susansilver

Just a quick update - as I continue to lose, I am now down to 30 units of Levemir and many days do not require any Novorapid even with meals! I am starting to metabolize some of my excess blood sugar! This is most amazing to me. So to those who have not yet reduced their meds, or are worried they won't - be patient. Do your work with the band and you will definitely see results.

Like I said above - it took over a year for it to start happening for me, and just when I had resigned myself to it never happening. The thing is the health benefits of losing weight, regardless if your diabetes can be controlled without meds or not, are still way better than living obese. I don't look at being on insulin the same way as many people do - maybe because when I was first diagnoes 25 years ago, I started on insulin, switched to oral meds after I had lost weight and then back on insulin when I was trying to get pregnant. I find that being on insulin helps me control my blood sugars way better than any oral meds. Y ou can make small adjustments to fit your lifestyle and any food or exercise out of the norm. Good luck - keep a realistic attitude and all will be good.

Hi Marie. Congrats on making a great decision on your life and health. Pre-op I was taking 50 units of Levemir (a long lasting insulin as well) and between 20-30 units of novorapid (short acting) with meals - the variation was I adjusted to the amount of carbs I would eat at that meal. Now I am down to 32 units of levemir and betwwen 2-6 units of novorapid. I will teel you that this did not happen for me right away as many others will tell you. It was about 1 year after my surgery and 40 lbs down that I started to see these results. We must remember that we are all different and our endocrine systems react differently to the band and our food intake etc. Good luck and keep us up to date. Susan

I was just sitting in my clinic's waiting room, because I needed a small defill. There were three four other women there, one who was dominating the conversation. They were talking about vomiting and being too tight. The one one had been talking nonstop said that she had struggled with eating disorders. They were saying that the clinic should have an eating disorder psychologist etc... blah blah blah. Then she said that she can only eat 1 or 2 bites of food and she vomits etc. When I suggested she neeed a defill, she said "maybe, but one out of every 10 days I can eat what I like. Yesterday I ate 21 ice cream bars". I nearly fell off my chair! Who the %&*# told her to eat 21 icce cream bars!!! I told her that this clinic was to give you a tool for your weight loss and maintenance and not to fix your head! I told her I am in therapy to do with the non physical issues around my weight. She said she has been seeing an eating disorder specialist for years!!! (Obviously not the right one). She also said that she was afraid she would starve if she did not eat those 21 ice cream bars, because she had not been able to eat the other nine days. Hello????? What about Protein, fruits & vegetables? I do not "diet", but I am not a moron and know that 21 ice cream bars is not healthy!!! Does that woman have no common sense??!!! Fortunately, the nurse called me in at that point because I was ready to go over there and smack her!!! Thanks goodness for this rant and raves area. Had to get that off my chest. Just goes to show you there is no minimun IQ required for this surgery.:smile2:

That is one of the most horrible and saddest stories about fills that I have heard! My goodness what an experience! No wonder it took time to talk about it. Who can blame you??? It's over now and you are safe, so good for you.

This forum is pretty quiet. So it hought I would just ask if anyone wants to check in and share how they are doing! I am feeling good, losing weight and continue to lower my insulin. What more can I say?!:smile2:

I got 1/2 cc for a total of 7 right now. It is amazing how much difference 1 1/2 cc makes!

The best thing to do is to talk with your endocrinologist of PHCP (whoever is managing your diabetes) BEFORE the surgery. It really depends on the meds you are taking, what dosage etc. It would be foolish for any of us to try and give you advice. What I can tell you is that for me, I tested my bs about 5-6 times/day and because I was on insulin was able to adjust down very easily. When I was getting low, I would sip on a little juice until it was back to normal. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

I just had a fill with Nancy today and she told me she just got back from holidays, to I think you are good to go!

Went for a fill today because I was getting too loose. I am expecially proud of myself because I did not wait too long before having one and binging in the meantime!

Hey Marivan, That may just work, but not because it is so restrictive, but because you would change up your habits. One of the best things you can do to break a plateau is make some changes. Try some different foods, eat at different times if you can and - please don't jump all over me for this guys - cut down your exercise from 5 - 3x/week for just a couple of weeks. I bet you will see a nice drop! Once you are losing again, go back to your regular routine if you like. Good luck and let us know, Susan

I almost can't believe it, I just went under 220 today and now I am ready to join this thread. The last time I was in Onderland was about 16 years ago! For the first time in a long time that special place is in sight. I love my band! :grouphug: