looking for help from Type 1 Diabetics

Hello.. I am new here and in dire need of help from type 1 diabetics who have many health risks and have had WLS... I have been type 1 for 24 yrs. In the last 10 yrs I have had 2 back surgeries, now have fibromyalgia, degenerative disk disease, arthritis, tendonitis, migraines, depression, anxiety, heart arrhythmia, on the edge of high blood pressure and also have high cholesteral. I am on about 6 or 7 medds and also on humulin N and Humalog.. I am also a smoker, and yea i know it is very risky, but I am very depressed, and miserable.. I have dealt with weight issues my entire life. I have 2 friends that just went through with Gastric bypass surgery and I am really thinknig this is what I need. BUT... I am scared to death because I have so many health risks already and affraid I wont make it thru surgery.. Any help from any TYPE 1 DIABETICS is greatly appreciated!!!!

Hello!

I am a Type 1 and I had Gastric on July 21, 2008.  I was on a insulin pump prior to the surgery...my average dose of insulin was 150 units of insulin a day.  Today I am pump free and down to 28 units of Lantus a day.  I also take anywhere from 4-8 units of Novolog as well if needed a day.  I was planning on having Lap-Band at first because I was terrified of the risks of Gastic Bypass...but when I saw a different surgeon for a second opinion, I then decided that Gastric was the way for me.  I am so happy I got the surgery....it was a rocky start at first...I got pnemonia right after surgery and I have had a few problems with keeping some food down...but I have NO regrets...the surgery gave me a second chance at life.

Please let me know if you have any questions...or just need some support.  It was the hardest decision I have ever made...and it was scary to do....but it is worth it.

Have you meet with any surgeons yet?

My 19yo daughter had RNY 6/6. She has been type I since 5 yo, and type II additionally (insulin resistant) for a couple of years. High A1c, high blood sugars, high insulin levels - up to 200 units a day. Anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain. She had several complications post surgery, but would still tell you that she is glad she had the surgery. Type II gone immediately, and type I sooooooo much better; down to 15 units basal a day. A1c 5.9. Due to complications (hospital, transfusions, blockage, feeding tube) she is behind in her recovery, but time will take care of that. I want her to have the best chance at life while she is still young, so supported her decision. After finally seeing her begin to recover, I also feel it was a good decision. Let me know if there are any more questions. I understand your caution. Sounds like you are realistic about what lies ahead. Holly

hi my name is Ashley and i was diagnosed type one diabetic when i was ten years old. i am thinking of an surgery but cant decide your daughter had the bypass about year ago how is she feeling now. would you recommend to anyone to do it. 

Hello Ashley,

My daughter is now 19, soon to be 20.  She had initial weight loss, but not nearly as much as
she had hoped.  Insulin seems to have slowed things, in addition to causing hunger.  Correcting
lows causes hunger.  A difficult complication.  She is still way ahead of the game, and we are very glad she had the WLS.  Complications cleared up, but really slowed things down.  She didn't get the honeymoon period most people get, where there is a huge loss the first 6 months.  All in all she has lost about 65 lbs, gone from a size 18 to a 14.  She looks like a million bucks.  Still wants to lose another 40, someday.  She got poor medical treatment post-op, followed by complications, and poor advice.  Don't make those mistakes.  Read this site, learn.  Be careful.

Yes, she would do it again - tho she hearly died.  But pre-surgery she felt like she was dying too, with little hope.  Now she is feeling better (not great; low energy), working, going out, shopping for clothes.  Could be better, but was a lot worse beforehand.  We wish you all the best.  It is hard
as hell, work-work-work, not an easy ride at all.  But worth it.  Just a tool - how you use it is up to you.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT. ISNT IT BETTER TO DO THE  LAPBEND TO NOT HAVE SO MANY COMPLICATIONS AFTERWARDS.   WHO ADJUSTS HER INSULINE LEVELS AFTER SURGERY?  HOW WOULD I KNOW HOW MUCH INSULINE TO TAKE AFTER THE SURGERY.   CAN YOU RECOMMEND ME A DIETICIAN WHO WOULD TELL ME HOW TO TAKE THE PROTEIN DRINKS WHAT TO EAT AFTER THE SURGERY OR THE LAPBEND.  I AM GOING TO GO TO SEE MY PRIMARY DOCTOR TOMORROW FOR AN AUTHORIZATION FOR THE PROCEDURE TOMORROW.

Ashley, your doctor will refer you to a WL surgeon, who will require you to see a nutritionist.  They will give you all the information about diet, vitamins, etc.  Your surgeon will give you specific information on vitamins and protein requirements, depending on your surgery.  You will have lots of support, information and resources.  You may even have to go to a class, or seminar first.

The surgeon recommended gastric bypass for my daughter because she has diabetes.  Band weight loss is very slow.  Bypass eliminates the part of the digestive track that processed sugar, which really helps diabetics. You can't process it so it makes you "dump", which my daughter counted on to keep her on track.  It causes you to avoid sugars and white carbs - a good thing.
(my daughter went in for band, but changed the plan).

Your diabetes doctor will give you an insulin plan for the days before surgery and afterwards.  Lows were corrected easily with %100 pure (no sugar added) fruit juice.  Very little, if any, insulin is needed as you are pretty  much fasting.  You add insulin as you add food. 

Protein drinks are easy: divide up as you can only obsorb 30 grams max of protein at one time.
It would all depend upon your type of surgery. 

You won't have to figure any of this out yourself.  It is all presented to you, and supported along the way.  You will have your surgeon, a nutritionist, and your diabetes doctor.  Hope this reassures you.  Glad to help.  Best wishes