Damn diabetes... what is going on here?!

I was diagnosed as T2D after I gave birth to my son in '09. For the first year and a half I took Metformin, but the daily stomach cramping and running to the bathroom like I had a stomach ailment was getting to be too much, so I conviced my doctor that since my A1C was manageable (6), to let me try to control it pre-WLS with diet and exercise.

I did my post-op labs about a month ago and had a follow-up with my NP/NUT two weeks ago, and she said I was a little high (7), but not to worry, since it was a 3-month average, and right before my surgery, so it was probably lower now. They didn't seem too concerned with me getting another blood test in three months, so I went out and bought a better meter and committed myself to getting my own daily results.

I have literally, averaged 150-160 every day, regardless of it being early morning, late night, after meal, before meal, after exercise, you name it! I thought my number would be better after WLS, and it seems they're even higher! Has anyone else had this happen too, or have heard of it being normal? I am not someone who enjoys taking meds, so if I can cut down on having yet another one to swallow (or crush as the case may be!) I would like that... A LOT!

That was so good of you to take this seriously and test your glucose!  Nicely done.

Well...unfortunately, it certainly isn't "normal" as you have elevated (above normal) glucose readings.  If you lose your excess weight, your elevated glucose has a good chance of resolving as your current numbers are not extreme.  Work with your doctor to decide the best course of action on managing your blood sugar while you lose the weight. 

You can do this!!!

Best,

Unfortunately your Type 2 does not resolve after WLS - since based on your sign - you had lap-band. Hopefully once you get to your goal and your normal BMI - that may help.  
But be aware - that some people - still do need help with medications or insulin even after WLS. 
Most people who had RNY or DS - get almost immediate resolution of Type 2, but some get it back a few years after even when they maintain their weight.  Sometimes - it is genetic.  

I had RNY 5-10.  Weighed 260, currently 125.  My diabetes was not resolved.  I was on an insulin pump for 10 years.  I was taken off of the pump around 5-11, but still take two
oral medications, janumet and metformin.  I had been insulin dependent for 20 years.  So not everyone's diabetes is "cured".

 I had type II before surgery my A1c was around 9%, at my 3 month it was 5.4%.  My Before surgery I was doing 120 units of insulin a day, metformin, Januvia, and Victoza.  Within a week after surgery I was able to stop all of it.

Even though I had VSG and you have lap-band - the situations are pretty similar.  We both have restriction only with no mal-absorption.

My first question would be - What are you eating?  How many calories a day are you getting and how many carbs?  I am taking in less than 600 caloreis a day and less than 20g of carb on any day.  My Daily glucose tests are running about 85 average.

As far as exercise goes, I am walking 2-3 miles usually every day or every other day.  I am sure with a young son - getting your exercise is not a problem.

 VSG is not really "restriction-only" because it's a very metabolically active surgery. In fact, the only one that is more metabolically active is the DS. That's why resolution of diabetes happens at about the same rate as with RnY -- which is a higher rate than with lapband.

 Respectfully disagree.  The main mechanism for weight loss is restriction, unlike RnY, DS or other malabsorptive procedures.  There is a maetabolic impact from VSG through the removal of the stomach portion responsible for the production of Ghrelin.  Thats why most surgery centers qualify VSG as a restrictive procedure.

"There is a maetabolic impact from VSG through the removal of the stomach portion responsible for the production of Ghrelin."

Exactly. Lapband hasn't got this.

And you disagree all you want but that doesn't change the facts: Diabetes resolution with a sleeve is as good as with RnY and better than with a lapband.

VSG is not a very metabolically active surgery.  It is restrictive while it reduces Ghrelin.  Look at the stats for Lapband, RNY and VSG.  Bypassing the duodenum is what cures many of their Type II diabetes and it is not bypassed with VSG.  Many other co-morbidities are significantly improved with RNY over lapband and VSG. 

http://www.realize.com/compare-to-realize-band-and-sleeve-ga strectomy.htm

I think I'll believe my surgeon and the studies I've read over a link to some sort of article written by the people who sell the Realize band.

Reducing Ghrelin is huge as it results in changes in other hormones involved in and RnY doesn't always do that. It also doesn't give as much restriction because of both the size of the pouch and lack of pylorus valve. The band not only doesn't reduce ghrelin but in one study they should ghrelin levels *doubled*.

Not to mention, Type II Diabetes can't be cured only put into remission.

Here are links to actual studies showing how VSG changes the body metabolically, improving insulin resistance and putting diabetes into remission:

Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve

Type II Diabetes resolution in RnY, Band and Sleeve - 3 year follow-up

Type II Diabetes resolution in Sleeve - meta study

Improvement in glucose metabolism after bariatric surgery

Insulin Resistance and the Sleeve