CMUH Endocrine, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Awarded the Symbol of National Quality (SNQ Mark)              
According to the big data produced by Taiwan’s NHI (National Health Insurance), diabetes patients have a higher risk of getting cancer. Due to the changes in daily diet habits, not only have many people become obese but the age of obesity induced diabetes patients are also becoming younger. Dr. Ming Hsien Lee, CMUH Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, expresses that those who undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Bypass Surgery can lose up to 75% of one’s excess weight. Dr. Lee has had over 1500 successful cases and the department was awarded the 2016 Symbol of National Quality mark for their excellence in high quality medical services. Monitoring patient follow-up data, 90% of diabetes patients who underwent Bariatric and Metabolic surgery successfully experienced diabetes remission.

Weight-Loss Surgery Induces Diabetes Remission​
　　The common misconception of diabetes is that it’s a disease that cannot be cured and would require the patient to take medication for their entire lives. Bariatric surgery which has always been considered only for weight-loss has been proved to be efficient in providing relief for diabetes symptoms. Studies also show that those patients who undergo bariatric surgery can lose weight, change the hormone secretion of their stomachs and lower their insulin resistance. It can also provide relief for obesity induced diabetes by significantly lowering the patient’s blood sugar and HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin). Dr. Ming Hsien Lee suggests bariatric surgery for obese patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes for only a couple of years. These patients have a better chance of having higher pancreatic functions and thus have a greater chance of curing their diabetes.

　　Take the case of teenager Liang for example; the eighteen year old teen first came for consultation with Dr. Lee at CMUH in March of 2016. At that time he was already diagnosed with hypertension and type 2 diabetes for six months. Liang needed to have daily insulin injections and medication to control his blood sugar and blood pressure. He also lacked self confidence, was depressed and showed signs of anxiety because of his weight. His quality of life was greatly restricted because of his situation. After thorough assessments and checkups, he underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in April of 2016. Just one month after his surgery both his diabetes and hypertension were in remission; what’s more was that he no longer needed his daily insulin injections and meds. Now, 8 months after his surgery; Liang has gone from 125 kilograms to 73 kilograms. No longer the depressed teen of the past, he is now a sunshine boy full of confidence and energy. He now dedicates his time to his work and plays basketball with his friends during his days off.

Weight-Loss Surgery Alleviates Depression and Eating Disorders​
　　Psychiatrist Dr. Ching Cheng expresses that patients who are obese are more prone to suffer from psychological problems that include: depression, lack of confidence and eating disorders. Studies have shown that about 20% of obese patients who seek bariatric surgery suffer from anxiety and about 20% suffer from binge eating disorder. Bariatric surgery also successfully reduces and improves about 50% of those who suffer from depression. Recent studies also show that because bariatric surgery affects the nervous and hormonal systems, patients who suffer from binge eating disorder can also experience relief. CMUH’s close collaboration between the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery team and Psychiatry team can assist our patients to reach their best physical and psychological state.
　　This surgery is partly covered by the NHI (National Health Insurance). To qualify for NHI coverage, patients should be between the ages of 18 to 55 years old and have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. They would also have to have failed 6 months of diet control and have no mental illnesses or drug abuse. Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery would only create minor abdominal incisions that would heal swiftly. Patients can be discharged within 3 days.