Will metabolic surgery help me with my NAFLD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 36 and have NAFLD with high triglycerides despite trying to manage it through diet. Is metabolic surgery a proven way to reverse fatty liver? Does it work in mild cases, or do I need to lose significant weight first? Will I need lifelong vitamins like those who have gastric sleeve surgery? Also, can this help normalize my liver enzymes? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Metabolic surgery (weight loss surgery) has shown promising results in reducing triglycerides and improving NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition where fat builds up in the liver without alcohol consumption, potentially leading to liver inflammation, scarring, and other complications), especially when lifestyle modifications are challenging to maintain. It is a proven and effective option for treating NAFLD and lowering triglyceride levels.

While losing weight before surgery can sometimes be beneficial, it is not always necessary, as the surgery itself is designed to help with weight reduction. The key benefit of metabolic surgery is its ability to address both excess weight and liver health simultaneously.

Post-surgery, patients are typically required to take supplements and vitamins for life. This is to prevent deficiencies, which can occur due to reduced nutrient absorption as a result of the surgical procedure. It is important to adhere to these recommendations to maintain overall health.

In terms of liver function, many patients experience an improvement in liver enzymes after metabolic surgery. However, the degree of improvement can vary from patient to patient, depending on factors like the severity of the NAFLD and individual health responses to surgery.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.