Question:
I'm wondering if some of you can share with me how WLS has helped your diabetes

There is a question that was posted to a WLS group on the Longevity after WLS. How it effects our health after WLS. Wondering if some of you can share with me how it has effected your diabetes and other medicale problems. Thanks    — CuteDonna (posted on September 22, 2003)

September 22, 2003
Someone asked a similar question a couple of days ago, so you might check that out, and check the library, too, if you haven't yet. As for me, my blood sugars got a little worse in the two days I was in the hospital, requiring daily insulin injections. But, after I got home, and started eating, the blood sugar levels dropped way down. I've been off all diabetes medication since a month after surgery, and my blood sugar readings are now always well within normal. I'm almost six months post-op.
   — Vespa R.

September 22, 2003
Diabetes - what diabetes? No really, I was diagnosed with diabetes in Feb 2002 after not feeling well for a very long time. I had my surgery in Jan 2003 and have not had to take any medication since to maintain a normal blood sugar reading. My A1C (2-3 mth average) was tested at 4.9. Normal is 4.1-6.4. My energy level has increased ten-fold and I feel very well. My surgeon told me that he loved working with diabetic patients because he felt that this was the one disease that he can most impact with WLS. And based on my experience, I agree wholeheartedly. I will continue having my A1C checked several times a year to ensure that my blood sugars are within the normal range.
   — Judy R.

September 22, 2003
I'm off my Glucotrol XL since my surgery in 7/02 and my last HgA1C was 4.9 Never felt better in my life!!!! JR
   — John Rushton

September 22, 2003
Eliminating diabetes was one of my biggest goals of having the surgery. I had been on and off inuslin for years and had high blood pressure at the age of 31. The sugar levels have been perfect since I left the hospital and my blood pressure and cholesteral are now both normal. I started out at 268 pounds and a size 24. Within the first 6 months I had lost over 100 pounds and was down to a size 6. Now at 17 months post op I could not be happier or healthier. I have lost 130 pounds and feel great. Read my profile for more details.
   — Linda A.

September 23, 2003
HI, I WAS ALSO A DIABETIC AND HAD HYPERTENSION, I AM 6 MONTHS POST OP, BOTH MY PROBLEMS HAVE GONE AWAY..MY HIGH BLOOFD PRESSURE WENT FIRST, THEM MY DIABETES, THAT T AKEAS THE LONGEST(ON ME), HEALTH ISSUES WILL GO AWAY.. I WAS ON 2 BLOOD PRSSURE MEDS, NOW I AM ON NONE, I WAS NEVER ON DIABETES MEDS BECASUSE I WAS IN DENIAL! THIS IS THE REASON I HAD THIS SURGERY,,,TO GET HEALTHY. BEST OF LUCK
   — Robin

September 23, 2003
I wasn't diagnosed as diabetic, but I was taking Glucophage XL 2000mg daily for elevated insulin levels. (Up to 16.3 on a scale of 3-17) and that was fasting! My HbA1c's and fasting blood sugars were always normal. I have been off the Glucophage since just before surgery and now my fasting insulin level is 6.0! I had to point it out to my PCP since it was so normal he didn't even notice it! I was well on track to becoming diabetic, it was only a matter of time before my poor over worked pancreas gave out. (My lipids are much better, too!)
   — koogy

September 23, 2003
I was off my Insulin in one week post op. I now just take 1 glucophage tablet a day. I'm almost 3 weeks post op and expect to be off the glucophage soon. Cool Huh?!!
   — Bob M.

September 26, 2003
I was told to take all meds except my Glucotrol the morning of surgery. Was told I won't need it any more. Will wait to see - surgery 9/30.
   — Rena L.