Diabeties info wanted

Just wanted to gather some info on how much, if any, WLS has on diabetes. I have been thinking about WLS for a while when I found out that I had diabetes. That made my decision easy to persue WLS. Thanks for your help!!

Hi Wendy, I would ask your PCP or WLS surgeon what he/she thinks for you specifically. I think everyone woud be different, based on weight, diabetes situation, and your overall health. I hear from alot of Diabetics that their medications are drastically reduced post op, however, over several years being post op, some of their medications have changed. I think losing weight will help your health situation, but diabetes and WLS would be different for everyone. Good luck researching your WLS, Wendy btw, great name.....lol! 278/188/150 Type 1 -1994

Hi Wendy!! You and I are in the same boat! I too am researching info on wls for diabetics like myself. This site has the most helpful and insightful people on it that I've ever met! Are you a type 1 or 2? I'm a type 1 on an insulin pump. My PCP suggested I do this a year ago and got totally freaked out by it. Now, a year later and 20 plus pounds heavier, I'm realizing that this might be my only way to stop gaining. I've cardiac issues too, and I'm starting to see how the benefits way outweigh (no pun) my fears. Marie

I was started on this journey by my Endocrinologist.. Do you have one? If you are not sure perhaps you should talk to one. There are many tests you can have and methods and precautions they take if you have cardiac issues. A good surgeon will explain all those to you. My deciding facator was that I was going to be much better off with it than without it. I have "systemic insulin resitance" my body just won't use all the insulin my pancreas secretes. My PCP told me that insulin for me was acting like a "growth hormone" and I would find it very difficult to ever lose weight taking the amount of insulin I take. Kind of a vicious cycle. Not sure why this happens. I just hope my surgery in 2 weeks will start me on the road to recovry.I know with Type I diabetes, that is different, so you really need to talk to the professionals. I so believe you need to know your disease to live with it. Sincerely, Marti

Hi Marti! I've had the same Endocrinologist for about 18 yrs. now! Like you, I was told this would help me far more than NOT having it. I've had a total of 3 heart attacks (just having Diabetes is considered having had one) and had 2 back to back in 2004. Now that I can't stop losing weight, I've been told that this would help me require far less insulin and would do more to keep me here longer. I have Type I and my pancreas doesn't work at all where insulin production is concerned. I'm sure your surgery will go well!! Marie

I can certainly see why you are worried after two heart attacks. I assume you have had a catherization. Do you have blockages? I don't understand about "now that I can't stop losing weight" From what I have read from other people on this site I think it surely will decrease your insulin. I am on about 80-90 units Novalin R and 80-90 units of Novalin N a day and I take in about 1,500-1600 calories a day. I hope that when I am only taking in about 600-800 calories a day after surgery, I can at least cut that in half. There are other Type I's on this site on pumps that I sure will be good information. I wish you good luck on your journey. Sincerely, Marti

I have been a type I diabetic for 37 yrs. and have 3 blockages. Two are too small to stent, the larger artery isn't blocked enough to operate on. So I'm caring for my cardiac health with meds. My cardiologist agreed with my endo a year ago that I should have a GB done to get the excess weight off and prevent further MI's. A year ago I wanted nothing to do with the procedure because of all the negatives I'd been hearing. Plus, a friend of mine died 7 yrs. ago from post-op neglect after her RNY. That didn't make me feel any better about having this done for ME. In the past year I've done weigh****chers, weight lifting, continued to watch my diet and exercise and still gained 25 pounds. My research on this site and at bariatricedge.com along with my medical team has put those initial fears to rest. My surgeon is superb and very highly recommended, so I'm comfy with him and his team. I'll never be off of insulin, but at some point will be taking far less and can slow down or stop any continued weight gain.

Do you have a date in mind? Just like everyone says, it is a journey and I think it should be. I have learned so much in the last 6 months. I know one thing is I have ordered Isotonix vitamins that dissolve in liquid and are absorbed. I bought Barbara Thompson's book and she suggests it. My husband once said "we are going to save money on food for you after this", I said "don't worry I will make it up in the price of vitamins for the rest of my life." Marti

No date yet, Marti! This will be my second "initial" consult with Dr. Hess on 10/23. I spoke with a nurse friend of mine today and she told me to make sure I'm ready for it and that this is exactly what I want...because its' not an easy decision and it's going to change my life the way I know it forever. So until then I keep researching. I know it doesn't work for everyone, and I've no clue if it'll work for me, but at least I'll make an informed choice. This isn't a vanity issue for me. I'm terrified that one day it'll be a life or death issue. So if I can head THAT fiasco off at the pass, I will!

Marie, I agree, I don't think too many of us are doing it for vanity issues, especially on this messageboard.. We are scared to have it and scared NOT to have it. I want to walk again and the only way I can have surgery on my knees is to get my diabetes under control and lose a 100 pounds. It is only the encouragement from the others on this site that have gone to the "other side" that gives me courage somedays. I know how you feel. Good luck to you.Marti