Type 1 with some Major fears!!

I'm a Type I diabetic and am being considered for a RNY because I've had two heart attacks and keep gaining weight no matter what I do. THAT is so frustrating I can't even describe it! I'm about 100 pounds overweight and have some major concerns. I've been hearing that most patients who have bariatric surgery tend to gain their weight back 5-7 years post-op. I'm not sure if this is true, or a commonplace thing, or what, but it's lending itself to my unease about surgery. I'm on an insulin pump and was told I could leave it on, but cut my basal rates in half during surgery. I first met Dr. Hess (BMC Boston) a year ago, when I was *only* 80 pounds overweight. I felt great about him doing the surgery, but he's never operated on a type 1 diabetic. He's worked closely with my endo and my cardiologist in the past, so I'm very comfortable with that! I heal very poorly, and that's a major concern. A friend of mine has cautioned me to NOT let my fear overshadow the potential benefits of having this done, and now with my last cardio check-up, I'm told my heart is in good shape right now, but if I can't get a handle on the weight gains, I may not be eligible for cardiac surgery if that's necessary one day. I guess my main fear is that I'm wondering if this is going to buy me more time, or if I'm going to end up gaining it back anyway, why even go through the ordeal? I know I'm unhappy at this weight, and VERY frustrated that the exercise I do and the eating I'm more careful about is not helping me lose at all. The insulin puts weight on, and the more I weigh the more insulin resistant I am, needing more insulin to stabilize, putting more weight on....vicious cycle for sure. This is becoming a no-choice situation for me. If anyone can offer their viewpoints on having type 1, pre and post op, I would greatly appreciate it! How do you feel now? How stable is your diabetes? How did your views on food change and do you have any regrets? Thanks, Marie!

Hi Marie, I am also a type 1 pumper who is going to have the RNY surgery. There are a few other type 1 ladies who are a few years post op on this board. They have been a great help to me. I understand your fears because I will be the first type 1 for my surgeon too. At first he tried to tell me that I couldn't be type 1 and obese, he said that it was impossible. Well I told him "we are few, but we do exist!." I met with the dietician who is "educating" him and my endocrinologist has contacted him. I believe he is a very competent and skilled surgeon though. The thing about gaining back weight, even though I am a preop I believe if you see the surgery as a tool rather than a "miracle cure" and realize that the rules are to be followed for life you won't gain all the weight back. With the weightloss you will need less insulin, which will help you lose more weight. My surgeon has all patients go on a low carb, low fat, high protein diet before surgery. I have been on it for a little over a month now and lost 4 lbs but I am taking less insulin. I recently started exercising a couple days a week at a curves-type fitness center, so that has cut my insulin down even more. My weight really hasn't changed much. Elizabeth

Thank you so much for your reply, Elizabeth! When is your surgery scheduled for? Do you have a date yet? Right now I'm not in a program, but I'm sure after my appointment with the Joslin Clinic I'll be better informed. I know the program with my surgeon is 6 months long from pre-to-post-op, so nothing will be planned until after my daughters wedding in 2007. I want to be able to enjoy her wedding!! Hope you're enjoying your weekend! Marie

I don't have a confirmed date yet as my request for insurance approval was just sent in today. If I am approved, I could have my surgery mid to late September or early October. Elizabeth

I have to say I checked into this site about a year ago looking for info on wls surgery. At the time there were hardly any type 1's who posted. I'm so happy to see more of us out there. I have to say that after reading a few posts from ppl with the same issues I do, it make me feel so much better about the surgery! I'm so glad you posted, Elizabeth! Thanks so much! Marie

Hi there, I am also a pumper type 1, going for my initial consultation in early september. I am a bit nervous because I am very well controlled with pump , But I know we will do fine. Hope all goes well Hope

Hi Marie! Everything you are fearing is all normal, and, other than the heart problems, I can relate to your frustration with weight gain & insulin resistance. After I had kids, the weight gain was even worse. I am Type 1 diabetic, was on over 150 units of Humalog a day via my pump, and now being almost 2 1/2 yrs post op open RNY,losing 100 lbs, I am now stabilized at about 45-50 units per day. I don't believe my surgeon ever operated on a T1, and it was up to me to find as many on OH as I could find, as well as talk to other T1'ers. I had all the same fears as you do, believe me.......but I can honestly say, I am happy and have no regrets that I had gastric bypass, and as long as I continue to do my homework/research for the future, I hope and pray every year that my bloodwork shows everything is okay. I don't think anyone knows what the future holds, but if you feel your health is at risk, please research the surguries, ask lots of questions, and know that everyone's outcome is different. I know that if I continued at almost 300 lbs, I would not be participating in my families life, and would probably have many more health issues. If I can help answer any questions, please feel free to e-mail me anytime. Good luck! Wendy 278/188/150

Hi Wendy!! Thanks for your reply! I'm going to keep an open mind as far as the process. I know it's intensive and lengthy , but I'm feeling totally dejected that I'm unable to lose in spite of doing my best to take proper care of myself. Even when I dont eat right, I try to bolus right...but my weight keeps escalating. This might be my only hope. I'm not sure if I'm more afraid of the risks of infection post-op, or having more heart attacks and a stroke. I would love to be thinner again, partly for vanity reasons, but mostly because I'm not willing to play roulette with my health any more. Marie

Elizabeth........HI!!! I will have my fingers crossed for your date in Sept or Oct. Send me an e-mail and let me know how your doing. And Hope, welcome, again......I'm glad to see more T1'ers......well you know what I mean.....its not good, but I feel we're a small percentage. If you have have any questions, please ask away!! Take care girls, Wendy 278/188/150

Hi Wendy, I just sent you and email. Elizabeth