Question:
How is the healing process for diabetics with the Open RNY?
I was all geared for having my surgery done laporascopically since my understanding is that it is better for healing in a diabetic. Unfortunately, due to my insurance, I must go to a hospital that is not equipped for Lap surgery and I am very concerned. I am on insulin 3x a day, taking 112 units per day, plus other medications. I really would appreciate some feedback. My surgery is scheduled for March 10, 2003. — Elana L. (posted on February 16, 2003)
February 16, 2003
<font face "Script"> I am also diabetic and wanted my
surgery done as lap rny, but my insurance sent me to a surgeon in the
network that only does open rny. I have not had my surgery yet, but after
talking to my surgeon I feel that the healing is about the same, and lots
of times your diabetes goes into recession, not always, but my surgeon
seems to feel that there will be no problem with the open and the diabetes.
Hope this helps
— cindy
February 16, 2003
I, too, am a diabetic. I had Open RNY on 9-12-02. I have had NO problems
with my healing! The coolest thing is that, since leaving the hospital on
9-17, I have not had to take ANY insulin (I was on 3 shots a day, 72 units
altogether) and am now down to 1 Glucophage (instead of 4) a day! My blood
sugars are better now than they were before surgery... I have no regrets at
having had the Open procedure.
— Kathy B.
February 16, 2003
I have Type 1 diabetes, so I will always need to take insulin. However,
the best advice I can give you is to get your blood sugars under the best
control you can before you have your surgery. It is not diabetes itself
that causes problems with healing. It is having high blood sugars. I
insisted on having an endocrinologist monitoring my blood sugars post op
and prescribing insulin for me then. I have had experience with the
hospitalists (docs who have a specialty of seeing hospitalized patients
only) not prescribing enough insulin to keep me in control. If you have
Type 2 diabetes, you will almost certainly be able to get off insulin and
as you lose weight, you may be able to get off any meds completely.
However, that does not mean you are cured of diabetes. It merely means
that you are controlling it with diet and exercise. Please make sure post
op that your A1C is tested a couple of times a year and don't throw away
your meter. It would still be a good idea to monitor your blood sugars
periodically, just to stay on top of things.
— garw
February 16, 2003
Forgot to add that my initial surgery was done lap. I had to have a second
surgery 2 months later due to problems with the first procedure. I didn't
really notice much difference, as far as blood sugar levels go, between the
two.
— garw
February 16, 2003
I was very much afraid of the healing process also. I had no problems at
all and I was on a similar regimen of insulin and meds prior to my surgery
which was 2/22/02. I had no problems with infections. I do know a couple
of folks who did, so it is not gauranteed that you will not. Just be sure
to monitor your incision closely and report back to your dr if you
experience any redness that is also hot or oozing. Remember your drs will
be able to treat any infections that do result so relax and be confident
that this surgery is well worth any risks of infections. I have been
totally med free for over 6 months now and soon you will be too. Best of
luck to you.
— SARose61
February 17, 2003
Elana I was taking 160 units a day before my WLS I have lost 100 pds and am
almost at my goal. I do not take anything now and my sugar is perfectly
normal. I healed good too and got along wonderful after my surgery
Shirley
— Shirley F.
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