There is now a cure for a widespread disease that is sometimes deadly, diabetes.
26 million people in the United States have it and another 7 million have it but haven’t been diagnosed.
Terri Adcock has suffered from Type 2 diabetes most of her life and she was also carrying a little extra weight. She had a surgery three years ago that left her diabetes free and full of life.
“Three years ago we went to Disney World and I had to be in a wheelchair,” says Adcock.
I cannot wait to go back to Disney World and walk with everybody.”
Three years after a Gastric Bypass surgery she is 110 pounds lighter, 12 sizes smaller and practically diabetes free.
“She was a great example of this she actually had 3-4 weight related health problems that were her big issues,” says Dr. Steve Katsis of Saint Francis Hospital.
Adcock was diabetic, had asthma and high blood pressure. She use to take several pills and inhalers a day now she’s down to half a blood pressure pill. Dr. Katsis says some patients are off insulin within hours after the surgery.
“That’s really why we do the surgery I don’t really care if somebody is 400 pounds if I can cure their diabetes and their blood pressure with a procedure,” says Dr. Katsis.
He says he’s glad that the International Diabetes Federation is now recognizing this cure for diabetes, but he’s been doing weight loss surgeries benefiting diabetes for years. Dr. Katsis says this is more for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
He explains what exactly Gastric Bypass surgery is.
“Taking the top part of the stomach and creating a little pouch from that and that becomes the new reservoir for food,” says Dr. Katsis.
It’s practically cutting the stomach by 90%. So to fill the void of food, most patients turn to a vice. For Adcock it was shopping.
“I always wore the jeans that had elastic in them and you pulled them up well I have probably 50 pairs of jeans now that zip,” says Adcock.
There can be risks with the surgery including blood clots and leaks. The Gastric Bypass surgery normally costs between $10,000 – $20,000.
Dr Katsis says there are some candidate requirements those include but are not limited to:
- BMI (Body Mass Index) above 40
- Tried to diet and exercise in past and did not work in losing weight
- Significant medical problems with a BMI over 30
