New to all this

I just started my bariatric surgeons diet today, Saturday June 24, 2006. My regular doctor for my diabetes is unsure how to proceed with my insulin pump and has suggested I just keep lowering my basal rate for now. I am kinda scared I have always had brittle diabetes and dont know how this will affect it. I am so looking forward to getting off this weight, after 10 years of trying. Please tell me how you handle the journey?

Hi Janette, Welcome aboard!! Good luck starting your diet today. Did you get a surgery date? Which WLS are you having? I'm not sure about your question on lowering your basal rate though.....during the diet phase or after your WLS? IF you having any questions please ask. Take care, Wendy 288/190/150

thanks wendy

Hi Janette, I am considering RNY and am on an insulin pump. In the times that I have lost weight, I have more frequently monitored my blood glucose and made adjustments to my basals. Unfortunately I haven't been able to keep the weight off and I had to increase my basals as the weight came back on. I would think that being on a pump would make diabetes control easier during rapid weight loss. Elizabeth

hi elizabeth and thaynk you, I dont know what surgery I am still in the early stages, I am getting my tests done, dieting and have my next appt on July 26, 2006. The basal rate problem is that I am either to high or to low with the changes going on, if I increase my basal I start with bad lows the worst part about this is that I am a very brittle diabetic so that changes are hard to get set so my body can lose weight and they are now thinking of taking me off my pump. only thing is that I dont want to it has helped me more than anything over the 29 years I have had diabetes and I have to get it figured out before July 15 or they will switch me to shots thanks Janette

Hi Janette, Who wants to take you off of the pump, your endo, pcp, or surgeon? If you are still brittle on the pump shots will only be worse. Are taking other medications that may cause your bg to fluxuate so much? I realize that I may not be able to wear my pump during surgery, but before and after it will stay on. I still have some problems with highs and lows too. I try to keep the basal lower and just take boluses as needed to correct any highs. I rather run a little high than too low. Elizabeth