scott54
In March 2006 I was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2. I already had arthritis in various joints and sleep apnea. At the same time I was diagnosed with hypertension and lab results showed high cholesterol. My doctor immediately started me on the lowest dose of Metformin. I was also prescribed Zocor and Lisinopril. I was already taking medication for my back and knee pain. I began working out and walking 2 or miles a day. I had to stop because I developed stress fractures (man, do they hurt). About this time I got a promotion and began a 4.5 hour commute (on a good day). I had lost from 290 pounds down to 248. I gained all the weight back and more. About a year later I began having trouble urinating and was ultimately, after a series of painful and humiliating tests, given a partial TURP for an enlarged prostate. I also began taking medication for the enlarged prostate. About that same time my liver function tests started showing abnormal levels. Eventually (after ultrasounds, CT scans, and a liver biopsy) I was diagnosed with cirrhosis from NASH. I was taken off Metformin (which was working beautifully) due to the cirrhosis. I was put on Glypizide. My blood sugar numbers went from almost normal to an average of 250 – and that was fasting. My doctor was beginning to talk about insulin. I really was tired of medication, pain, and the overall decline of my health. I was weighed at an appointment and I had gained to 318 pounds. I had to start an addition medication for hypertension, Metoprolol, I realized that I needed to do something but what? My doctor, bless her heart, asked me if I had ever considered WLS. I had not and frankly the idea of having major organs re-routed was not something I cared for. I agreed to go to a class on WLS. I attended the class where a surgeon gave us information (there was a group of about 20 people in the class) about various types of WLS. I thought about it and decided to start the pathway (a series of required classes) to learn more. I also went online and found a website, Obesity Help, and began to read forums about WLS. After attending a few classes I felt better about the idea but was still reluctant – up to the day I had surgery I considered canceling and giving it “one more try.” I had laparoscopic gastric bypass (Rouen-Y or RNY) on September 23, 2008. I weighed 295 pounds on the day of surgery. In the month since I have gone from 295 pounds to 258 pounds today. I have not had to take medication to control my diabetes since surgery – my blood sugars have been normal! Now I have to tell you not everyone has that result. I expect to be taken off hypertension medications. I don’t have the pain in my joints that was bothering me. I feel better all the way around. Do I really believe my diabetes is cured – no I don’t, if I go back to my old bad habits I am sure my blood sugars will get out of control again. WLS is tool and tools are only as good as the method to use them. WLS is not easy and is not for everyone.
