Mommyonamission

Hi there...I just came across your post. I am in the final stages before Gastric Bypass surgery (going for anesthesia consult on April 10th and then to schedule with the surgeon. I am also 41 and on the insulin pump. I've been diabetic since 11 yrs. old. I am concerned about blood sugar issues too. I am not sure what to expect. I've been told to schedule an apt. w/my endo prior to surgery to talk about pump changes and I do plan to do that as I have confidence in my endo (worked closely with me when I was pregnant with my little one, now age 2 1/2). Even still, I am really anxious about what this will be like once I have the surgery. With the dumping syndrome, what are we going to do if we have a low and need carbs? What will happen if we need carbs for a low but our body rejects the high sugary juice or whatever we try to take to bring it up (like we throw it up or something)? I am nervous. I know this can work somehow, but am thinking it is going to be a balancing act and will take several tries to figure it all out. I've already been told that because I'm type 1, not to expect the diabetes to go away completely, but to be easier to manage. I don't have all the answers to your questions, but feel in the same boat, for sure! Some time has passed since your post. Where are you at in your journey?

I am also type 1 diabetic, on the insulin pump and having the gastric bypass surgery. I've been diabetic since I was eleven. I have completed all of the pre-surgery tests but one thing-have to get a heart xray because my EKG result was abnormal and indicated a possible silent heart attack. Hmm...the cardiologist said it could be that the reading is incorrect and just wants to rule this out. She said diabetics are more likely to have heart attacks with no symptoms. I am learning so much on this journey. Anyway, if that test comes back normal, I will be all cleared and then meet with the surgeon. I, too, am concerned about hypoglycemia and want to make sure I have my basal rates, etc. how they should be given that everything will be changing in the amount and way I will be eating. My endo wants me to schedule an apt. with her as soon as my surgery date is given so we can go over all of it and decide how to proceed. She worked very closely with me when I was pregnant with my son (now two) and I really trust her judgment. I know it will be a learning process and anticipate some ups and downs (mainly downs) with my diabetes, but I hope that once the rates are adjusted and I learn my new body and figure out how it responds to food, stress, etc., things will calm down. I'd love to know more about you! We are about the same weight too. I am 41 yrs. old. I also have hypothyroidism. Sorry I have no real advice I can give you as of yet. : ) Good luck to you!

Hello, I am a 41 year old and have started what I hope and pray to be the last weight loss journey. My weight rollercoaster story is that I was an average sized child but turned into a chubby pre-teen/young teen that lost weight during mid to late teen years but slowly put back on weight in my mid-twenties and have battled it ever since. I was diagnosed with diabetes at eleven years old (on insulin pump now for over twelve years and before that gave 3-4 shots per day) and diagnosed with hypothyroidism in early twenties. I have Hashimotos and now have vitiligo, another auto-immune related skin disorder. My life story is complex. I had a pretty chaotic and traumatic upbringing which I honestly feel played a role in triggering the onset of my diabetes and other auto-immune issues. Somehow I was able to realize my value and worth in life and went on to make a new way for myself after high school (went on to college, etc.). I have had some set backs including an unexpected and sudden divorce after ten plus years of marriage at age thirty, but even that wound up being a blessing in disguise as at age 36, I met and later married what is now the love of my life and after many, many years of infertility, finally conceived and our dear son was born when I was 39. I have to say that having my precious son has helped me realize why this surgery is needed. I am 265 lbs. at 5 ft. 7 inches and my weight is holding me back from being an active parent. I want to be healthy and be around for him. I also want to be healthy for ME. I want to be able to bend down and tie my shoe laces with no problem. I want to be able to run after my very active two year old without giving out of breath. I want to fit in seats and booths without being uncomfortable. I want to ride rollercoasters with my boy when he gets older. I could go on and on... I am in the first stages of pre-surgery appointments. I have completed the endoscopy and the ultrasound. Next week I have the cardiology work up, the nutritionist visit and the pulmonary apt. After that I have to have a psych. eval. and then I can schedule the apt. with the doctor to meet with me and go from there. I am concerned and would like to hear from anyone with type ONE diabetes that has had success and yes, I know that this surgery will not take away my diabetes, but will certainly assist. I also would like to hear from those with hypothyroidism that have had success in losing the weight. I am concerned about whether the thyroid issues will keep me from losing the weight and keeping it off, but I have been told it doesn't cause any problems. I just want a realistic view of what to expect. I am a little nervous about this as it is a HUGE lifestyle adjustment too. I love to eat, despite having to monitor carbs, etc. but know that after this surgery, my love for food is going to be something I'll mourn. I have to be honest! Thanks for hearing me out! I look forward to this journey and hope to meet some new friends that have similar struggles!

Big Mama, what made you choose sleeve over bypass? I'm just curious. I have been trying to decide what would be best. I am leaning towards bypass, but would love to hear about your decision. Thank you for the support and I am so happy for you that your health is improving and you are feeling better! I love that food no longer own you too. Yes, that IS a huge victory.

Thank you for your reply, Maggie0210! I really appreciate the encouraging words. It is also nice to hear that your hypothyroidism did not get in the way of your weight loss. Thanks so much!!!