HELP!!!!!!!!!

I am a type 1 diabetic on an insulin pump. I knew that I would face different problems than others, and I asked my surgeon what I would do if I got hypo, and he said it wouldn't be a problem. I did not ask him specific questions about how he intended to handle my case differently than others. I'm still pre-op, but I go back to him this Friday (Oct. 8, 2004) having finished all of my pre op testing. Give me some specific questions that I need to ask him. PUHLEASE!!!!!!

Dear Jeannie, 1. Does the hospital have specific protocols for insulin (i.e. shots versus IV insulin drip?) 2. Will your diet (nutritional) requirements be different because you are insulin dependant? 3. Will your diabetes specialist (endrocronologist or personal physician) be part of the team and check you daily? (they may be much better at checking your blood sugar readings and acting appropriately) 4. If there are complications will you stay on the surgical floor or be moved to a diabetes floor. ( I found that being moved to the diabetes floor was much better because my diabetes was the focus of concern and effected everything.) Good luck to you !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerely, Carol (also, something I did not do or ask- will your blood sugar be monitored before, during or immediately after surgery)

Hi, I had open RNY in March and because my blood sugar was a little erratic, they kept me in the ICU unit for 4 days, which was fine with me, 1 on 1 care, in my opinion was best for me. They used the dextrose in the IV if my sugar went low. BUT most of the time it was on the high side. I also monitored my blood sugar and let the nurses know what it was to relay the info to the endocronologist. I had no complications during my stay or now and my insulin requirements dropped in half. I also use a pump and my basal is 1 unit per hr and about 25 units of boluses thru out the day/night. Good luck and ask your surgeon if he has any Type 1 patients you can talk. There are not too many of "us" out there, so its good to keep in touch! If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me. Wendy 275/194/150

I am pre op but I can tell you that every other type 1 I spoke to told me to make sure the surgeon and the endo you are using are in contact - they should be working together for a successful outcome the first few days. Unless your surgeon is versed in handling type 1 diabetes. Good Luck, Nancy

I would have a precription for the injectable Glucagon in case you are too low, and cannot get in anything by mouth. It is an injectable glucose and good to have on hand in case of emergencies. Denise

Make sure that your endo knows about the wls. Mine is sending a letter to the surgeon on how to care for me. But she also gave me explicit insturctions on how to discontinue my pump the night before surgery adn to take Lantis to carry me over through the next day.

Amy, I was on on clear liquids for 24 hr before surgery, so my insulin requirements were quite low, but some drs just say nothing after midnight and why your endo is having you disconnect the night before. I'm on a pump too and I kept mine own until they wheeled me in for anesthesia on surgery day. I also checked my blood sugar before going in and I preferred to stay alittle higher than norm for the AM surgery. (155) I was afraid of it going low during surgery, it didn't, but nerves sometimes makes my blood sugar drop. Best of luck for your upcoming surgery, Wendy 275/193.5/150

Hey Wendy! Thanks for the information...I"m not sure - she said that the best thing would be for me to stay on my pump the whole time but with lower basal, but that the surgeon probably wouldn't let me since my tummy was where it was all taking place... Did you put your pump back on after you woke up from surgery? I'd like to present her and the surgeon with a few different scenarios because I feel "naked" without my pump! I would feel in much better control if I had it and could choose what to have happen. How was yours handled? Thanks again Wendy! You are a great help to me as we both have the pump. Also - congrats on the great losses girl!!!!

Hi girls. I'm on a pump too and really appreciate all the shared information. My surgery will probably be coming up soon. (just waiting for the date). Please keep updating on your progress! Thanks. Janel Jeannie-What did the doc say on Friday??