Diabetes

Diabetes also referred to as diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders, which are characterized by high blood glucose levels either because the production of insulin in the body is inadequate or because the cells of the body are not able to utilize the insulin present in the body or both. Patients who suffer from diabetes or high blood sugar typically develop symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), increased thirst (polydipsia) and increased hunger (polyphagia). Diabetes is divided into three types: Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes. In Type I Diabetes also referred to as Insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM) the body of the patient is not able to produce insulin. In Type II Diabetes also referred to as Non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) either the body is unable to produce enough quantity of insulin or the cells in the body are not able to utilize the insulin (a condition known as insulin resistance). Gestational diabetes is the presence of high blood sugar during pregnancy in a female.

What are the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery?

Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many weight-related health conditions. A review of more that 22,000 bariatric surgery patients showed: Improvement in or complete resolution of conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea and 61.2% reduction of excess weight.

Omentum

The omentum is a membranous double layer of fatty tissue that covers and supports the intestines and organs in the lower abdominal area. The omentum is made up of the greater omentum which is an important storage for fat deposits and the lesser omentum which connects the stomach and intestines to the liver. Milky spots on the greater omentum contain white blood cells that assist immunity by removing cellular debris.

Pancreas

The pancreas is a gland about the size of a hand, tucked between a bend in the upper part of the intestines (the duodenum) and the stomach. One function of the pancreas produces enzymes for the digestive system in the exocrine tissue. The other function of the pancreas creates hormones as part of the endocrine system. Within the pancreas the tissues of both systems intertwine, which makes it difficult to treat the pancreas because things that work on one system very easily damage the other.