Can metabolic surgery reverse my fatty liver disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have fatty liver disease, and my doctor said my liver enzymes are getting worse. I am also overweight and prediabetic, and I am scared that my liver might develop more complications. I have tried dieting, but nothing seems to work long-term.

Would metabolic surgery help reverse my fatty liver, or is it too late?
What are the risks of surgery if my liver function is already compromised?
Also, how long does it usually take for liver health to improve after weight loss surgery?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Based on your description, the possible causes are fatty liver, prediabetes, and obesity. Reduction in body weight induced by bariatric metabolic surgery leads to a potential decrease in hepatic inflammation, fat accumulation, and fibrosis. The risk of death associated with bariatric surgery is about 0.1 percent, and the overall likelihood of major complications is about four percent.

Studies show metabolic surgery is superior to nonsurgical treatment, including drug therapy and intensive lifestyle intervention, in producing long-term diabetes remission, with 25 to 50 percent more surgery patients maintaining glycemic control without medication for up to five years. Studies show that the beneficial effects on weight loss are maintained for up to 20 years after gastric bypass surgery.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.