MBSC shows benefits of bariatric surgery go beyond weight loss

Obesity affects nearly 1 in every 3 Michiganders and increases the risk for serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The first line of treatment for these chronic conditions involves weight loss, diet, exercise and medications. When these treatments are ineffective, patients may become candidates for bariatric, or weight-loss, surgery.

All bariatric procedures in Michigan are documented in a statewide registry through the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative, funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. Since 2006, the collaborative has collected detailed clinical data and patient-reported outcomes for more than 80,000 procedures. Among its findings is that bariatric surgery provides significant benefit to patients with metabolic disease.

“Obesity is the epidemic of our times,” said Oliver Varban, M.D., MBSC co-program director. “Not only is it common, but it also affects every aspect of our health, from diabetes to knee pain. By harnessing the power of a large data registry, the MBSC can show that the benefits of bariatric surgery go beyond weight loss alone.”

Of those patients who have undergone bariatric surgery since the registry was started:

34% had diabetes
53% had hypertension
49% had hyperlipidemia

A year after surgery, the following percentage reported being able to discontinue their medication for these conditions:

Diabetes — 68%
Hypertension — 52%
Hyperlipidemia — 56%

The surgery and the ability to discontinue medication for a chronic condition can lead to dramatic improvements in a patient’s quality of life.

“Prior to my bariatric surgery, I was on metformin, an oral medication for my diabetes, and two prescriptions for hypertension,” a patient told us. “Right after the procedure, I no longer had to take the medication for diabetes and, within a few weeks, I was taken off both my prescriptions for hypertension.

“This was a game-changing event for both my long-term health and my wallet. Plus... I was able to lose weight and improve the overall quality of life that I currently enjoy with family and friends.”

Tools for doctors and patients

Long-term obesity management over the course of a patient’s life can be achieved through the partnership of bariatric surgeons and primary care physicians. That’s one of the reasons MBSC launched the PCP Engagement initiative in 2017. As part of the initiative, MBSC created the PCP Toolkit, which contains comprehensive resources on bariatric surgery in Michigan, including statewide data, referral tools, risk and outcomes calculators, and care guidelines.

MBSC also has developed tools for patients and their doctors to use to help decide if bariatric surgery is the right treatment option. If the patient decides to move forward with bariatric surgery, these tools can guide them through pre-, intra- and long-term post-operative care.

No portion of this publication may be copied without the express written permission of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, except that BCBSM participating health care providers may make copies for their personal use. In no event may any portion of this publication be copied or reprinted and used for commercial purposes by any party other than BCBSM.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.