The HUGEST NSV...Step One

I had a RNY 5 years ago because my diabetes was out of control no matter what I did.  I lost 110 lbs. in 2002 to 2003 and it didn't help so they started me on insulin.  In 2004 I developed diabetic retinopathy and quickly lost a lot of my vision.  My left eye became blind.  My right eye was saved with cauterization.  In 2005 I regained 30 lbs. to get my bmi back to 35 to qualify for the RNY.  Since the RNY I have lost and gained several times but regardless of my weight, my A1Cs have been between 5 and 7 without any medication.  My first A1C many many years ago was 14.6.  Even on insulin it was between 8 and 12.  I see a retinal specialist every 3 months since 2004.  I have had laser cauterizations, steroid and other medicine injections, surgery and eye drops in that left eye for years now.  The treatments have left me with a big cataract but until the retina repaired itself, removing the cataract would not help me see.  Finally last December the retinal specialist said that the retina was stable enough for the cataract surgery to help my vision.  Today I meet with a cataract surgeon.  Hopefully he will agree with my ophthalmologist and we will schedule an appointment.  Please remember me in your prayers.  Being able to see was my main objective for having the RNY in the first place.  I really think diabetics should run (not walk) for a RNY.  Thanks, Tri harder

I will definitely be thinking of you today! Good luck! I agree about the diabetes. Mine was completely cured with the surgery. I was on insulin 2 times a day and victoza once a day. I had the surgery one day and 2 days later sent home on no meds for it whatsoever. I couldn't be happier with my achievements I have reached thru the RNY.

 Hi Tri Harder:

I am sending you special thoughts and prayers for today.  I agree about the diabetics too.  I had gestational diabetics with my second child and my PCP told me years later that if I did not lose the weight, I would become a full blown diabetic.  I couldn't get RNY surgery quick enough.  Good luck today.

My appointment was 2 1/2 hours. I had many tests and met with the surgeon and the scheduler.  I have another hour long appointment coming up with the technician in February and on Valentines day he is going to replace my lens with a focusing lens.  It is a 5 minute procedure and I have no limitations after surgery.  Good bye glasses, I hope.  He is going to put in a lens that sees reading and focuses to distance.  My right eye sees distance but not reading.  My brain will have to decide which eye to use.  Eventually the right eye cataract will have to be replaced as well.  My grandma was a diabetic and blind as was my husband's grandma.  I am absolutely positive that my RNY has played a huge part in my retina healing itself.  I weighed less before my surgery and maintained but could not get my blood sugars under control.  Although I still have high and low blood sugars, they must be more normal now than before surgery because my A1Cs are better.  My retinal specialist has helped me tremendously.  I am grateful for all my doctors.