Question:
Searching for people who had the surgery who are Type 1 Diabetics. How did it affec

How did it having the surgery affect your sugar levels? Highs/Lows? Insulin needs?    — wwalker (posted on February 8, 2006)

February 8, 2006
I am not diabetic but I did glance over the diabeties forum board. Try going there- you may find more helpful information.
   — ppaige

February 8, 2006
Let me tell you it has been a battle! I have been insulin dependent for 17 years, diagnosed at 16, when I had my surgery. I have been on an insulin pump for the past 5 years. I suffered with some pretty severe insulin resistance prior to Lap RNY that I had on July 26th of this year. My daily totals of insulin went from about 95 units to about 30 in a matter of weeks. All well and good, however, on an almost daily basis, I had to "adjust" my basal rate (the amount I was receiving from my pump on a continual basis). Needless to say, that was not always effective, since I would only know it needed to be adjusted when I had a pretty brutal insulin attack. My husband has had to call 911 at least 4 times since surgery. One time when they came to revive me, my blood sugar was 10! It is pretty scary. Just last night, I checked by BG before dinner and it was 59, so I didn't take any insulin. I ate dinner (a 3"x3" square of mexican lasagna) and cleaned the kitchen. A couple hours later, I went upstairs to change into my pjs and apparently passed out, because the next thing I remember is my husband shoving glucose tablets into my mouth and yelling at me to chew. My BG was so low that it would not register on my meter. My best advice is to talk to your endocrinologist. I have an appointment today and I'm going to suggest that I get off the pump. I was taking 4 shots a day before I went on the pump and even if I have to go back to taking shots, I will most likely need only 2, which is a heck of a lot better than dying. If you want to talk more one-on-one, you can email me off list [email protected]. I'm a relatively new post-op, but I feel like I've learned a ton in the 6 months since surgery. Good luck! Pam
   — stargazer12472

February 9, 2006
I am on an insulin pump. Rarely do I have to give myself a bolus. I'm using less than 20 units per day. I am assuming it is because I am eating almost no carbohydrates at all. I had a few lows in the beginning because my basal rate was too high - so I just adjusted it down and now it's much better. It is kind of difficult to get it into just the right range - but an endocrinologist can help you a great deal. Best of luck!
   — kkv11870

February 9, 2006
I am not diabetic, but have read lots about the Duodenal Switch (DS) and it's use in Europe to cure diabetes. I'm not sure if this is Type 1 or Type 2. Most patients (I'm assuming these are Type 2) who have the DS leave the hosptial not needing their meds, those who are still on them usually are off in a very short period of time. Rarely, does the DS not cure diabetes. You can find out a lot more by going to www.duodenalswitch.com. Know your options!
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 12, 2006
I was taking insulin for over ten years. Statistics show that about 70% of diabetics are outright cured with RNY. I was not cured, but I no longer need medication for the diabetes.
   — Novashannon

February 13, 2006
Wendy, I've been Type 1 Diabetic for almost 12 yrs, on the pump for about 4 yrs. I'll be 2 yrs PO next month, had lost 100 lbs, now regained 15 lbs, but am happy with my decision to have had RNY. My insulin requirements went from over 100 units of Humalog, to an average of 50 units. You need an endocronologist alot the first year to adjust your requirements of insulin due to diet changes. A nutritionist has helped me tremendously with carb counting, a definite must. Please feel free to e-mail privately. Its very important for Type 1'ers to keep in contact, not many of us out there! Pamela, I wanted to respond to your post with the low blood sugars, I've had several episodes as well, (2) 9-1-1 calls getting down to a low of 15! So I can relate to your situation. The glucose gel is better for those extreme lows, as well as getting a Glucugon for emergency situations. Please keep in touch.....my e-mail is morris119 @ yahoo. com. Continued success with the weightloss. 3/15/04 278/190/150
   — SJWendy