I'm Somewhat Disappointed...

Hi there, I am a brand new member-just had my surgery on April 22.  I am a Type 1 diabetic, since age 12 and am on an insulin pump.  I get frustrated when people (lots of people, nurses and docs included) tell me that I will be "cured" of my diabetes from WLS.  I know that I will always be a diabetic, and try to understand that 90% of people that struggle with obesity also struggle with type 2 diabetes and thus that is what most are experienced in.   I had to fight VERY hard to have my pump in hospital, but have lots of information for anyone that is interested.  I am a nursing student also, hoping to work in diabetes education someday.  As I said, I am new to WLS, having only had my surgery one week ago, but have been diabetc for 20+ years and am VERY knowledgeable about diabetes and insulin pumps. Let's chat! Loree

Dear Loree, I am right there with you.  I thankfully did not have to fight to keep my pump on...they gave me the choice.  I just explained that it would be easier for them to leave it on.  They accepted!  I understand the dillema & I just use this as an opportunity to teach people about our type of this awful disease.  I've had it for 36 years now.  It's almost funny to watch the peoples' faces when you tell them that you'll NEVER be off of insulin!   I'm at work, so I can't chat long.  Please continue to e-mail me! Sharon

Hi Desharon, I am the type 1 diabetic who is off her pump after having VSG almost a year ago. Yes, I am type 1. Have the tests to prove it! :-) I still control my diabetes with insulin however very little anymore. I only now need 12 units of lanuts at night and 4-7 units of apidra to cover meals. I was considering lap band and it has great results as well for us diabetics, after meeting with my surgeon i chose to go much more drastic and permenant. It has been the best choice I have ever made. I see your surgery is this week..............I wish you luck!! :-) I will be interested to watch your journey. OOOPPPsssssssssss............see how rarely we post??? I thought your surgery was 6/08 not 4/08. So you have been post-op for about 2 months now...how is it going?? I agree with you that we need to be more active over here. I just checked back in here today and saw a few posts. I have checked in from time to time and no one is posting.  I would very much like a forum that pertains to typ1 diabetics as much as type 2. We do have so many specific needs and need constant supervision. Jeni----j2o

Hi Jeni! Thanks for your response.  I will say that I'm doing well.  The weight loss is gradual, but since surgery, I've lost 17 lbs. & since I've started my full journey in October 2007, I've lost almost 40.  I haven't broken the 200 barrier yet.  That's my 1st goal.  I'm real close though.       Yes, we do have specific needs.  I'm still having to watch my low blood sugars that often creep up on me...like tonight.  Then, I am still able, at this point, to eat to the point of overeating when my blood sugar is falling at 50 or below!  I will be getting my next saline fill, possibly later this month.  I went to see the endo & nutritionist yesterday & have increased my exercise dramatically -- no gym...just walking lots.  I am still glad that I chose the band.   I'm happy for you too!  I don't mind being on the pump, esp. since I've cut my insulin dose almost in 1/2!!!  Would I love to have gotten rid of my diabetes?  What do you think? Thanks, Jeni for writing!  Stay in touch! Sharon

Sharon, why do you think you are getting low sugars? i dont get too many lows....i seem to have figured out my formula for carb to insulin ration at this point. Since i eat very low carb, under 40 grams a day (some days i am higher) it is easier to control. i too didn't mind being on the pump, but i like having the choice now. That was my big thing....instead of being told you have to...now i can choose shots or pump. Do you know what I mean?? i have another type 1 friend and she says she understands...my husband doesn't get it. The things I dont miss with the pump is swimming when i want to. i have two young kids ages 3 and 5 and going to the beach and playing with them is much easier without having the pump strapped to my suit! LOL As you know we will never not be diabetic, but sure I wish there was a cure! i keep doing the ADA walk and raising funds, but no luck yet!! :-) Are you active in your ADA chapter near you?  Jeni

Dear Jeni, To answer the 1st question: I have been adding exercise, just walking, into my daily routine at least 5 days/week.  I know this is one reason why I'm running low.  I just hit my 1st weightloss goal as well & am now under 200 lbs.  Yeah!!!  But as I lose more, I will have to re-adjust my insulin, but as you know, some of it is a guessing game.  So, that's my explanation.   No, I am not active w/ADA, but do donate whenever I can.  I have never participated in any type of fund-raising walk YET.  If the opportunity presents itself, I may consider.  Since I've only started walking & don't know what to expect, it's kinda scary for me.   and lastly...my insulin pump is waterproof.  So, I do wear it swimming & in the shower, although I can also take it off for a few if I want to.   Good luck with everything!  It sounds like you're really doing well.

Sounds like the excersize will do it....but good for you for adding walking!! That is great news.....and YEHAAAAAAAA for your first goal under 200. That is even better news!! Good for you!! jeni

In your post you said you were type 1 diabetic and had tests to prove it, I was wondering what type of tests do you have to show that you are a type 1?  I was diagnosed with type 2 June 5, 1998, 2 months after I turned 30! The day after Christmas 2001 I ended up in ICU for Keoacidosis so because of  that they told me I was a type 1 Diabetic. In 2003 and 2004 I had 2 miscarriages and I was put on a PUMP (best thing ever) June 2, 2005 I had a healthy baby girl.  I started this Journey June 11, 2008 and the Dr. doing the informational asked me if my Endo. did any tests to prove I am a type 1........I was shocked.  I told him I had Ketoacidosis. He told me not to wait  and have the surgery cause I will benifit from it.       WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS????

Hi xcasnox,

The test was done by my endocronologist i am not sure of the name, but i will find out when i see her again next month. i too was diagnosed late in life. at 34 with type 2, however they said type 2 cause they didn't have anyother way to describe me. i was older, but had lost a lot of weight. i had all the syptoms of a type 1 but because i was older they said i was type 2. well, i went on insulin right away after being diagnosed. then the pump...fantastic! then my current endo said why are you a type 2? I said i have no idea i think i am type 1 she said lets do some tests. (they were blood tests) she said yup....type 1. VSG and WLS really has a major positive effect on diabetes. my surgery saved my life of that i am certain!! Good luck to you...jeni

Hi Sharon, I have type II diabetes, insuling dependent, byetta, and oral actoplusmet. Surgars are still not anywhere near controlled, discussed the pump,  but I am trying for surgery first.  I was suppose to have RNY on the 2nd, but was sent home from the hospital due to blood in my urine, now I have to  see a urologist.  I was dissappointed to say the least that my surgery was cancelled.  Good Luck on your surgery,  Keep in tourch and let me know how you are doing.