Question:
Does the fact that one is an insulin dependent diabetic and the amount by-passed

have anything to do with how much you lose and how fast? I am a medial and just wondered if the fact that I am Insulin Dependent is the reason that I am such a slow loser, and If I had more by-passed would I have lost more? My diabetes is so much better than it was, but my pcp says becauses of the type of diabetic I am that I will never go off insulin. Does insulin slow down the loss of weight?    — Beverly H. (posted on July 20, 2003)

July 19, 2003
I was on insulin on and off before my surgery and I hit goal in six months. Peter Herida was on nearly 100 units of insulin a day when he had his surgery and he lost 570 pounds in 10 months. When you say medial how many centimeters did you have bypassed? Every doctor seems to have their own methodology for what is proximal, distal and medial.
   — Linda A.

July 20, 2003
My dr told me people over 50 and diabetics tend to lose a little slower, so he by-passes a little more. I had 150cm by-passed. I am down 70lbs in 3 1/2 months, and I am both.
   — Gail O.

July 20, 2003
I am a little different in that I was not insulin dependant, but was on GlucophageXR before surgery and I am a Type II diabetic.I had 200CM bypassed and have lost 40# since May 7th, 2003. I have not had to take any meds since surgery and my bs has been normal. I feel that I am a slow looser, but try not to compare myself to others. I know that I fail to get all of my protein and water in in a day so that could be a factor in my loss. I do sometimes go overboard with my bike riding and I get about 15 miles in in a day. Hope this helps.
   — ChristineB

July 20, 2003
If you have had diabetes since childhood and your body is producing little or no insulin, you will still need the insulin. If your diabetes is adult onset and your body is still producing it, you may get off. My DH was on 450 units a day.(That's no typo; he was insulin resistant.) he was also on 45 mg of Actos. Now 175 lbs. lighter he takes no insulin or Actos. His endocrinologist declared him no longer diabetic based on his last 2 A1C tests. Hope you have the same good fortune.
   — Janis D.