EFFECT OF BARIATRIC SURGERY ON GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN A MILITARY TRAINING FACILITYTARY TRAINING FACILITY

Background: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of gastric bypass surgery on diabetic and pre-diabetic patients. Outcome variables were diabetic status, BMI, and if patients were able to discontinue pre-operative medications. Methods: At our institution 193 consecutive patients were retrospectively evaluated who underwent gastric bypass surgery between 2007-11. Demographic data was obtained. In addition, diabetic status, BMI, and current medications were recorded pre-operatively and followed for 2 years. Results: The average weight loss was 12 BMI with the majority of the weight loss occurred in the first 6 months (9.1 BMI). At follow up, 73.9% of diabetic patients were cured, and 83.5% of pre-diabetic patients were cured within 24 months post-operatively (p < 0.01). Reduction of BMI post-operatively was statistically significant (p < 0.01) While only 38% of patients who lost 0-5 BMI were able to discontinue their pre-operative medications, 71% of those who lost 11-15 BMI were medication free at 2 years. Conclusions: Patients in all age groups were equally as likely to lose weight. Patients who lost more weight were more likely to discontinue pre-operative antiglycemic medications. This study is the first which demonstrates that surgical intervention is an effective modality in the treatment pre-diabetes.