Question:
How does the reduced in take of food affect Diabetics?

   — Sandra W. (posted on December 15, 2001)

December 15, 2001
Well, it had a positive effect on me. At 3-4 months post-op I was able to stop taking insulin completely. Since then I've cut way back on all my oral meds and, in fact, I only have to take one 1000mg. Glucophage tablet a day. Just make sure that what you do eat is balanced (Don't completely cut out carbs) and that you eat the number of times per day you are supposed to. I would carry around a snack in case your blood glucose levels get too low, and make sure to check your blood sugar levels frequently, at least at first. You will eventually learn how the decreased amount of food will affect you and your doc can help you adjust your meds accordingly. Good luck! Maria
   — Maria H.

December 15, 2001
85% of type 2s are cured, that is off all meds including insulin and pills. Check my profile, I dropped glucophage immediately after surgery, because of eating so little, and the amaryl stopped soon therafter. My PCP worked closely with me and I monitored my sugars daily.
   — bob-haller

December 15, 2001
I was diagnosed with type 2 during pre-op testing. Haven't taken any of the meds (oral) since the night before surgery, 7 months ago, and my blood sugars are in the completely normal range. Plus I'm eating a lot more than I did right after surgery. I guess the weight loss makes your body use its natural insulin more efficiently. I have a relative who also had the surgery and has type 2 but was on insulin. She also is off all meds at this point. I've been told it's the closest thing they've got to a cure (although of course there is no actual cure). I'm considering myself in remission at least!
   — Mary Ellen W.

December 15, 2001
I am also type 2 diabetic. Before surgery, I was on 8 oral meds a day. I was on amaryl, avandia and glucophage. While in the hospital, they monitored my sugars 3x a day, and gave me insulin shots if needed. Before getting out, my internist took me off everything but 2 glucophage tabs a day (1700mg). Thats 8 1/2 weeks ago, and Im down to one pill a day. The avandia and amaryl gives us the lows we cant afford having after surgery. The glucophage makes our bodies absorb the insulin our bodies make, easier. With the small amounts of food were eating, our bodies work much better since were eating the way we were supposed to, but, couldnt control. Its a Godsend! I, for the life of me, could NOT get my eating under control. Thats what made me decide to get the surgery... diabetic control and healthiness.
   — Kerry P.

December 15, 2001
Hi! I totally understand your concerns with the effects the surgery will have on your blood sugar level, I was worried too...The day before my surgery my blood sugar was 218 which had become "normal" for me. While in the hospital my blood sugar level was monitored every eight hours and within two days was down to 98. It has been between 80 and 110 ever since! This surgery was a miracle for me.
   — vbenedict0208