Diabetic trying to get lap band

[Mayo 0]

I am a diabetic and I am 23 years old. I am nervous about the band, because my doctor keeps reminding me about infections and that I am at greater risk of complications with the band due to diabetes. Is there anyone viewing that has diabetes and had the lap band?? I need some advice and opinions from others in my position. I am headed down a bad road of health if I don't do it, but I am looking at a few risks if I go ahead and have it done!!!

[oreokitty 0]

All I can say it do it do it do it as fast as you can

I am a type one diabetic on the insulin pump

I have been a diabectic for 26 years

My diabetic doc was unsure but I found a great surgeon that has done the lap band on other type ones.

I was out of teh hospital the same day

I had no complaications A little red in teh healing area so they put me on meds that took care of it.

I felt horriable before the band and I have a new life now

I have lost 90 lbs

You will face some different problems along the weight loss but it will all work out

There is not much data about diabetics type one having teh surgery but I say go for it

I would do it all over again if I had to

I extended my life I have with my family because of the less weight and I have so much better controll of my blood sugars.

PM me if you would like more info I am all for this surgery

[MerryHearted 20]

Tons of diabetics have this surgery -- although you didn't say if you were Type 1 or Type 2. My hA1C was above normal but not quite at diabetes level for a couple years and getting worse; my doctor had me on Actos but not insulin.

I had my glucose level tested about 3 months after getting banded and it was normal and has stayed that way.

I'm sure you'll hear from many others. There are probably steps you can take to prevent infection after surgery; talk to your surgeon about it. (I'm assuming your doc who is concerned is your primary care doc and not the surgeon?)

[favorite 3]

i am type 2 diabetic and everyone in my support group including myself had no complications being banded. and we are all off our diabetes medication. for me that was 180 units of insulin daily. my endocrinologist told me the new york times recently had an article calling the lap band the cure for diabetes type 2.

[mbanja 1]

If you are type 1, the only problem I could see you encountering is having to relearn how to stablize your blood sugar and keep it incheck as it will probably be all over the place when you really start shedding the lbs. I know for type 1's it can be a real bitch if you don't monitor your sugar levels closely. I am sure if the surgeon knows before hand that you are diabetic, he/she will make sure everything goes smoothly. Also, if you are type 1, if it were me, I'd be on board with a nutritionist (if you are not already) and make sure they know the requirements of the band food stages so they can at least give you ideas on keeping you sugar in a managable range!

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

I am a diabetic and I am 23 years old. I am nervous about the band, because my doctor keeps reminding me about infections and that I am at greater risk of complications with the band due to diabetes. Is there anyone viewing that has diabetes and had the lap band?? I need some advice and opinions from others in my position. I am headed down a bad road of health if I don't do it, but I am looking at a few risks if I go ahead and have it done!!!

You have a 100% chance of dealing with complications of obesity (you already are) or you have less than 1% chance of serious complications with banding.

Banding will go a long way to fix your problem, the choice is yours. I think sometimes we all need to put it in its proper perspective.

Good luck to you!