ObesityHelp

Welcome and good luck with your decision.  It's a big one and it took me 9 years to decide to do it.  I had laparoscopic RNY on 9/12/11, so am about 7-8 weeks out from surgery.

I am diabetic x 25 years and that was my sole motivation to have surgery.  I am 2 years younger than you are and also have metabolic syndrome.  One big difference - I have LADA - Type 1.5 diabetes.  So, I expected to need insulin after the surgery and I still do use it, but hoped that some of my oral meds to treat the insulin resistance would be gone, or at least reduced.  I've gained about 90 pounds since my diagnosis and going on insulin, so BMI was around 42.

OK, the good news now - I am off of blood pressure and cholesterol meds completely and my labs and tests are still very good.  I probably won't need to return to them.

I had used 3 oral meds and 3 injectable ones for my diabetes.  I am off of 2 orals and 1 injectable (byetta) since the surgery.  I am back on metformin, but only half of what I took previously.  I take about half of the lantus I took previously, and smaller amounts of novolog with better results all the way around.  So, in my mind, I am in the process of achieving my goal of better control, better health and longer life.

I've lost about 25-30 pounds of the expected 80 in these initial weeks.  I lose about 4-5 pounds a week at this point.  I haven't been able to lose weight at all in the past 25 years, despite my efforts.  The doctors told me I have 'bad biology" in that regard.  So, the ability to lose weight seems miraculous to me - almost surreal.

Also, I breezed through the surgery - I was and am amazed at that part.  I was scared out of my mind, but trusted my surgeon.  (I saw 3 before I found the one that I knew would be best for me.)  I did very well - I have had no nausea, no vomiting and no problems.  None. (Thank God.)  I followed directions and have found it very doable. 

I'm still working at the glucose control, but knew that was going to be a lifelong issue for me.  It's a bit of a moving target as my weight decreases, my activity level increases and my diet changes.  I'm on a full diet now with no restrictions and it's going well.

If you are a Type 2 diabetic, you may very well reduce or eliminate your medication.  If you are Type 1 or Type 1.5, you may still need medication, like me.  But, it should also work more effectively on less.

If I can answer any questions for you based on my experience, fire away!  And good luck - it's important to gather info, ask questions and evaluate what is best for you!