Question:
Has any Type II diabetics lost wt in the pre-op phase and come off all diabetes meds?

My Blue Cross requires me to lose 10% of my body weight prior to approval. My weight loss has caused changes in my blood sugar levels and my doc has d/c the Januvia and decreased metformin to 500 mg once daily. They are talking about the prospects of d/c all meds. I want to know if anyone has experienced this successfully. I am concerned that these improvements will not be long term but I won't discover it until after I have decided not to have RNY. What do you think/know about this?    — tillmacc (posted on April 13, 2009)

April 13, 2009
I had been a Type II diabetic about 3 years prior to RNY last year. Pre-op I was taking Actos and Metformin at highest doses possible but had a gycated hemaglobin(Hgb A1C) of 5.9 which is good. I stopped both meds completely one week prior to surgery and have not needed to take them since. My surgeon told me the way the gut is re-routed and the way my natural insulin is absorbed is different so I am no longer considered a diabetic. ALL my labs have been great. I have known patients several years post-op that have had problems again with their glucose levels but they also did not adhere to the proper diet and exercise. There is a good possiblity that you may never need to take the meds again. Everyone is different but if you follow your MD's instructions you have a good change of being medicine free when it comes to your diabetes. Best of luck to you!
   — AuntPamcakes4six

April 13, 2009
My main reason for choosing RNY is for the great results it has in eliminating diabetes post op. My question is about PRE-surgery weight loss and diabetes meds, not post op. Does anyone know about that?
   — tillmacc

April 13, 2009
I would be interested in answers to this. Relatedly, what if losing 10% of your weight does get red of your diabetes... will the insurance then refuse to cover you because that co-morbidity is no longer an issue?
   — Chanteuse

April 14, 2009
I was type 2 diabetic for 17 years prior to my surgery. I am 8 months out and have been off insulin for 5 months. I was taking 5 shots of insulin a day for 7 years. I was a unbeliver also. but its true. I also dont know how long I will be insulin free, but everyday is a celabration. Not having to take shots is the best thing to happen to me. Good luck to you!
   — eileen.m.gauntt

April 15, 2009
I am pre-op and doing a high Protein- low carb diet. I stay under 50 carbs daily with 70-120 grams Protein. Hoping to have surgery in the Fall 2009 or sooner. I am Type 2 diabetic and on an insulin pump. I also take glucatrol. The 3 months I have followed a high Protein- low carb diet ..I have lost 30 lbs and my daily insulin requirements have dropped from 150 to 40 and my sugar is better controlled now than ever before. For the first time ever my cholestrerol and trigycerides are NORMAL! I am praying that after surgery I will be off all my diabetic meds and insulin. Some are... some are not. I wish everyone a successful and healthy Weight Loss Surgery Journey. God Bless You, Angela http://www.AngelasJournal.com
   — Angela Goode