Sleeve Surgery & Diabetes

[psychoangel 8]

I was wondering if those who have diabetes have seen any changes since their surgery. I have had diabetes for almost 25 years (insulin) and wondering if I will be able to reduce It or get off insulin once I reach my goal. Has anyone been taken off their meds or drastically reduced their insulin?

[Teachamy 1,042]

It depends largely on whether you are Type I or Type II. I have Type I, which can't be cured, but my insulin levels have dropped drastically, and it has become very easy to control. If you have Type II, it is likely you will not need control meds at all, as insulin resistance drops tremendously and your body still manufactures insulin.

The best thing I've ever done for the treatment of this disease!

[missjenny 43]

I have type 1 diabetes and I take about 85% less insulin then I used to before surgery. So thankful for this tool.

[MelissaW214 7]

I have/had type 2 diabetes but was only on pills. I was taken off my medication the day of surgery and havent needed it since. My sugars on diet and exercise controlled now. yay

[Ana Gram 13]

I was type II on metformin, victoza and a small amount of daily lantus insulin. I stopped those prior to surgery while on pre-op liquid diet and hever resumed them. I just had an A1C test this week and my results were 4.8, from a high of 9.8 about 3 years ago.

[CarolinaCutie 30]

I have type 2 diabetes. before the surgery, I was on an insulin pump. About a month after the surgery I was taken off the pump and I now only take Metformin. What a blessing this surgery has been. I used to get depressed thinking about wearing that pump the rest of my life..

[DeniseNCC1701 306]

I'm type II, and was able to cut my nightly Metformin in half after the first month post-op. My A1C, one month post op in March was 9.2 down from 12-something at the end of January. I'm having bloodwork done again at the end of this month (I'll be 3 months post-op), and for the first time in a million years, I'm not terrified.

Be well…

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

I am Type 2 for a year or so, and came off Metformin at surgery. A1C dropped from 7+ to 5. My husband is Type 2 for 30 years, and his A1C is down from 12 to 6-7. Drastic reduction. He is off Metformin. His insulin dose is very low now. One of our surgeon's nurses had gastric bypass 10 years ago and said she will never come off insulin. I do not know why. I can tell you my husband has had no episodes of low blood sugar since the sleeve 12/2/13. He no longer has to eat a serving of fruit or junk at bedtime to keep from bottoming out unconscious during the night, and I go to bed and sleep soundly knowing I will not have to call rescue to him. This surgery is the best thing we could have done for our diabetes and overall health. He is down 80 lbs since 12/2.

[Teachamy 1,042]

I am Type 2 for a year or so, and came off Metformin at surgery. A1C dropped from 7+ to 5. My husband is Type 2 for 30 years, and his A1C is down from 12 to 6-7. Drastic reduction. He is off Metformin. His insulin dose is very low now. One of our surgeon's nurses had gastric bypass 10 years ago and said she will never come off insulin. I do not know why. I can tell you my husband has had no episodes of low blood sugar since the sleeve 12/2/13. He no longer has to eat a serving of fruit or junk at bedtime to keep from bottoming out unconscious during the night, and I go to bed and sleep soundly knowing I will not have to call rescue to him. This surgery is the best thing we could have done for our diabetes and overall health. He is down 80 lbs since 12/2.

Type I diabetics have no insulin-producing cells in our body. It is a completely different disease. I assume your nurse was a Type I.

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

Teachamy, she did not specify but I am sure you are right. I will make a point to talk to her again. I was asking questions right and left before surgery trying to find out information, which was scarce. We were very nervous about the surgery because of my husband's bad health.