Teachamy

For me, the big problem of my type I was the Type II insulin resistance I had pre-op. Apparently not all Type I's have the same degree of insulin resistance. It seemed no matter what amount of insulin I took, my body wanted more. More insulin=more fat, and more hunger. Now that I have virtually no insulin resistance, the insulin can actually do its job. I wouldn't say I am in better control--we just each have our different challenges. Unfortunately, our bodies seem to be the ones in control! Bottom line, diabetes sucks, over 30 years of dealing with it, and I AM SICK OF IT! But I am really thankful for WLS, it has made treatment so much easier!

No bacon? Just shoot me Think you meant to quote someone else, but I am bacon free too. Unless it's turkey bacon.

So excited for you! It's a bumpy road ahead, but worth every bump!

I don't smoke, but I was told they do a blood test. If the results show nicotine, the surgery is immediately canceled. My surgeon has said that she canceled several the day of surgery in recent months.

Beautiful lady! You look great. Congratulations!

I hate the term "cheat" when discussing diet. You made these decisions, they were unhealthy,as you know, and certainly aren't preparing you for surgery. Are you eating/drinking every 2-3 hours? A few hours of feeling control doesn't really matter if you mindlessly binge eat later. You need to keep your body fueled, or hunger will overtake you. I suggest talking to a therapist/your surgery team ASAP. I am worried you are not prepared for the difficulties of this journey.

It took over a month for me just to feel semi-normal. I had to get back into a routine and take some naps when I could. Right now, my favorite work-out is not what it was pre-op. I do a lot of housework, enough to break a sweat, and count that as exercise. I also get on my elliptical machine for much shorter durations at least once a day. For me, it will be a slow process to re-build.

Can you get a second opinion under public health? This makes no sense to me either.

That's a tough one. That is the pervasive belief among many, but as you know, this surgery is no easy way out. I think you should be totally honest with her about your health, and stress your health issues. If you show her a negative self-image that you may harbor, she will mirror that and begin to doubt herself. As most 13 year-olds, she is probably worried about the embarrassment that she may feel after the surgery if word "gets out". Plan to keep your surgery private, if that will make her feel better. And you're right, in a few years she will be fine with this, but for now you will need to guide her through your decision. Good luck!

Yes, the body reacts to stress by releasing hormones that counteract the effects of insulin. It's normal, but different for all of us. I was high for a week or so immediately after surgery, then it was like I was hit with a bomb. Low blood sugars all over the place. Be aware that if you are always taking 7 units of novalog, regardless of carb intake, that will need to change because you won't be eating many carbs. (No bread, Pasta, rice, starchy veggies, crackers, etc.) I do occasionally have a high. the last time was due to a pump malfunction. Yuck. Otherwise, if it peaks after dinner/bedtime snack, I know it will plummet over night. (And it does!)

Hi Jenn! Work very closely with your endocrinologist or CDE. Are you on a pump? You will need to lower your basals (or lantus or NPH) as well as your boluses for food. I had no real problems on the pre-op diet, as I had a 1200 calorie diet. I was also very insulin resistant pre-op (despite being a Type I--belly fat caused this).Man, has that changed! My biggest hurdle since surgery has been lowering my insulin. Pre-op I took about 80 units of insulin a day. As of today I am taking around 20. It's a good thing, but the lows are mind numbing, literally! I look forward to getting to my goal weight so I can stabilize my insulin dosage, rather than dropping my basals every day. A word of advice--buy Dex4 liquid glucose for lows and reintroduce your family members to insulin glucose injections in case of nighttime lows. I have never "dumped" due to sugar, so I wouldn't worry about that too much with the sleeve. There is a diabetic sleevers page, but I don't find it updated very often. Good luck!

What a milestone! Congratulations!

Happy for you! Good luck!

OMG!!!!!!! No way. You are one brave and generous woman! I would have high-tailed it outta there! That is my worst nightmare. Happy you got to lose some weight. You sure earned it.

I barf whenever I eat a bite or 2 too many. I've gotten a lot better about recognizing when that last bite of a half cup serving may be one too many and I stop--but every once in a while--up it comes! My problem is salad. I LOVE salad, but it makes me I feel like my intestines have just fallen out. Into the toilet. Sorry for the graphic picture that may have painted in your head, but it's explosive and scars my soul!

Your "friend" makes simply ludicrous claims in her blog, which are centered on her own appearance and self-loathing. She seems to believe that WLS is akin to an eating disorder, which leads me to believe that she has done her own research on the diet. Clearly she has no knowledge about the health benefits of this surgery. I had high bp, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and I have perfectly controlled Type I diabetes. (Which as close to cured as it can be.) I am off all medications (except for insulin and simvistatin for 2 autoimmune diseases) and I am off my C-Pap. So you are justified in believing these issues will be aided by your very brave decision. Your friend needs to work a little harder on her research. Her eating disorder was not monitored by doctors. Bloodwork was not done to ensure her health needs were being met. To be frank, she is worried your weight loss and beauty will eclipse her and that you would leave her eventually. She has done you a great service by showing her self-involved, selfish and petty nature now. You don't need her. But if I were you, I'd post a response on her blog. I wouldn't be able to hold back! The very best luck to you!

My mom has been extremely supportive. I know I am very blessed to have her. And i guess my husband is supportive now, although he was scared for me to have the surgery. Now that I am recovered, I hear how "great" I look from everyone I see, my friends, my neighbors, my co-workers, etc. But he rarely gives unsolicited compliments. Call me needy, but occasionally I'd like to hear how great I look, and what a great job I am doing from the guy I care about most. Last night I told him how much I need to hear from him. My own spin on this rant thread, I guess!

Mine were the same as Bufflehead.

I say, whatever works! Still using a baby spoon every once in a while too. It slows me down!

You look fabu! Way to go!

Welcome to ONEDERLAND!

No, I never had issues with acid reflux, but maybe your doctor can change your prescription or dosage. You shouldn't have to suffer through this. Give them a call!

I have been noticing lately that I am getting "checked out" by guys. In my car, walking down the street, in a store. I had forgotten that this happens to people. What once would have been a minor annoyance is now welcomed by the new sleeved me. Think it would be odd to thank random guys for looking at me?!

RJ--They'll get a kick in the junk if they touch me!

This is a sure sign to call your doctor. It may be nothing, but you need to make sure there are no complications.