jpanzino2]

Your segment on Gasric Bypass was right on target. My wife had the surgery about 3 years ago and besides losing all the weight all her other medical issues have been resolved. My 17 year old son seems to have my wifes genes and is overweight. We have tried everything but nothing seems to work. Insurance will not cover the surgery and we don''t know where to turn next. IF anyone has heard of any clinical studies being done for teenagers on this surgery so it would not be so costly please chime in. I am looking for all the advice I can get. I want him to be a normal teenager and enjoy life.

[mammabee7]

I believe this is a very beneficial surgery and I was incredibly interested in the effects of the bypass on Diabetes. I am disappointed though, that there was only one mention of Type 2 Diabetes. The term "Diabetes" is very overused and usually to describe Type 2 Diabetes. As a Type 1 diabetic, I do not want to be lumped into that category. I am slim, exercise, eat right and have had Type 1 Diabetes from childhood. What is unclear is whether this surgery could be a benefit to both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, because the program did not specify. I would love to learn more about the effects of bypass on Type 1 Diabetics and have the press differentiate the two diseases of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

[mjsr813]

I just watch the segment on the bypass surgery. My question is were do they get the numbers for 1 in 1000 die from the surgery? My sister died after having the surgery but it was not listed as the cause but obesity.
My husbands previous wife also died from complications after having the same one and also was not listed as the cause of death. My question is out of the hundreds of thousand that have had the surgery how many are still alive? How many are having complications from the surgery?

[mjsr813]

I just watch the segment on the bypass surgery. My question is were do they get the numbers for 1 in 1000 die from the surgery? My sister died after having the surgery but it was not listed as the cause but obesity.
My husbands previous wife also died from complications after having the same one and also was not listed as the cause of death. My question is out of the hundreds of thousand that have had the surgery how many are still alive? How many are having complications from the surgery?

[hgojsilva]

THE CURED FOR DIABETES TYPE II IS BECAUSE THE RECEPTOR FOR INSULINE ARE LOSE IN OBESITY WHEN THE PATIENT LOSE WHEIGT THE RECEPTOR WORKS . THIS MEDICLA GROUP RESERCHED WHAT IT THE METABOLIC WAY TO CURED DTII BY THIS BYPASS?

[mjsr813]

I just watch the segment on the bypass surgery. My question is were do they get the numbers for 1 in 1000 die from the surgery? My sister died after having the surgery but it was not listed as the cause but obesity.
My husbands previous wife also died from complications after having the same one and also was not listed as the cause of death. My question is out of the hundreds of thousand that have had the surgery how many are still alive? How many are having complications from the surgery?

[raddyugirl]

I had this surgery when I was 22 after losing 70lb on my with lifestyle changes, this surgery has truly been the best decision I have made in my life. People can say it was the easy way out but until you live it, people should comment on it. I did not have diabetes before and everything went well. I actually had the surgery with Hutcher group Commonwealth Surgeons, and they make sure their patients are willing to stick to the strict changes in eating habits. The surgery is not the answer to solving all your problems it is not the "magical" pill you have to work, do your part. The only problem I have had is the insurance company, which paid for the whole thing and then kicked me off for no reason and wanted to charge me 900 dollars a month after that!!!!

[lynnsay3074]

Im 16 years old...and i have type 1 diabities..i was wondering if this would work for type one ..plz someone email me at [e-mail]

[kzblunk2]

I would have liked to have seen them focus on people who are a little further out. I had my surgery in June of 2003 and have lost 180-190 lbs. I realize this is always going to be a lifelong challenge and journey. TO MELTINGMAMA -- I also prior to surgery had not had diabetes, but am plagued with severe hypoglycemia; I''ve lost consciousness and my blood sugars have dropped as low as 23 (that we''ve actually checked). I''d love to dig deeper into this issue. I still don''t regret my decision, despite this and other post-op challenges.

[cz2825]

I had a gastric bypass in 2004. I went from 264 to 153 was my lowest weight sofar. Just a year ago I was rushed to the hospital by my husband, just hours later I had a life saving sugery. I had a hernia that almost cost me my life. Then to top that off just a week later I had to have another surgery for a intestinal blockage. Since all of this I have also developed hypoglycemia. It has just been a crazy ride. The Dr. that did my bypass will not even return my calls. Don''t get me wrong I am glad I had it done. I would have had high blood sugar. I did have sleep ap, and it went away. There are other people out there like me I know. I have looked into it. My Dr. treats another person like myself. She blacked out and fell down a flight of stairs. I think they should have told the whole storie.

[raddyugirl]

I had this surgery when I was 22 after losing 70lb on my with lifestyle changes, this surgery has truly been the best decision I have made in my life. People can say it was the easy way out but until you live it, people should comment on it. I did not have diabetes before and everything went well. I actually had the surgery with Hutcher group Commonwealth Surgeons, and they make sure their patients are willing to stick to the strict changes in eating habits. The surgery is not the answer to solving all your problems it is not the "magical" pill you have to work, do your part. The only problem I have had is the insurance company, which paid for the whole thing and then kicked me off for no reason and wanted to charge me 900 dollars a month after that!!!!

[bob4r7]

In the state of NH the insurers are writing policies that exclude obesity related diseases and excludes obesity treatments. Large groups are still able to purchase coverage but small groups are denied. The NH Senate has passed a bill over to the House of Representatives but the insurers are doing all they can to block a mandate that all policies cover obesity and obesity related diseases. I had the surgery last September and can attest to the effectiveness yet Anthem had its doctors testify a week ago the surgery is still experimental.
Great piece and I wil be using it in the fight in NH to help all the others.
Bob

[raddyugirl]

Bob4r7-It seems Athem Blue Cross Blue shield hates Gastric Bypass they were the ones who wanted to charge me 900 a month for insurance because I had GB 2 years ago, When I got the surgery I had United Healthcare who paid for it all after some pushing. Insurance companies still think that the surgeries for taking extra skin off is cosmetic however they will pay for a women who had a option c-sections

[kruss3]

Diabetics eat large amounts of carbohydrates and eventually inculcate bacterial flora that extracts more glucose at a faster rate than the bacterial flora in non-diabetics. Diabetics eat more carbohydrates because they are trying to attain food satiation with a defective insulin mediated energy uptake process (insulin resistance).

I suspect that this bariatric surgical process is doomed to fail, in the long run, because the underlying cause of the insulin resistance has not been addressed in any way. The diabetic-style bacterial flora may return if the elevated carbohydrate consumption is not terminated.

Type II Diabetics lose muscle mass continuously from about age thiry and are literally unable to maintain an equilibrium of net muscle synthesis. It is natural that they would be suicidal with the painful bio-feedback one would expect in that situation. In spite of their inclination toward obesity, Type II Diabetics are literally starving their muscles to death. Skinny men commit suicide at higher rates than fat men. The fat men are getting some additional level of food satisfaction that keeps them happy (non-suicial). The diabetics that get the bariatric surgery are aggravating their problem of limited food satiation and that is the cause for their increased rate of suicide.

ken in houston
832-655-6520
[e-mail]

[nradonic]

There is a tantalizing hint in the beginning of the story that brings up a question - could we do this with drugs? You say bypassing the duodenum brings all this relief. Well having a quick look at Wikipedia suggests that the pancreas and gall bladder which feed into the duodenum area are reacting to the chemical signals they get from the food. Could we identify what makes them react and block that chemical signal?

[radiopat1]

While it is great that gastric bypass has had positive health effects for (formerly) Type II Diabetics, I have to agree with those of you who made the comments regarding the severe hypoglycemia. After dealing with issues since my 1997 surgery, I was only recently "officially" diagnosed with gastric-bypass related post-prandial hypoglycemia. This occured after I blacked out and ran my vehicle off the interstate. Thank goodness I didn''t hurt anyone. In addition, the doctors were able to associate several other medical conditions, including a slight degree of atrophy of the pancreas, pernicious anemia and osteoporosis, with the surgery. (That isn''t to say I didn''t have other contributing factors.) The doctor who did my surgery in 1997 never mentioned anything about need for B-12 injections or the possible occurence of the hypoglycemia. At this point, I am looking at the possibility of having to have the surgery undone as well as the possibility of having to have a portion of the pancreas removed. I am certainly not saying I wouldn''t have had the surgery - but it would have been nice to know.

[ch2manza]

So how do we convince the Insurance Companies to pay for this? "The bypass operation costs an average of $25,000 and insurance companies don''t always cover it; and despite the gains in safety, most doctors still consider the operation an option of last resort. That is no longer the case for Dr. Miller%u2019s patients." I would have this surgery in a heartbeat if I can afford it! I don''t want to mortgage my home like I''ve seen others do because they want it so badly! I have tried everything under the sun and nothing works! The only weight loss treatment that has ever come close to helping me was Phen-Phen which I personally was destroyed by a combination of people only needing to lose a small amount of weight using it, other weight loss companies that had a lot to lose if Phen Phen was a success and the corrupt FDA. If used correctly and under a doctor''s close supervision, I don''t think it was as bad as what it was meant to be. I''ve heard a lot of negativity regarding weight loss surgery also but this 60 minutes show just confirmed what I''ve known along. Now, if only I could afford it!!

[nradonic]

There is a tantalizing hint in the beginning of the story that brings up a question - could we do this with drugs? You say bypassing the duodenum brings all this relief. Well having a quick look at Wikipedia suggests that the pancreas and gall bladder which feed into the duodenum area are reacting to the chemical signals they get from the food. Could we identify what makes them react and block that chemical signal?

[grammapat4]

I too would like to see studies farther out from surgery. I had mine in 2001, best thing I''ve done but I have gained weight back,not all of it but about half. Im at a point now that I really dont know where to turn. Back to the way I was trying everything that comes around to lose it. I know that others have gained it back as well. I''ve been to the support meetings and have seen them. Since my surgery I have not had a signal to tell me that I am full..until I''m almost sick which is about a cup and a half of food. I eat half of what I used to and have still gained.To all of you who are not as far out as I am just be careful and dont think that you can just eat this piece of candy or a little bit of potatoes or whatever your thing may be. You really can''t. I am 55 years old now and I would have the surgery again and be smarter about it. Just don''t all of you out there get the false sense of security I think the doctor portrayed that you won"t gain it back. It just isn''t so and I think there are alot of people who could verify that. Good luck to all of you, just be careful!