kwkellkelly

Hi there Gastric Bypass surgery does send diabetes immediately into remission in many cases. It has to do with how food is absorbed in the intestines. However, My type II diabetes went into remission with the Lapband. I think it was a combination of the fact that food is released more slowly to the intestines and allows insulin to do its job because food stays above the band and is digested slower. I also had an omentectomy when I had my lapband and I have not been on medication since. My last HBa1c was 5.6. My endocronologist said I am in remission. I personally chose Lapband over gastric bypass because I had heard that there are nutritional deficiencies with bypass and in many cases, weight regain can occur over time.

Hi LisaB411, I am (was) type II and since having the surgery, I am off all of my medications. I was taking byetta and metformin, I have been free of all Meds since July of 2007. I just had my hba1c done and it was 5.7! My endocrinologist says I am in remission. I also had an omentectomy with the lapband which I think helped. Good Luck!

I have a residents gym in my building but a club H just opened in the ground floor and I took the tour and was sold. They have classes, so much equipment, a sauna and steamroom and a spa! It makes me drag myself there and once I am there, I feel so motivated. I needed to do something to break through a plateau! Its about $100 per month. On a different subject, does anyone know how to edit your ticker? I have lost 10 more pounds since I created it and I cant remember how I did it?

I use fat free half and half all of the time. I dont think it can hurt!

I have experienced this as well and my surgeon told me it was most likely the formation of scar tissue and the tubing is irritating it. she was not concerned about it, so that was a relief! Hope this helps~!

Hi Debbie, Enjoy your vacation!! Sorry about yur doggie! The omentectomy just made the operation a bit longer and I had some extensive bleeding, so I did end up with a drain. Recovery was a bit more laborious but I as back to myself within 6 or 7 days. My weight loss has been fairly consistent. I was banded on July 6th and I have lost about 30 pounds. The omentectomy has contributed significantly to the improvement of my blood sugar levels. I was diagnosed with diabetes in Feb of 2006 and I could not tolerate the meds and was really frustrated. Since the operation, I have been off meds and my blood sugars have been significantly reduced. Dr. Fielding told me that I will most likely be cured of diabetes within 6 months. The omentectomy is the membrane of adipose tissue that aprons the abdonimal organs and is where the metabolic dysfunction occurs. As Dr. Ren put it, she removed a glob of fat. It doesnt reduce your waistline or have physical impact like liposuction or anything like that, in fact i think it only weighs a pound or two. I have been very happy since though!!

I had an omentectomy along with my band at NYU in July. THey are actually conducting a study right now as well on the impact of lapband with omentectomy vs. lapband alone on blood sugar levels for diabetics. I did not participate in the study- i just went ahead and had it done. I am off my diabetes meds right now and my blood sugars have drastically improved but are not yet optimal. The omentectomy added about 40 minutes on to the surgery and caused 1 of the incisions to be about 3 inches. The pain after the surgery was fairly intense but other than that, its all good!

Redgirl- try LEAN powder from GNC. You mix it with either milk or water and can blend it with ice and it has a completely different flavor than slimfast. Its not a steak dinner, but it gives a little variety!!

I think the psych eval is really just to make sure that you are prepared for the emotional ride and that you are not bulemic or aneroxic etc. I actually talk with someone weekly and it is a great additional tool to get me through some of the emotional issues that I had related to food. As far as the liquid diet, I think it is for everyone because they want to shrink the liver. Part of the liver covers the top of the stomach and the liver is fatty and slippery. So to make it safer for you and the surgeon, they put us on a liquid diet to shrink it. It is hard, but with the end goal in mind, you will get through it! Good luck!

Hi heatherjune, I was also banded in July and had my first fill in August. I am experiencing some pain in my left shoulder as well. I hope it is nothing serious! Keep us posted! Kelly

Hi Veronica- I totally get where you are coming from. I told very few people before the surgery. It was my decision and I understood why it was necessary for ME and I didnt want the confusion of others' opinions or judgements. So I told only 4 people. My parents didnt even know. I think I have become more comfortable with the decision and could care less if people think it is a cop-out and that I should have been able to do it through diet alone. I know they are wrong and all I care about is that I will succeed with this tool. Anyone who thinks you should be able to do this on your own...just tell them that they should be able to wash dishes by hand but they use a dishwasher! Stay strong and think of yourself and your needs. The opinions will change when you are healthy and thin!!

Hi everyone, I was banded on July 6th and I found that about 1 week after surgery, my appetite came back. The folks at NYU just told me to hang tough until my first restriction. So I went to the movies a lot and tried to fill my time. Like some of you said, I would do a protein shake for breakfast and sometimes lunch and then have creamed soup and some mushy tuna salad with fat free mayo at night. I lost about 20 pounds before my first fill. I had my first fill two weeks ago and have lost about another 6 since. You will get through it!! Best of luck!!

Wow, I did not know they were married! They must never get to go on vacation together!

Hi Joan, My name is Kelly and I was banded at NYU on July 6th by Dr. Ren>she was fantastic. I also had an omenectomy>I have had my first fill done by Dr. Fielding who is out of this world! He is so easy to talk to and has the band himself. This has been an incredible journey so far. Best of luck to you!!