Question:
Searching for people who had the surgery who are Type 1 Diabetics. How did it affec
How did it having the surgery affect your sugar levels? Highs/Lows? Insulin needs? — wwalker (posted on February 8, 2006)
February 8, 2006
I am not diabetic but I did glance over the diabeties forum board. Try
going there- you may find more helpful information.
— ppaige
February 8, 2006
Let me tell you it has been a battle! I have been insulin dependent for 17
years, diagnosed at 16, when I had my surgery. I have been on an insulin
pump for the past 5 years. I suffered with some pretty severe insulin
resistance prior to Lap RNY that I had on July 26th of this year. My daily
totals of insulin went from about 95 units to about 30 in a matter of
weeks.
All well and good, however, on an almost daily basis, I had to
"adjust" my basal rate (the amount I was receiving from my pump
on a continual basis). Needless to say, that was not always effective,
since I would only know it needed to be adjusted when I had a pretty brutal
insulin attack. My husband has had to call 911 at least 4 times since
surgery. One time when they came to revive me, my blood sugar was 10! It
is pretty scary. Just last night, I checked by BG before dinner and it was
59, so I didn't take any insulin. I ate dinner (a 3"x3" square
of mexican lasagna) and cleaned the kitchen. A couple hours later, I went
upstairs to change into my pjs and apparently passed out, because the next
thing I remember is my husband shoving glucose tablets into my mouth and
yelling at me to chew. My BG was so low that it would not register on my
meter.
My best advice is to talk to your endocrinologist. I have an appointment
today and I'm going to suggest that I get off the pump. I was taking 4
shots a day before I went on the pump and even if I have to go back to
taking shots, I will most likely need only 2, which is a heck of a lot
better than dying. If you want to talk more one-on-one, you can email me
off list [email protected]. I'm a relatively new post-op, but I feel
like I've learned a ton in the 6 months since surgery.
Good luck!
Pam
— stargazer12472
February 9, 2006
I am on an insulin pump. Rarely do I have to give myself a bolus. I'm
using less than 20 units per day. I am assuming it is because I am eating
almost no carbohydrates at all. I had a few lows in the beginning because
my basal rate was too high - so I just adjusted it down and now it's much
better. It is kind of difficult to get it into just the right range - but
an endocrinologist can help you a great deal. Best of luck!
— kkv11870
February 9, 2006
I am not diabetic, but have read lots about the Duodenal Switch (DS) and
it's use in Europe to cure diabetes. I'm not sure if this is Type 1 or
Type 2. Most patients (I'm assuming these are Type 2) who have the DS
leave the hosptial not needing their meds, those who are still on them
usually are off in a very short period of time. Rarely, does the DS not
cure diabetes. You can find out a lot more by going to
www.duodenalswitch.com. Know your options!
— [Deactivated Member]
February 12, 2006
I was taking insulin for over ten years. Statistics show that about 70% of
diabetics are outright cured with RNY. I was not cured, but I no longer
need medication for the diabetes.
— Novashannon
February 13, 2006
Wendy, I've been Type 1 Diabetic for almost 12 yrs, on the pump for about 4
yrs. I'll be 2 yrs PO next month, had lost 100 lbs, now regained 15 lbs,
but am happy with my decision to have had RNY. My insulin requirements went
from over 100 units of Humalog, to an average of 50 units. You need an
endocronologist alot the first year to adjust your requirements of insulin
due to diet changes. A nutritionist has helped me tremendously with carb
counting, a definite must. Please feel free to e-mail privately. Its very
important for Type 1'ers to keep in contact, not many of us out there!
Pamela, I wanted to respond to your post with the low blood sugars, I've
had several episodes as well, (2) 9-1-1 calls getting down to a low of 15!
So I can relate to your situation. The glucose gel is better for those
extreme lows, as well as getting a Glucugon for emergency situations.
Please keep in touch.....my e-mail is morris119 @ yahoo. com. Continued
success with the weightloss. 3/15/04 278/190/150
— SJWendy
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