Question:
Question for diabetics/post-op

I'm pre-op and got really bummed out the other day. I had an appt. with my endocrinologist, who is all for the surgery, but she said that I shouldn't expect to lose a lot of weight (meaning to goal) and that it would be very slow because I am a diabetic. I am type II and would love to hear how many diabitics out there reached their goal (or even just close to it). I don't want to feel defeated even before I start!    — Kathy S. (posted on November 8, 2002)

November 8, 2002
Obviously not familiar with the RNY. ME? Type 2 since 1985 on several pills a day pre op lost aLL the weight most in 6 months since I am male we loose fast. Preop 313 post ob 183. I feel GREAT and my diabetes is MUCH better, off all prescription drugs. Cholestrol dropped from 275 to 143. Relax the doc doesnt know how surgery really effects us.
   — bob-haller

November 8, 2002
I am also type II diabetic and still using some insulin post-op, even though my readings are almost normal. I am almost 5 weeks post-op and down 41 lbs.! Doesn't seem slow so far!!
   — Want2bslim

November 8, 2002
I am (was?) a Type II diabetic that took Glucotrol XL prior to surgery, but nothing after. Last HgA1C was 5.2. JR (open RNY 07/17 -108 lbs)
   — John Rushton

November 8, 2002
Type II here also. Surgery on 05/13/02 down 95 pounds.
   — Sharon H.

November 8, 2002
Open RNY 5/9/02 Down 121 from 308 to 188lbs BMI 45.5 before 27.7 now HbA1C 7.8 on Glucophage/actos/mironase Now AbA1C 4.7 on NOTHING since surgery! While the "expected" loss is 70% of excess weight how far you go is entirely up to you! P.S. I'm a doc too and this yours is full of HooHa!
   — DrQ

November 8, 2002
VBG Surgery 9/16/02, post op and post diabetic, stage II. Pre op,took Glucotrol daily and HGA1C was 8.5. While in the hospital I received insulin the first two days then it leveled off. I have not been on medication ( glucotrol, dioxin, celebrex and a fluid pill) since the day I left the hospital. Just yesterday I received my blood work and my HGA1C was 5.2. My Cholestrol dropped from 264 to 177, glucose 14.2, which is excellant for a woman. But,BEST OF ALL I'VE LOST 55 POUNDS. Feel free to pass this on, "NOT TOO SHABBY, DOC" Good Luck
   — June S.

November 8, 2002
I was told by my surgeon that a diabetic may lose more slowly but they have a longer window of opportunity for losing weight than non-diabetics (he didn't give # of months, but I was thinking maybe 2 yr instead of 1 1/2 yr?) I was on 3 kinds of insulin pre-op and haven't taken a shot since leaving the hospital (open RNY 9-12-02). I was taking 2000 mg of Glucophage daily pre-op and now take 1500 mg, with other pills to drop as I continue losing weight. So far I've lost 50 lbs, which I DON'T consider to be losing slowly! :)
   — Kathy B.

November 8, 2002
hi Kathy- I have had type 2 DM since 1999, on glucophage, glucotrol, amaryl, etc. I took my last diabetic pill the day before my open RNY 7/1/02....down 85 lbs thusfar, NO PROBLEMS and my Sept HbA1C was 4.3!!! No more hypertension meds, or arthritis meds either. My PCP is astounded- I am just happy.
   — Karen N.

November 8, 2002
I think your endocronologist needs to read up a little more on the surgery. Mine not only recommended I should have it but also told me it was the best thing I could do for myself..and he was right! With diabetes out of control and on the road towards insulin because the pills weren't working I forged ahead with the surgery. Well..I started at 280 and had Open RNY 10/1...I healed beautifully and so far, 5 weeks later have lost 40 pounds..not slow..and I DO plan on reaching my goal of 135!! Haven't taken anything for my TypeII Diabetes since surgery..or high blood pressure either..also stopped the celebrex...I feel GREAT! My sugar NEVER goes past 95..day or nite..when your sugar is stable and not bouncing around hi and low..you give your body the best opportunity to lose weight..You can and WILL do it!! Good Luck!!
   — Holly K.

November 11, 2002
Hi Kathy, I agree with the rest of the posters! I personally do NOT have DM, but my husband DID. (note the past tense) He was on two different sugar pills, and since wls has not had any! His sugar is normal now! Labs came back "non diabetic" level. His accu-check never is over 90, and it was well over 200 and sometimes 300. He had wls on April 30 this year, and lost 100 lbs in 6 mo. No more sugar problems for him!
   — Tammy .

November 12, 2002
I agree with what everyone has said so far. I just had my surgery on 9-23-02 and haven't taken my diabetes meds since the day before my surgery. Also I have already lost 45.5lbs so I have to really disagree completely with your endocrinologist. Good luck!
   — Rebekah A.

November 12, 2002
Type 2 here 3 weeks post op...down 30 lbs, required insulin for 2 days post op, since then all bllod sugar readings are normal and I am no longer considered diabetic. Good luck!
   — Linda 1.

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