Question:
Are there any specific complications or problems for an Insulin Requiring Diabetic?

I am worried about diet, being able to eat enough required for the Insulin, etc. Does the diabetes improve post surgery? What are the surgical and post surgical risks?    — TRACI M. (posted on August 28, 2002)

August 28, 2002
Traci, I was taking as many as 6 injections per day to control? my diabetes prior to surgery. I put a question mark because even with the insulin injections AND oral medications, my blood glucose was nowhere close to being controlled. I had WLS for EXACTLY that reason. I didn't want to die from diabetes complications. Well, about four months post op, I was no longer insulin dependent. Today I only have to take 500 mg. of glucophage, and soon I will not even need that. As far as any special considerations, your doctor should be prepared to provide insulin based on your BG readings while in the hospital. Depending on how much you can eat, and what you eat post-op, you will probably not need insulin much longer post-op. While in the hospital, if they check your BG often enough and provide insulin as necessary, you shouldn't have any trouble healing. I didn't really heal any more slowly than most patients even though my diabetes had been out of control for at least 6 months prior to surgery. To me the RNY is the bet thing a diabetic can do to allieviate their diabetes. Try not to worry too much, you should be fine. Best wishes, Maria
   — Maria H.

August 28, 2002
Your pcp should monitor your blood sugar levels--mine was so out of whack-- but now I am one month post op I have stopped my injections sugar levels are normal
   — Linda L.

August 28, 2002
Hi Tracy! I was taking 4 pills a day for diabetes and 60 units of insulin a night. I am 4 and a half months post-op and am on NO medications or insulin. My sugars are normal. Praise God! I still monitor my blood sugar and it was 98 this morning. I feel Great! I am down 96 pounds. Take care and God bless. Lots of love and hugs, Amy
   — Amy H.

August 28, 2002
Tracy, Because you have diabetes, you will be at higher risk for post operative complications such as slow wound healing and infection. But, your surgeon knows that you are at higher risk and he will watch you closely. There area also a few other things that he will watch you for. As far as your insulin goes, if you are a diebetic since childhood, you will probably continue to need some insulin, but your blood sugars will be much better controled and the diabetes will be causing much less damage to your body. IF you arre an adult onset diabetic, and your diabetes is due mostly to your weight, there is a very good chance that you can come off of all of your diebetic medications. Good Luck to you. Good communication with your doctors and monitoring of your blood sugar post operatively is a key to success!!
   — Vicki L.