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In the JAMA trial, 55 diabetes patients with BMIs between 30 and 40 were assigned to either undergo gastric lap-band or to attempt to lose weight using diet and exercise. After two years, 73% of the surgery patients experienced diabetes remission compared to 13% of the diet-and-exercise patients. Those who had surgery lost an average of 20.7% of their body weight, while the diet-exercise group lost only 1.7%. The diabetes remission appeared to be due to the amount of weight lost rather than the specific approach they used, which means that if the diet-and-exercise patients had managed to lose as much weight as the surgical patients, their diabetes may have been as well-controlled too.

The authors of the study concluded: “Weight control is perhaps the most important aspect of type 2 diabetes management. Recent evidence indicates that improvement in blood glucose control is related to the degree of weight loss. While caution is required in interpreting the longer-term benefits of surgery and weight loss, this study presents strong evidence to support the early consideration of surgically induced weight loss in the treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes.”

Lap band surgery costs an average of $18,000 in the United States and insurance coverage varies. Long-term diet changes are mandatory after this surgery. Typically, a patient will start with liquids post-surgery and move on to pureed foods and then to soft and regular foods. Lean protein foods are recommended along with 3 meals per day. (Below is a delicious recipe for a lean protein dish.) Some foods may never be tolerated, such as fried or spicy things, and some types of meat. Exercise is also highly recommended post-surgery. If you have are challenged with weight problems, talk to your physician about your options.

Grilled Halibut

Serving Size: 1 filet
Yield: 4 servings

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh marjoram (or 2 tablespoons dried marjoram)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1-teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 4-ounce halibut filets

1. Prepare an indoor or outdoor grill.
2. In a small bowl, combine marjoram, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.
3. Rub 2 tablespoon of marjoram mixture on non-skin side of filet.
4. Grill filets over medium heat for 3 minutes on each side.

Nutritional Info: 144 calories, 4 grams total fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 37mg cholesterol, 3\55mg sodium, 2g total carbohydrate, 1 grams dietary fiber, 24g protein.

Copyright © American Diabetes Association from Healthy Calendar Diabetic Cooking. Reprinted with permission from The American Diabetes Association. To order this book, please call 1-800-232-6733 or order online at http://store.diabetes.org/.

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