looking into getting gastric bypass

[Alumace 53]

Hiya all I'm 31 type 1 diabetic weighing 165 kegs and at 6 ft2 went and saw a bariatric surgeon last week was told I should get a gastric bypass due to my weight. For the past 4 years I've been getting diabetes complications such as numb feet and diabetic renopathy (spelling prob wrong) which is burst blood vessels in the eye have been under for treatment for 2 years now and now looking good with lots of hard work. Then recently hormone problems. I was told a year ago I might not live to 40.

Trying to see others opinions should I or should I not have this op and do the pros out way the cons

[ready2B 263]

I am planning on having gastric bypass. It wasn't an easy decision for me - it's a pretty drastic measure really, but nothing else was working for me and I hadn't been able to lose a single pound in years and my quality of life was way below where I want it to be. I recommend you do like I did (and what many others here have done) and that is research and read everything you can get ahold of. I googled a lot - though I do recommend sticking to authoritative sources (well-respected medical organizations & hospitals) rather than blogs & personal opinions.) What I found was that gastric bypass has a long history of very high success rates and gives the majority of patients a much better quality of life in a relatively short period of time. Many see relief from high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and a bunch of other comorbidities. The surgery isn't without risks and it isn't a cure in itself, but it is a great tool in helping you get to a much healthier place than you would be able to do on your own.

It took me a while to wrap my head around the whole idea of someone cutting into me and changing the whole way my body handles food, but I think I am prepared for it now and ready to get on with starting my new healthier life. The process of getting approved takes a while, so it gives you a chance to get used to the idea mentally and emotionally. From what I have seen, but the time most people get close to their surgery date, they are pretty excited and anxious to have it done.

[Alumace 53]

Pretty much everyone I know have said to get it only one person said not to due to the amount you can eat. The only problems I see is if I happen to have low blood sugars after how is it treated. Was told can still have milk which is a great way to get rid low sugars but least I got more questions to ask the surgeon on Tuesday I have been researching a lot.

Everything points that's I should have the op way too many pros than cons.

[Beni 1,484]

Also look at the National Institute of Health website (NIH)and Journals such as New England Journal of Medicine. Fantastic studies!

FYI: I happen to know someone who had a bypass because of diabetes (severe case). He was not overweight. My understanding, there is something about the gastric bypass surgery that helps diabetes. Something about the duodenum bypass. Of course, diabetes remission is not guaranteed but the prognosis is good. You may want to ask your doctor.

[Alumace 53]

I read that after the bypass you intestines produce a chemical that helps control sugar I think been a few days since I read up on it. But trying to find links that have info on what effects diabetics have after a gastric bypass is difficult. I have a app on Tuesday and a list of questions to ask him so I'll keep looking it up.

[Beni 1,484]

I didn't ask my doctor too many questions about diabetes because I had so many other questions. I had two pages and even skipped a few because it was an embarrassment of questions. Please let us know what they say. It's fascinating stuff.

[Alumace 53]

Well I've been to the doctor says I lost 3kgs in the 2 weeks. Suggested a diabetic dietician and a diabetes specialist for post op since the one I see in royal Perth hospital is useless ????

As soon as I pay the 6k for the out of pocket costs it will be a 4 week wait so give it 5 weeks then I'll have my op.

I was told pre op diet is liquids for 2 days. I'm all ready on a Protein Shake 2 times a day and I cook my own dinner which I chose to do. I think I'm doing a good job so far my insulin dose has been cut from 130+ units to 108 units a day from cutting carbs from my diet. Use to eat lots of potatoes, bread etc before starting this diet

[Beni 1,484]

Perth?

Hey, I lived in Canberra for 5 years (10 years ago.) Loved every minute of it and would go back in a heart beat, if I could. Never made it to Perth though.

Wow, that's really quick. In the US we have to wait 3 to 6 months in nutrition counseling before we get to the bariatric doctor (this is a medical insurance requirement.)

It makes sense to get a specialist dietician though. I am sure there are extra concerns to deal with. Do as much research as you can. There is lots to learn and consider.

I am glad you have made positive chances on what you eat. Every little bit helps.

[Alumace 53]

I love Australian medical. I have private health cover the doctors fees rnt covered tho but costs 6-7k. Everything else is like hospital stay. The past 2 years I've been to hospital around 6 times for diabetes complications each time it was a selective procedure. I've had bleeding in both my eyes which ended up needing to be drained and a ton of lazer treatments. Each time the most I've waiting was a week or 2 max. So easy to get these things done in Australia.

But if people had the cash they can prob get the op done there pretty quick but that's a whole lot of $$$$$

Edited September 23, 2014 by Alumace

[Beni 1,484]

I know! I had a baby in Australia. It was my third and the best experience ever. A 7 day hospital stay in a private room where both the baby and I were pampered. By the time I got home to my other two kids I was ready and recovered. imagine if I had gone home the next day to two kids who didn't understand why mom needed to sleep. I still don't get why women in the US only stay a day in the hospital after childbirth.

Let us know how your doc appointment went.

[Alumace 53]

I just need pay the out of pocket to get a date the doc said it will be 4 weeks after payment. While in meantime I need to see the dietitian and endolologist (diabetics specialist) then all ready to get started.

[Beni 1,484]

Not bad at all.

Good luck, I too am jumpping through all the hoops.

[Alumace 53]

Just got back from dietitian and told I'm doing fine however I need more Protein. So either an extra protein shack a day or I suggested eating a can of tuna with light mayo n salad for a snack in between sometime during the day. So that's what I'm gonna do. Need 100g protein pre op then 80g post op.

[Beni 1,484]

Easy!

[ksmanatee 10]

Just saw on the news that weight loss surgery helps a person have less of chance of getting well I can't spell it right but the disease where you lose your memory

It runs in my family I need all the help I can get avoiding it