New Here & I've got Questions

I just found this site. I live in Hermitage and I found out in 2004 that I have Type 2 Diabetes. My insurance is BCBS (PPO). I haven't talked to my PCP about possibly having Lap Band surgery. I wanted to get all the info I can before I even talk to him about this. His idea on dealing with my Type 2 & my idea with dealing with it are completely different. He's all gung-ho for me to start on the new injectible drug, while I'd rather have weight-loss surgery than take 2 shots every day for the rest of my life. I currently have a recumbent stationary bike that I ride 5 days a week for 30 to 45 minutes. I also help with a recreational soccer team, so I'm out walking around on the soccer field several times a week. I'm willing to find another PCP that would be willing to work with me on losing the weight to try and get my Type 2 under control. Ultimately that is the goal -- to get the diabetes under control, rather than letting it control me. Any information that any of you could provide to me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Paula

The decision for WLS has to be yours. Now that I've said that I can tell you that I have been a type II diabetic for more than 6 years. I was taking 3 different oral medications and my PCP had said something to me about the new injectible drug too. Since I had already made up my mind to have the surgery and was only waiting on insurance approval he said we would hold off on starting the new drug to see what the surgery did. I had my gastric bypass on January 31, 2006 and left the hospital off of ALL diabetes medication. My blood sugars are now better than they were with 3 oral meds and in 2 months I have lost 33 pounds. I feel great, have been back at work since 12 days post op (on half days for 3 weeks), and now my PCP is talking about reducing other medications. If your primary won't support you in a decision to seek WLS, there are plenty of doctors in the Nashville area who would be glad to work with you. Like you said, your ultimate goal is to control your diabetes. Good luck with your decision. Susan

I just wanted to wish you luck, there are a lot of great people on this site, that can help answer your questions and support ya through your journey. Best Wishes, Jacqueline

Hi Paula, I have Type II diabeties, found that out Dec. 04. I was on one pill at night. I found out I also have leukemia last July. I had my surgery on Jan 9, 06 and have lost a total of 56 lbs. I haven't taken my diabetic pill since 2 days prior to surgery, nor my high blood pressure medications, and now I am ready to start have other medications tapered off. There are about 5 that I will have to take. One being my estrogen, thyroid pill, my nerve pills, previcid (I have an ulcer in my pouch) and the chemo pills. I am ready to start being taken off all the anti-depressants. The only problem I have is my potassium keeps dropping. When it drops I stay sick to my stomach. As long as I am on the IV my potassium stays good and I'm not throwing up everything from water to pills. Now if I can have surgery with all that, I know you can do it. Your working out and being active will make it easier for you to have the surgery and have a healthier life. Best of all prayers, and wishes coming your way. Kathy

Hello Paula! I didn't even realize that having the lap band procedure would have a reverse effect on type II diabetes, I thought it was just with the gastric bypass. Wow, I would say that if it something you have researched and are comfortable within yourself to go through it then go for it!!! Way to go on already being active, you can throw some of that my way.

Hey Kim! Yes, if you work the program as it is laid out for you, any of the weight loss surgeries can reverse type 2 diabetes. That was one of the key selling points for me as I take three different kinds of meds for mine. I included how much I spend a month on meds in my letter in the insurance company and how this procedure could eliminate that cost all together. Not to mention the labs I get every three months and doctor's visits and the colds and flu I pick up because I have a weaker immune system because of the diabetes. Sometimes I really wish insurance companies would see that this can be a win/win situation. We get healthy and they save money in the long run. And Paula, welcome!

Hey Paula: just my two cents: I know that the duodenal switch procedure reverses diabetes. Many people I've come to know with DS left the hospital with no/way fewer diabetes meds. I'm a very happy DSer myself, but didn't have diabetes, so I'm not up on the research, but I do know that a portion of the DS, non WLS specific, is used just for treating diabetes.

I would find a new PCP if I had to have lap band.I had it on 3/17/06 and am thrilled.I had it done at Baptist in Memphis with Dr.Woodman at mid-South Bariatrics and he and his team are great .I have had type 2 diabetes for 5 years and take metformin twice a day.I have lost 16 pounds and hope to be soon off metformin.I also had a BMI of barely 35 but i have BC/BS PPO and they approved me on first try as I have diabetes.My surgery went fine hardly any pain just uncomfortable for a couple of days.Went back to work 11 days postoff and feel great !! this is a personal descison everyone has to make for themselves but I know it is right one for me.I have 50 pounds to lose and feel confident it will work if I foliowthe band rules.this is a wonderful site for support and information.I have heard of several good surgeons in Nashville including Dr.morton who did a friend's surgery 2 years ago she is down 74 pounds and doing great.Good luck to you.