It absolutely IS a miracle for those that respond positively to that surgery. A high percentage of diabetics do go into remission after surgery. But, there is not a 100% guarantee. DH has been diabetic for over 20 years and his pancreas doesn't make insulin anymore. That's a bigger challenge to overcome. But we have been told, and have read the studies, that with a major weight loss and fat reduction that the pancreas can start working again in a high majority of folks.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve Gastrectomy (Vertical gastrectomy) is an operation that removes a large portion of the stomach and, in doing so, causes weight-loss. The remaining stomach is narrow and provides a much smaller reservoir for food.
Sleeve gastrectomy also appears to have some weight-loss independent effects on glucose metabolism and also causes some changes in gut hormones that favor improvement in diabetes. Diabetes remission rates after sleeve gastrectomy are also very high (more than 60%) and, in some studies, similar to results seen after gastric bypass.
DH's cardiologist is really pushing for him to have this surgery. Even if he doesn't get a 'cure' his diabetes will improve simply from the weight loss and the reduction of food intake. Not to mention all the other improvements.