one less diabetic

i had my 1st pos-op appointment today.  Things have gone fairly well, so i expexcted a nice visit.  I'm down 13 lbs from my pre-op appointment, so that was satisfying.  The best part was showing Dr. Gazmuri and Nancy my AM/PM blood sugar readings since i've been home.  i've been without insulin for the last 5 days.... and today they told me i didn't need to check my finger sticks anymore.  In his medical opinion - i am NOT A DIABETIC anymore!!!!!!!!!!

my dream has come true just 9 days out.  The weight loss is just a fun extra bonus from here on out.  What a wonderful feeling!!!

I wish you all the same!

Great Job!!! You must be so happy! I would be.  My question to u is "How long were you a Diabetic" Type1 or type2?  I am scheduled for the RNY on Dec. 17th.  I was diagnosed when I turned 30, then December 26, 2001 I was admitted to the Hospital with KETOACIDOSIS, then labeled a type1 diabetic. I am on an insulin pump now. My A1C as of Nov. 24th was 7.2.

That is so great!! I can just imagine how that felt to hear it. I'm type 2 diabetic and those are my dream words to hear :)

Wow Sue, that is my goal too.  I am type 2 diabetic for 12 years.  I just had my sugrgery one week ago tomorrow.  Haven't had to take any med's since the night before surgery.  Just monitoring the levels right now and making sure it doesn't go over 200.  When I see my regular doctore this Friday, we will go over the readings.  If they are too high I might have to take a low dose to get me by the next few weeks.  But either way I am SO excited as I was taking 2 oral med's twice a day and 2 shots a day of Byetta and right now I'm not taking anything.  Next goal is to get my A1C into the 7's or even 6's.  Losing weight is a GREAT bonus too.  Cindy

I am thrilled for you that your blood sugars are controlled with your weight loss and dietary changes. However, I think it is irresponsible to tell a diabetic, even controlled diabetics, that they don't need to check fingersticks. You should keep the glucometer and just do spot checks, i.e. once or twice monthly and with any illness.

Your diabetes is controlled. It is NOT gone. Diabetes is a progessive disease based on pancreatic beta cell function. Your blood sugars will eventually go back up. Hopefully the weight loss and increased exercise will postpone it a nice long time but know in your heart that diabetes is a lifelong issue.

I have been diabetic, type 2, for 14 years. I came off all my diabetic meds when I came home from the hospital a year ago and remain off them. My A1C was 5.0% last week so I know the joy of feeling better and not having to center life around diabetes. Please just keep a vigilan****ch on your diabetes.

The best way to prevent long term complications of diabetes is to know your blood sugar is controlled.

Congrats, Teresa

I totally agree with TeresaC!  She is absolutely right and shame on the medical professionals who tell you that you are cured.  THERE IS NO CURE FOR DIABETES.  Being off of medication is just that, you are controlled enough to be off medications, but are not cured.  It is insidious, it is progressive.  The reasons why are simple:  Once diagnosed with diabetes there is already about 80% loss of the beta cells.  They NEVER GROW BACK.    If you undergo WLS and have a spontaneous drop in blood glucose levels, it doesn't mean that you are cured.  It means that your diabetes has eased, like a type of remission,  and you are now living better but still only have 20% of the beta cells to live on for the rest of your life.  Eventually those cells start decaying due to disease, disability, injury and a host of all kinds of problems.  But there is NO CURE, only wishful thinking. 

Be proactive about the diabetes!  Do what TeresaC said.  Continue to measure those blood sugar levels on your own, watch your diet and continue to work with a nutritionist.  If you know that your diabetes is due to insulin resistance, talk with your doctor about your future.  Keep that diabetes such that you never have to go on medications again.  There is no cure!

Thats great !! congrats !! How long were you a diabetic ? did you take inulin shots ? Im just wondering , im due for surgery in March and diabetic too hopeing to get rid of it . I have been diabetic for six years and on insulin pills . right now im researching everything to help myself and mostly my family understand things. I do wish you the best in continueing your wght lost and new life. May God Bless and be with you .    Sincerely , Janet mcbride .

Please do yourself a huge favor and research the Duodenal Switch (DS).

Topic: If you are Type 2 and considering WLS... <--link

Come ask questions on the DS board--lots of cured diabetics!

I too am so happy to hear about your diabetes progress. I just had the surgery (LapBand) last week and I'm concerned as to how this will affect my diabetes. I was diagnosed three years ago as Type II, lately, I have not really had an appetite to eat anything, and I have just recently started taking my meds again (Metformin). I would like to know if anyone could tell me as to how they are dealing with their diabetes (if you have had the LapBand surgery) and if there is anything particular I should look at for.