Question:
Can a diabetic lifestyle diet be maintained after WLS?

When I was diagnosed as Type 2 diabetic, the good dr. said first, stop eating sugar and second, cut way back on the carbs and third ...exercise. I've managed to do that, and after a couple of years of the no sugar, no white flour and very few carbs, I find that I really enjoy (really...I do...)the 'diet'. And I have been told that 97% of my diabetic symptoms will eventually disappear after WLS. Fine, but can I still safely adhere to the no sugar, no white flour etc. and still maintain a healthy lifestyle in general? If I had to start eating sugar again, i think that it would just make me sick, it does now, whenever I cheat just a tad every few months. I keep up with s/f protien bars and drinks, but I haven't seen this addressed yet on a long term basis. Thanks for any insight anyone has on this.    — track (posted on August 15, 2003)

August 15, 2003
In one word, ABSOLUTELY!!! The ideal post op diet is very much as you have described. many of us "dump" on sugars so that they should be kept to a minimum and the same as I am sure you know being a diabetic, meaning how carbs relate to sugar. You have a tremendous advatage/ head start by already enjoying this type of diet. best of luck!!
   — Fixnmyself

August 15, 2003
That is pretty much the same diet post-ops use.....you will do great!
   — Saxbyd

August 15, 2003
hi there :) i agree with the previous poster! my brother is diabetic and our diets are very similar but i do think he even allows himself more carbs and sugars than i do, my diet is now very comparable to that of a diabetic, youll do just fine! :) best wishes :)
   — carrie M.

August 16, 2003
Oh my, yes! You just described my food plan to a tee! If you are already doing this, you will do great. Good luck!
   — MomBear2Cubs

August 16, 2003
I am a type one diabetic and find it fairly easy to follow the food plan my doctor suggested after surgery because I basically did it for years before.
   — Lesley T.

August 18, 2003
I got pancreatitis from my diabetes (and high triglycerides), it was so bad. And now, abour 16 months post-op WLS, my type II is pretty much gone. In fact, it is a delicate balancing act between hypoglycemia and dumping for me. I am a sensitive dumper (yea- I think!) and my blood sugars get really low. At least into the low 50's every day. But we are working on that. So maintaining low blood sugar sure isn't a problem for me. This has been the closest thing to a "cure" for diabetes that I could find! Good luck.
   — kultgirl