Question:
How is the healing process for diabetics with the Open RNY?

I was all geared for having my surgery done laporascopically since my understanding is that it is better for healing in a diabetic. Unfortunately, due to my insurance, I must go to a hospital that is not equipped for Lap surgery and I am very concerned. I am on insulin 3x a day, taking 112 units per day, plus other medications. I really would appreciate some feedback. My surgery is scheduled for March 10, 2003.    — Elana L. (posted on February 16, 2003)

February 16, 2003
<font face "Script"> I am also diabetic and wanted my surgery done as lap rny, but my insurance sent me to a surgeon in the network that only does open rny. I have not had my surgery yet, but after talking to my surgeon I feel that the healing is about the same, and lots of times your diabetes goes into recession, not always, but my surgeon seems to feel that there will be no problem with the open and the diabetes. Hope this helps
   — cindy

February 16, 2003
I, too, am a diabetic. I had Open RNY on 9-12-02. I have had NO problems with my healing! The coolest thing is that, since leaving the hospital on 9-17, I have not had to take ANY insulin (I was on 3 shots a day, 72 units altogether) and am now down to 1 Glucophage (instead of 4) a day! My blood sugars are better now than they were before surgery... I have no regrets at having had the Open procedure.
   — Kathy B.

February 16, 2003
I have Type 1 diabetes, so I will always need to take insulin. However, the best advice I can give you is to get your blood sugars under the best control you can before you have your surgery. It is not diabetes itself that causes problems with healing. It is having high blood sugars. I insisted on having an endocrinologist monitoring my blood sugars post op and prescribing insulin for me then. I have had experience with the hospitalists (docs who have a specialty of seeing hospitalized patients only) not prescribing enough insulin to keep me in control. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you will almost certainly be able to get off insulin and as you lose weight, you may be able to get off any meds completely. However, that does not mean you are cured of diabetes. It merely means that you are controlling it with diet and exercise. Please make sure post op that your A1C is tested a couple of times a year and don't throw away your meter. It would still be a good idea to monitor your blood sugars periodically, just to stay on top of things.
   — garw

February 16, 2003
Forgot to add that my initial surgery was done lap. I had to have a second surgery 2 months later due to problems with the first procedure. I didn't really notice much difference, as far as blood sugar levels go, between the two.
   — garw

February 16, 2003
I was very much afraid of the healing process also. I had no problems at all and I was on a similar regimen of insulin and meds prior to my surgery which was 2/22/02. I had no problems with infections. I do know a couple of folks who did, so it is not gauranteed that you will not. Just be sure to monitor your incision closely and report back to your dr if you experience any redness that is also hot or oozing. Remember your drs will be able to treat any infections that do result so relax and be confident that this surgery is well worth any risks of infections. I have been totally med free for over 6 months now and soon you will be too. Best of luck to you.
   — SARose61

February 17, 2003
Elana I was taking 160 units a day before my WLS I have lost 100 pds and am almost at my goal. I do not take anything now and my sugar is perfectly normal. I healed good too and got along wonderful after my surgery Shirley
   — Shirley F.