Calling all Diabetics, now and before...

I posted this on the MAIN BOARD and the DS BOARD; Hi, I would like to have a quick vote of all diabetics and former diabetics, please. (This is for my information, not a real survey.) I have read so much on the diabetes sites and others...I am so confused. PLEASE HELP. Thank you to all. 1.) What surgery did you have? 2.) When was your surgery? 3.) What doctor and state? 4.) Do you still have diabetes? 5.) Is it better if not gone completely? With The Lords Help... Debbie.

Hi Debbie, Welcome! Its great your reading up on diabetes and WLS......the more information you gather, the better informed and able to get the surgery that suits your particular needs. What seems to be confusing you the most, maybe ask more detailed questions.....ask away...the only way I learned, is by meeting and asking post ops and surgeons in my area, as well as OH community. Now to answer your questions: 1.) What surgery did you have? Open RNy 2.) When was your surgery? 3/15/04 3.) What doctor and state? Dr. Greenbaum, Wasser & Ing, NJ 4.) Do you still have diabetes? Yes, Type 1 5.) Is it better if not gone completely? Symptoms are better, on half the about of insulin. Take care, Wendy 278/188/150

Hi Wendy, I was confused by comments made by people that I didn't know what surgery they had. Some would say their diabetes was better since their surgery and some would say they didn't have any sigh of diabetes any more. So, I asked to have their type of WLS and when it was done and by who to see if it made any difference in what type of WLS or was the improvement because of what they now ate. And thank you for the input, I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful response I have gotten on my question. You all are awesome to take the time to help. Thank you, I am very grateful. Deborah.

Hi, I was a Type 2 diabetic for about 3 years on pill. When I left the hospital, I didn't need to take my medicine anymore, My blood sugars before surgery was running anywhere between 140 to 160. Now they are running between 88 to 111. Good luck on your decision. Cheryl 1.) What surgery did you have? open RNY 2.) When was your surgery? April 5, 2006 3.) What doctor and state? Dr. Coster, Iowa 4.) Do you still have diabetes? No 5.) Is it better if not gone completely? It is a lot better, not on any medication.

Hi Debbie, I am a non-op and control my diabetes thru diet and exercise. I've read everything I can about diabetes and my understanding that once you have diabetes, you will always have it. It is a progressive disease. So even though I can control it with diet and exercise now, I may need meds someday. When I read that people no longer have diabetes after WLS that worries me a bit. As we age or gain wieght, diabetes can come back. CONTROL is the key with diabetes, whether that is thru WLS or Non-op, getting control will hopefully mean a healthly life. Good luck. Ann

Me again..I just read your profile. You sound like a very funny and neat lady to know. My prayers are with you Ann

Hi, I had rny. 4/20/06 Dr Rodgers in Fla I believe we always have diabetes. I am symptom free. Best of luck! Laurie

Hi Deb 1.) What surgery did you have? I had Lap RNY 2.) When was your surgery? Jan 3, 2006 3.) What doctor and state? Paul Guske, Illinois 4.) Do you still have diabetes? Yes, you are always a diabetic 5.) Is it better if not gone completely? Much improved but not in remission

Hi Debbie Here are my answers to your poll --- good luck in making your decision! 1.) What surgery did you have? -- lap RNY 2.) When was your surgery? -- 3/7/06 (12 1/2 weeks ago) 3.) What doctor and state? -- Dr Matt Glas**** 4.) Do you still have diabetes? -- YES 5.) Is it better if not gone completely? -- for me there has been zero improvement (much to my and my endocrinologist's dismay) Other info -- I had to start using fast-acting insulin at 3 1/2 weeks post op (hadn't been on it before) -- required such huge doses that I stopped losing and GAINED weight. At 6 weeks post-op, my endo approved my going back on Byetta (which I was on before surgery). I was down 50 lbs at 10 weeks -- and am stuck there for now -- but hopeful that things will start moving again soon.

Hi Deborah, I think the confusion comes from the fact that there are 2 types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can not be cured by WLS and is usually diagnosed at a early age. Type 1's can get better control but we can not be cured by having WLS. Type 1's do not and never will make insulin again,we will always need insulin.Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness. Some (alot) of type 2 diabetics do become "symptom free" after surgery. Hope this helps. Godbless, Donna (type1 diabetic of 25yrs.)