Hi!  I am a type 1 diabetic and I have been on an insulin pump since 1983.  Over the past several years, I have gained a great deal of weight and, of course, the amount of insulin that I need to survive had increased to over 100 units a day.  I was having difficulty with my blood pressure and cholestrol.  I did a great amount of research on all different types of weight loss surgeries and decided on the gastric bypass first due to the fact that my insurance would cover the cost and second that many type 1 diabetics had had success with this surgery.

I had my surgery on January 27th.  All went well.  I was back to work within a week.  I am still on my insulin pump, but only a basal rate which has been substantially decreased.  I take 2 units an hour and reduce to 1.5 units during the night.  I take no more boluses and I feel great.  I am currently taking half of the medication for my high blood pressure and hopefully by the beginning of May, I will no longer have to take any.  I am no longer taking any medication for my cholesterol.

It has been 2-1/2 months since my surgery and I have lost 42 lbs.  I have gone from a Size 24 to a Size 20 and I am exercising regularly at the gym. 

In the beginning, I had several episodes with low blood sugars only in the morning.  I would drink a small glass of milk and within about 15 minutes my blood sugars were back to a normal level.  Prior to breakfast, I have my liquid multivitamin and calcium.  For breakfast, I have a protein shake, mid morning snack, I have cheese or yogurt.  For lunch, I have tuna or chicken or cottage cheese.  In the afternoon, I have a protein bar and at dinner, I have chicken, turkey, shrimp or crab.  I do eat a snack before bed, usually a piece of cheese or some ricotta cheese.  I have not been able to add vegetables to my diet yet.  I am full when I am done and cannot get any more food down.

I don't feel that having this surgery with the diabetes has made me feel anything but "normal."   It is about feeling healthy and happy both phsyically, emotionally and spiritually.  I have a wonderful support system.  My husband has been on a diet with me prior to my surgery and he has lost 25 lbs. and my best friend has also been on a diet with me and both of them are extremely supportive and always complimentary.  It is about being positive and knowing that the decision that you make for yourself is the right one.

If you have any other questions, write me.  Good luck!

I am not sure how to handle it ... however we have discussed it with the nutriionist and she said that the glucose gel would work.    I suggest once you start the pre-op work up ask your nutritionist and doctor they should be able to help

Good Luck
Gloria

I have not had surgery yet but I do have a question.  I am not diabetic but I do have reactive hypoglycemia.  I have had it for many years.  For no good reason my blood glucose level will drop into the 50's and I have to try to eat something to bright it back up.  How do you guys manage this problem after WLS?

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Thanks for thiis informative article.

God Bless You,
Angela