Lows and long-acting insulin

[Don 5]

I have not been banded yet. Have my consult in late November.

At the seminar, the nurse said they took all people off from their long-acting insulin after surgery. I wonder now, if she meant just the full-fledged R n Y and the sleeve or if it includes the banded people too.

I am on 60 units of Levimir a day.

Second, I am also afraid of lows. Many of them I have had have been at night. Anyone experience any lows after surgery (lap-band)?

Thanks

Don:thumbup:

[clempier 0]

Hi Jack,

I had my band June 3rd, 2009. I'm diabetic type II and I've been on insulin for 11 years now. My insulin intake is WAY LESS than what it was. My goal was to get rid of insulin. Taking Metformin pills don't bother me that much compare to insulin. I was reading in a book a Dr. saying that if you've been on insulin for more than 10 years, your chance of getting rid of insulin is slight. So my question is: Were you on insulin for more than 10 years? Maybe that Dr. can be wrong and I still have a chance to get rid of it even after 10 years. I would appreciate an answer.

Thank you,

clempier

[Westonrose 0]

I am 40 years old and was banded 03/12/2009. I was on a U500 (5x concentrated insulin) and Avandia 8mg. My doctor said that I would probably reduce my insulin but would be surprised if I came off of it. That was a bet she lost. As of 07/31/2009 I am completely med free. This not only involved my diabetic meds but my High BP and cholesterol meds as well. It was not easy but it can be done. You need to have your doctor check if your pancreas to see if it has any insulin function left. This will help you know if you will come off the insulin. Good luck!

Michelle

Starting weight- 284

Banded- 03/12/2009

Current weight-203

Goal-144

[Julia_N 2]

I'm a type 2 and before surgery I took metformin, avandia, and lantus insulin. The doctor had me stop the first two for 2 days before surgery, when I was on a pure liquid diet. I was supposed to use half my usual insulin dose, but my readings were so low that I skipped it so I wouldn't have a low-sugar episode. Since surgery, my glucose readings have crept up. I've resumed my metformin and avandia and I'm hoping that's enough to not have to resume the lantus. I only have to take insulin when I get extra heavy. Previously when I've lost weight, I've been able to stop insulin but have been taking it again for about 5 years. I'm hoping that once I get a fill and lose more, I'll be able to stop them.

Good luck!

[jaciqltz 0]

OH my..I am being banded TOMORROW and I just NOw find this string of Diabetic threads...geeezzz

anyway...I am type 2, and have been on insulin for the last 6 years!

I am on insulin because at first I had a reaction to Metformin, then they put me on Glyburide, and that made things worst because I have having lactic acidosis and the GP did not listen me. SO long story short, I was paralyzed for 6 months from the waist down...went off the meds by my own accord...was fine 3 weeks later!

two years later, sugars started going back up so by then I was living in the Ak bush and had only Indian health hosp to go to. They did not have any other meds to put me on, so insulin it was.

For the last 18 months I have been on Lantus, once a day and 75units. Before that it was R & NPH 4 times a day!

I had a low yesterday morning and was wobbly, until I got some juice.

Today my stomach just hurts, and I have a headache.

BUT I am having surgery tomorrow! So I do not want to push the carb envelope at this point.

I have lost 18 pounds in the last 3 weeks.

How will I know when to lower my insulin dosage?

How many calories a day is needed to maintain sugars and weight loss?

I know with the bypass they say you are pretty much off insulin instantly, but the banding is different. SO I am prepared to wait to be off of it, but I want to make sure I am doing things proper to ensure staying off of it!

Thanks for any info!:biggrin:

[Westonrose 0]

I came off insulin right away. You are not going to have much intake as far as food goes right away. You are going to have to test your blood a lot. If you know how you react to different things you will be fine. I started by have no insulin and planned on intrudusing it back in slowly if I needed to (my doctor did recommed this). I never did.

Good luck with your surgery. Get a lot of rest. I made the mistake of thinking I was wonder woman. You are going to be weak from the recovery and lack of nutrition the first week, so take it slow. Don’t think you can redecorate the spare bedroom like I did.

This will be one of the best things you have ever one of yourself.

Michelle