About Us

Our Research - Kidney & Pancreas Transplantation

PROJECT 3: Bariatric surgery for patients with end-stage renal disease and a BMI > 35

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The research interest involves bariatric (weigh loss) surgery for those patients with end-stage renal disease and a BMI >35, i.e. those patients who tend to be obese and to have problems with hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, collectively known as the metabolic syndrome.  We are in the process of putting together a multi-group research project that will include members from the Dept. of Surgery, the Diabetes Research Institute, Radiology as well as collaborations with Dr. David Cummings at the University of Washington in Seattle. 

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, refers to the various surgical procedures performed to treat obesity by modification of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce nutrient intake and or absorption.  The term does not include procedures for surgical removal of body fat such as liposuction or abdominoplasty.

Bariatric surgery is an option for people who have a body mass index (BMI) above 40.  Surgery is also an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 who have health problems like type 2- diabetes or heart disease.  This surgery may help to attain a more healthy body weight.

GOAL:

Our hope is that patients who are waiting on the kidney transplant list can undergo bariatric surgery with subsequent weight loss and improvement in their metabolic picture (in some cases including coming off insulin), in order to be better prepared for kidney transplantation in the future.  This will likely translate to improved quality of life and patient survival.