Question:
Has anyone had WLS who has been diabetic for more than 10 yrs.?

I would really like to hear how having WLS has worked for someone who has been diabetic for more than 10 years. I have heard that WLS doesnt work well on long term diabetics. If anyone has had WLS and was diabetic for that long.. I would really like to know how your doing and if your diabetic anymore. thanks.    — k K. (posted on September 3, 2000)

September 3, 2000
I have been diabetic for about 7 or 8 years now, I am a type two diabetic who was on Glucotrol and a very stricked diet control also,lol yeah right. I have to say since my surgery on August 2, 2000 I am off my Glucotrol and off all my High blood pressure medication. This surgery does work and I wish you the best of luck in your journey!!!
   — Frank R.

September 3, 2000
I believe I was a diabetic longer than actually identified by6 my doctor. Knowinw what I know now I believe I have been in the first stages or 'honeymoon' of diabetes about 10 years ago. I had an open rny 2/2/2000. At that time was on 9 different meds including nightime insullin. nothing made my sugars good...i had begun to lose the feeling in my feet (feels like you have socks on when you're really barefoot). Within two weeks of the surgery my sugar was normal and I was off all meds. I have never looked back. I continue to be normal but my feet feelings have not returned. I do have a problem now with low sugar when I do not have enough protein in me...so it's vital that I eat before excercising or I get real weak and dizzy. The surgery was a miracle in many ways, not the least of them the diabetes going away! I have lost 109 pounds.
   — Shelly G.

September 3, 2000
I have been diagnosed as diabetic for over 20 years, and have been on every medication known to mankind. Prior to my Lap RNY, I was on 108 units of insulin daily, 2 glucophage, 2 avandia and 2 glyburide! And, my diabetes was not in control! I have not been on insulin since my surgery on 05/08/00 and I have lost 68 pounds thus far. Immediately after my surgery, I was only taking 1 glucophage daily. Since integrating most foods back into my diet, my blood glucose levels are slowly rising, although I eat no sugars and very little carbohydrates. My PCP and I are working to try to adjust the oral meds to meet my vascillating blood sugars. I am currently taking 3 glucophage, 2 avandia and 2 glyburides. Although my blood sugars are coming down, it is a difficult process. Since integrating glyburide back into the picture, I have had several instances of extremely low blood sugars. Since I am eating no sugars and little carbs, it is a challenge to manage these lows, but I will prevail!! To make a long story short, not everyone is "cured" of diabetes immediately after the surgery. I am hopeful that I will not have to return to insulin shots, but only time will tell. The other major problem is that most diabetes drugs, especially Avandia, cause weight gain and hunger! That is certainly contrary to WLS and does cause some unique challenges. Hope this helps - best of luck to you!
   — Mari R.

September 4, 2000
Hi. I was diagnosed as a gestational diabetic when I was pregnant with my third son in 1979. I became a "full-fledged" Type II diabetic in 1984 and have been on oral medications to control my diabetes since then. At the time of my wls, (3/8/00) I had been prescribed many different meds to control my diabetes and I was currently on the highest dosage of oral meds that could be prescribed before having to go on insulin. This is one of the main reasons I finally decided to pursue wls. At the time of my surgery, I was on 25 mg of Glucatrol and 30 mg of Prandin a day to control my blood sugar (albeit, not well, I might add,) and I also took Synthroid for hypothyroidism and Zestril to control my high blood pressure. Since my surgery I have not taken ANY medication for my high blood pressure and have recently dropped my meds for my diabetes to ONLY 5 mg of Glucatrol a day. (I still take my Synthroid) I know that there are many wls patients who have not had to take any meds for diabetes following their surgery, but I have had to monitor and adjust my meds little by little since my own. I've lost 80# so far and still have about 70# to go. I think it's probably reasonable to assume that I'll be able to control my diabetes with diet alone eventually and won't have to take any meds when I get closer to my goal. But even if I do, THAT'S OK! My health my never be perfect but it sure is ALOT better than it was before. Good luck and God bless. cj
   — cj T.

September 4, 2000
Hi: I have had insulin dependent type 11 diabetes for 24 years. I had open ulcers on the bottom of both feet. With that, I have had 4 foot surgeries. I was hospitalized many times for foot infections, including one major bone infection that took almost 6 months of home IV anitibiotictreatment. I have my VGB surgery on March 22, 1995. I have lost 150 pounds. I have gone from a size 24-26 to a size 14-16. I was on 75 units insulin in the morning 45 untils insulin in the evening plus two oral insulin tablets daily. I also took two diuretics for a total of 5 pills a day. I gradually lowered my insulin injections. After going to smaller and smaller amounts of insulin and only one shot a day. I have now, been off insulin injections for two weeks. I can not tell you how great this makes me feel after 24 years of daily shots. I have surpassed my best expectations, when I had this surgery. I would highly recommend this surgery for any person who is insulin dependent and is having a hard time staying in control. In fact I heard about this surgery in the Diabetic Forcast Magazine. Avis Gandy
   — Avis G.

September 4, 2000
i am having this surgery to control my diabetes and/or cure it.I have been diabetic for 20 years.
   — Sue M.