Update...

On the day my insurance approved me I discovered that my surgeon would not do my surgery until my A1c was down to 8.0 or below. At the time it was 10.7 and rising everytime I had it checked. The office manager told me at the time that he "might" accept 8.2 but that was absolutely as high as he would go. I started walking everyday. I ate a tablespoon of cinnamon every day. I took alpha lipoic acid and several other suppliments that are supposed to help lower blood sugar. I ate a raw garlic clove everyday as well as two tablespoons of onions. I went to my PCP and got him to prescribe Lantis(sp?). I started out at 35 units per day and moved up to 40 units once we saw how my blood glucose reacted. Even with all this my blood sugar didnt budge at first. I cut back on carbs and once I got below 20 grams of carbs per day I started seeing my blood sugar drop. Over a weks time it went from an average of 360 (fasting for 12 hours) to 130. I got my first "normal" blood sugar a few weeks ago at 111. I know for most thats still not great but for me that is a huge improvement. Well, after two months I got my A1C and fructosamine tested again and my A1c is down to 8.2 and fructosamine was 241 I think. When I turned it in to the office manager she said that since it was a good drop that she felt the surgeon would "probably, maybe, dont quote me on that" approve me for surgery. I also had to see my nutritionist again. I did that on Monday. For two days now Ive been waiting by the phone, hoping for a call with a surgery date, and a long list of instructions, etc. So much of my life has been put on hold, waiting for this. Truthfully I dont have what most would consider a life anymore. I just want to get it over with, and be able to move on with my life, goals, etc.

Good luck RM. You've fought a hard battle for this. Just think of how much discipline and knowledge you've gained about yourself, your health, and the procedure throughout your battle for approval. Keep up the good fight and what will be, will be. That sounds cliche, but sometimes its true. Your pre-approval process has worked to help equip you for the battle to lose weight post surgery. Take what you've learned and use it! Good luck and keep us updated. Take care. ~Ellen

Congrats on your progress . . you will be an excellent candidate for surgery . . . . your progress shows your dedication. Keep up the good work. Do your dance Phenom