Anyone who's Type 1 Diabetic Had Gastric Bypass?

Did anyone have gastric bypass surgery and have Type 1 Diabetes?  I have Type 1 Diabetes but I'm trying to determine if I should have the gastric bypass or the lapband?  Any opinions?

Hi Cyndee, I'm a Type 1 and will be having a bypass.  I was told that a band would not help me lose as much as I need or want, and for me would pose more risk of infection than the bypass. I'm going to talk to Dr. Hess about a gastric balloon. It's only temporary, but might be another option.  My sugars are a mess, my weight keeps escalating no matter how much I diet and exercise, and my spirits are plummetting with each pound gained. So I've got work to do here! :) I'm excited about this for the first time in a long time.  I see this as the means to a solution for me, and much less of a risk. Marie

Hi Marie: I was told the same thing about the band.  The nurse told me that if I were to have the band I would lose about 40lbs..... Hell, I can starve myself for that.  If I'm going to have surgery I want to make it worth while.  I would love to lose more like 80lbs.  So I have an appt on Tuesday with the surgeon to talk over what would be right for me.  The nurse said that since I'm a diabetic I'm at high risk for infection if I have the bypass and thought the band would be perfect for me since I have 2 small children - less healing time.  I dunno what I want to do.  I've been thinking it over and over again.  I need something to just restrict me from eatting crap.  With the band I know I can still have ice cream (in limited quantities), but I don't think I want that.  Ughhhh.... I don't  know.   When will you be having the surgery?

My daughter is getting married at the end of May this year.  I've asked that my surgery be any day AFTER that! LOL...I want to enjoy her wedding without being in the early stages of healing.  I thought about a gastric ballon (no incision at all, it's removable after 6 months) but it's not permanent and I doubt I'd keep anything off that way.  Plus, my blood sugar swings are volatile, so this is a way to help level that off. (THAT will be a first!) I am also doing this to remove the weight so I can avoid another heart attack or stroke. (two were enough, thank you!!)  I've been told by my PC, my Cardiologist and my bariatric surgeon that a bypass is the best choice for me. Risky, and that's what scares me, but with all the recent complications from long term diabetes and my nonability to regulate my sugars, I want some REST from this! LOL...I don't remember what feeling "good" feels like...I was 10 the last time that happened. If this will help me lose 100 pounds, have better health, longer life, and level sugars, I'm all for it!  I'm tired of the frustration of doing things right and STILL gaining weight on top of my complications.  This makes it sound like I'm looking for an easy way out. This is NOT that, believe me. I'ts going to be lots more work, but I'm convinced it's now my only option.   Since you have small ones at home your decision is a tougher one. I know ther'es no lifting allowed for six weeks. If they're old enough, they can climb up to sit next to you for a story or a cuddle, but the lifting is going to be a no-no. (kills me, since I'm back into weight lifting again)!  But there's a way around everything, and a solution for us too, for a change!  Let me know what you decide! Marie

I don't blame you for wanting to do that after your daughter's wedding.  I would wanna do it too then.  How long have you had diabetes?  I've had it for 6 years.  I got it while I was pregnant with my first and it just stuck with me.  Nice huh?  At least I got it for a good reason :-) I'm nervous about the complications as well, that's my biggest fear really.  I would like to go back to work within 2 weeks too and the nurse told me recovery would be between 2-3 weeks.  I remember after I had my C-Section with my second child I was walking the next day (pain and all).  I'm pretty good at healing cause I push myself.  So I have to see what the surgeon suggests and see.  I just don't know.  If I'm gonna have surgery I want it to be worth while. 

I've had this 37 years now. For the past 15 or so I've dealt with laser surgery on my eyes, nerve damage inside and out, acid reflux, back to back heart attacks, and more stuff I'm sure but I can't think of it all right now. The best thing you can do for yourself is try your best to keep your blood sugars level. Mine are brittle so I have volatile swings most every day.  I want this to be worthwhile too. I'm praying I'm one of the luckier patients whose surgery doesn't fail. I would have to starve myself to lose an ounce and exercise like a fiend at this point. So I figure if I can't eat much anymore ANYWAY, I damn well better get being thin out of it!! :) Marie

You're like my mom.... She's got brittle diabetes as well -- always up and down -- whether she eats or not and she got it when she was 42 and has it for 18 years.  She's blind, on dialysis, has neuropathy in her stomach and has a very very bad rash on her legs that look like ulcers... HORRIBLE!  She didn't take care of herself in the very beginning and always in Ketoacidocis (sp?) so I guess that took a toll on her organs.  She would be in the hospital literally every weekend.  So she keeps telling me to look at her as an example!  HORRIBLE! So, where are you now as for the surgery?  ARe you definitely going in for it and do you know which one you want? 

Gastric Bypass here I come. I did what I wanted for the first 20 years of having this disease.  Im paying for that ignorance now.  I just want my life back and I really feel this surgery will give me that. I'ts all about  the control! My sugars are so volatile and brittle, that I really have no control over them. Earlier today I went from 357 to 45 two hours later to 283 now.  I can't stand how the bouncing around makes me feel! I want that to end! I can't wait to start my life over! :) Marie

Hi Marie: When are you going to get the bypass?  I can't imagine how you feel with the fluctuations in your sugar like you have.  My sugars are pretty controlled (kind of).  But I do know how it feels to have high sugars and to have lows and to be overweight.  I wish you luck and let me know how everything goes, ok? 

I've had type 1 diabetes since i was 12, and im 25 now, and i plan on having the gastric bypass.  It'll be open since that's the only one they do.  I'm fine with that.  I've heard too much that you don't lose as much with lapband, and i dont want to waste time doing that one, so ima do the gastric bypass.  I'm in the process of waiting to get approved through my insurance.