Can metabolic surgery cause diabetes to return?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had metabolic surgery two years ago, and my weight has been mostly stable, but my blood sugar has started creeping up again. I was in complete remission for over a year. Is this common? Can diabetes come back even after surgery? I still follow most of the diet plan, but not as strictly anymore. Do I need to go back to a low-carbohydrate diet completely? Also, I feel like my hair is thinning, and my nails are very brittle. Could that be due to some kind of deficiency from the surgery? I have not done any blood tests in months.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

I understand that you are highly motivated to take care of your glycemic status post-bariatric surgery. Since your blood sugar is creeping back again, you need to double down on your diet plans and follow a strict diet plan, as advised by a nutritionist. If still not controlled, you may have to be started on anti-diabetic medications once again. As with everything else, there are side effects involved with this type of surgery as well, but the odds of it are rare. Your brittle nails and thinned-out hair may very well be a sign of nutritional deficiency. Get in touch with a qualified surgeon to discuss this in person.

I counsel my patients before bariatric surgery that short-term results will be great, but to truly achieve long-term results, you need to keep your motivation high and have a disciplined exercise schedule as well as a good diet pattern. But all in all, bariatric surgery is your chance at a good and great life, which you have already endorsed.

I may be able to help you better if I have more details about you. Awaiting your reply.

Take care.

Thank you.