tera1982 194 Posted June 17, 2015 Hello...I just completed my 6 month supervised diet and am about to submit to insurance for approval. I have to make a decision between sleeve vs. bypass. I have type-1 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. My doc says he is comfortable with either, as I am a good candidate for either and it is my preference at this point. Anyone out there that can give me any input on why they chose one over the other with similar co-morbids? Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VDB 800 Posted June 17, 2015 I have Type 2. I was diagnosed 6 years ago, but it is apparent, and my Dr. agreed, that I had it for at least a decade or longer. The first few years it was ok, with A1C in the 6 range, but gradually, with the same good diet, it crept up to the pre-surgery A1C of 8.9. I was on Farxiga, Metformin, Slow Insulin (Lantus), and two others. The insulin was 60 mg a day at the end. I went home from RNY on no meds, but after 2 weeks, BG began to creep up and I added back 20 mg a day of insulin to try and maintain a morning low of 145. Now, with 60# off, I am able to lower the insulin to 15 mg a day. This is an indicator that I will eventually be on a very tiny dose as my pancreas has to produce for a much smaller me. I did the RNY because my diabetes was going to take my feet, my eyes, etc. with the progression it was on, and my research says the RNY is 20% more effective at diabetes reduction than the sleeve, likely due to the malabsorption part of RNY. Good luck!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VDB 800 Posted June 17, 2015 By the way, went home off all BP meds, too and BP is maintaining at a great level even without any meds...I had been on BP meds for 35+ years! I was already on a small dose of statin, but will likely go off that as well next blood test. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daisee68 2,493 Posted June 17, 2015 I am Type 2 Diabetic and went in asking for sleeve but decided on bypass - main reason was acid reflux potentially worsened with Sleeve (which I already battle acid reflux and could not take it being worse) and because it would improve my diabetes more quickly and lastly it was a longer proven procedure. As a Type 1 Diabetic though, I don't know what affect WLS surgery has on your blood sugars. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tera1982 194 Posted June 18, 2015 Thanks for the replies! I know that being a type-1, I'll forever be a diabetic, as my tests show my pancreas is 100% non-functional. I plan on having to be on, at the very minimum, two insulin shots a day(this is my surgeons prediction). I am excited to finally be able to lower the insulin rate, as it has been a long going battle for weight loss being on such a hefty dose. Congrats to everyone who has chosen to take the plunge-I know I'm ready! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Healthy_life2 8,327 Posted June 18, 2015 @@tera1982 Type 1 also. My Dr suggested the sleeve. I'm now having lows and eat my glucose tablets on occasion. I have no dumping syndrome with the sleeve. (which I guess is a good thing) My A1C is well controlled. I hardly use my insulin. I'm just eating right and exercising. This has made all the difference in the world to me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tera1982 194 Posted June 18, 2015 Jenn1 Congrats on getting sleeved and having such success with the diabetes! I'm glad to see another type-1, as many of the studies I read about are for type-2. I can't wait to have some "normal" A1Cs. If you don't mind me asking, how is the weight loss going? Are you losing as expected/consistently? Obviously my health is my #1 goal(diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control), but the weight loss is also extremely important as well! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites