Lap Band Surgery on May 11

Hello - I am getting ready to have lap band surgery on May 11 in Mexico. My BMI is 33 but my diabetes is starting to take a huge toll on my body. I don't take insulin yet but I am on high does of actos (45 mg) and metformin (2000), along with vasotech and lipitor. My blood sugars are still high at 250 - 350 every day. Doc wants me to go off all meds and start insulin. Doc and I are both hoping the lap band surgery will make a difference with my diabetes. After surgery, appromimately how long before I will be able to cute off or at least decrease my meds? I will be watchful of my blood sugars but would like some idea as to waht to look for afterwards. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks so much! Sherry

I was off ALL Lipid medicines as soon as I left the hospital. I took one 500/5 Gluvance in the morning, got off Actos which wrecked havok with my appetite. Walk, Walk, Walk. As soon as you can at 6 weeks, start at a gym. I live in the beautiful redwoods in the Central Coast of CA and also have a home in Yosemite. My surgery was a year ago May, so by the time I was healed from my surgery it was summer, and off I went. By August I was walking a 5k marathon, and was off ALL medicines for diabetes, BP, GERD, etc. I only took an allergy pill. And I was down 40 lbs, Now I'm down 80 lbs and walking a marathon this Sunday. Blood sugars stay below 120 - I take them once a week. Good luck, and keep in touch. You'll do fine. You won't lose weight as fast as an RNY nor get off your meds as fast, but your rate will be a lot healthier.

Thanks Barb! Your info has helped me!

Sherry, congratulations your date next week......good luck! I'm wondering why your dr would want you off meds and on insulin though? With meds or insulin after surgery, you would have to be monitored by your endocronologist, especially the first 6 wks after your WLS to determine what you need. Keep a journal of your blood sugars/food will help. I don't know too much about the statistics on lapband and diabetes, but I'm sure your diabetes will be more controlled and even eliminated with less weight. Barb, wanted to say congratulations on your success......WOW 5K walking marathon is a terrific accomplishment......you inspire me!! Good Luck. Take care, Wendy 278/188/150

Thanks Wendy! My family doctor wanted me to go off all meds and start insulin before I scheduled the surgery. Now that surgery is scheduled, he doesn't want me to change anything right now. I was just very curious and wanted some idea of how long it would take to get off the meds completely. I know I will have to keep a close eye on my blood sugar after surgery. I would like to be med-free as soon as I can but I won't put my health in harms way. I can't wait to start losing... I have been stuck at this weight for a while. I am constantly on a low-carb diet and I exercise every day. I just need a little more help and I hope that Lap band is the answer. Thanks again! Sherry

I also had diabetes for over 30 years. Had lapband a little over 2 years ago.I was on 2000mg of metiforim a day + glyburide 10a day. I am happy to say now I am on 5mg of glyburide a day. and the way things are going will soon be on less. My A1C were over 10 and now a 6.2. take your sugars levels daily and work with you Dr. and you will be amazed at the lower levels you will be at. Congards on you surgery and I wish you well.

I'm also wondering about lap band and type II diabetes. With a BMI between 30 and 33 the weight itself doesn't call for bariatric surgery, but with diabetes for 15 years (most of that time out of control) I think it's time to think about some help to lose the weight. Maybe a lap band? What's the lowest BMI where they'll do a lap band actually? Anyway, did you get the surgery? How's your blood sugars? Thanks!

Marie, I had lap band surgery in Mexico on May 11. My insurance would not pay for it so it cost me $9,200 - that does not include airfare. Most insurance companies say you must have a BMI of 40 or 35 with comorbidities, like diabetes. If you are a self pay, I believe your BMI must be 30 or higher to get the lap band. I have lost 17 pounds since having surgery. My blood sugars are normal or very close to normal, ranging from 90 to 140. This is with NO medication. I was taking a lot of diabetes meds before surgery. I have had 2 fills and am at 7 cc's in my VG band, which holds 10 cc's. I feel so much better! I wish I would have done this several years ago. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself! Sherry