Diabetes & Surgery

RNY can resolve Type 2 diabetic issues, but you will still be a diabetic.  I had RNY almost 6 weeks ago and Stopped my meds 2 days prior to surgery and have not taking them since.  I maintain 100-110 along with that my other co-morbidities have resolved themselves. 

Do you research and know exactly what each procedure entails and both it's op and post-op risks.  Don't do a DS because DS patients swear by them, don't do an RNY because RNY patients swear by them.  After you do your research talk with your surgeon and get their input into what is the best procedure for you.  What works for one person may not work for another. 

This is your life and you need to make educated decisions on what will be best for you.  Google and Wiki will provide you with a wealth of information.

When talking to people don't just focus on the positive but ask about the everything.  All procedures will require you to change things about your life and your eating habits to be effective, while some force you to make these changes.

Welcome and good luck on your journey!

Hi Ana, Glad to hear from you and welcome to the board.  I had my lap RNY on 1/06/2010.  I remained on oral meds, but stopped the shots immediately after surgery.  About 2 months after my RNY I stopped all diabetes medications.  My blood sugars are usually in the 90's in the morning.  I have had some issues with hypoglycemia in the last 3 months.  I am glad you are looking into all options before making a decision.  My decision was based on what my insurance would cover.  I looked and started the procedure for lap band, but decided I wanted a permanent tool.  My insurance only covered Lap band and RNY, and I have been very happy with my RNY.  If the DS would have been covered I would have gone that way myself.  Keep researching before you decide what you want.  It will be your tool and no matter which you go with I hope for the best for you.

The duodenal switch gives the very best results for getting rid of type II diabetes. Learn more about it at www.dsfacts.com and please come visit us on the DS board here :-).

I was on insulin and oral medication for fifteen years before my DS. I was so insulin resistant that over 160 units a day of insulin, on an old fashioned tight control regimen, didn't get me a fasting blood sugar under 200. That's how I went into surgery, on 167 units a day of insulin.

I left the hospital three days later on 20 units of insulin and with a blood sugar in the 90's. I was off insulin within a month, oral meds within three months and have been declared cured of type II diabetes. I've even had a negative glucose tolerance test.

I have information in my profile documenting the superior results of the DS for type 2 diabetes when compared to other types of WLS. If type 2 diabetes is your primary concern, I would recommend against the band since it does not inflict the same metabolic improvements as do the procedures including malabsorption.

Oh, and yes, surgery hurts. But not forever. Live with pain from surgery for a few days or live with diabetes and the horrible complications it can bring about for the rest of your life (a life likely to be shortened in length due to the obesity and diabetes), that's how I would look at it.

DS has the best numbers for remission of diabetes but rny's malasorption should help. Band and Sleeve aren't going to change you metabolically. Your situation may improve with weightloss but not metabolically.

About 83% of the diabetics who have the RNY experience a complete remission of symptoms in the first year post-op. But by 5 years post-op, only 53% are still in remission.

On the other hand, better than 98% of diabetics who have the DS experience complete remission, and it seems to be permanent.

You should also read up on post-WLS reactive hypoglycemia.