Lap Band versus Diabetes

[scout47 1]

It's been a long time since I have been on this site. I was banded 4/1/09 and from the beginning I had a problem eating the Protein I am supposed to without throwing up. It has now been almost 2 1/2 years and I still throw up almost every time I eat. To say I've been frustrated is an understatment. I have only lost about 30 lbs total. Anyway, this week I was given some hope I was told at mayo Clinic that I had a hiatal hernia and needed to have that repaired and the band removed; I was scheduled for surgery in August and then my employer (from whom I have retired) changed my insurance and Mayo decided they would not accept the new ins. Finally my original surgeon said he would see me even though he does not accept the new ins either. He allowed me to do self-pay for my Monday appt (September 19) and the good news is that I do not have a hernia, I do have Esophageal achalasia which does not allow the esophagus to relax enough to allow my food to pass through into my pouch. As of Monday I am taking a new med which is supposed to fix this problem. So, bottom line is that now I have to start from the beginning using my band. Can anyone suggest an eating plan that works with my band and my diabetic needs?? Of course, the idea is that when I lose weight I can stop taking my insulin and a bunch of other meds. Any help anyone can give me would be much appreciated.

[Jachut 487]

Depends what your diabetic way of eating is - here in Australia I know they often recommend low GI rather than actual low carb but I would imagine if this new medication fixes your esophageal problems, you may find you can eat solid Proteins the way you are supposed to.

[Tamie2169 2]

I too am diabetic. My endocronologist just told me to eat just like before the band, only less. Once the weight starts coming off, and it will, then my meds will be adjusted accordingly. I still look at carb intake, which is very little or minimal, and just eat healthy foods. Nothing really changed, other than the portions of what I eat. This is why I wanted the band, to have better Portion Control, NOT to have to give up foods or change what I ate! Go talk to your doctors and see what they recommend and go from there.

[scout47 1]

Depends what your diabetic way of eating is - here in Australia I know they often recommend low GI rather than actual low carb but I would imagine if this new medication fixes your esophageal problems, you may find you can eat solid Proteins the way you are supposed to.

Hopefully that is what will happen, I would still like to find a structured eating plan for both. I can do better if I know exactly what I’m going to eat at what time.

[scout47 1]

I too am diabetic. My endocronologist just told me to eat just like before the band, only less. Once the weight starts coming off, and it will, then my meds will be adjusted accordingly. I still look at carb intake, which is very little or minimal, and just eat healthy foods. Nothing really changed, other than the portions of what I eat. This is why I wanted the band, to have better Portion Control, NOT to have to give up foods or change what I ate! Go talk to your doctors and see what they recommend and go from there.

Thanks for your comment. My lap band surgeon has already told me what to eat: Protein three times a day--no Snacks. However, since most Proteins come right back up, I wanted a good alternative. Guess the best thing for me to do is look on the web and find a list of all types of proteins. Thanks for making me think!!

[Thee-O 15]

I am also diabetic. Since the surgery my blood sugars have stabilized. Before surgery I was around 270-340. Now I range from 90-120. I tend to stay away from the foods that the body converts to sugar and anything with HFCS. I stay away from bread, potatoes and rice.

Exercise as much as you can and get your Protein in from drinks for right now although I would get back on solid Protein as soon as you can.

[m1aman 944]

I am diabetic too and what I have done is eat lo carb and make sure I get my Protein. I haven't been banded yet so I don't know how that will change for me. But if I have to get my Protein through shakes and "Atkins" type Snacks, that is what I will do.

I am also diabetic. Since the surgery my blood sugars have stabilized. Before surgery I was around 270-340. Now I range from 90-120. I tend to stay away from the foods that the body converts to sugar and anything with HFCS. I stay away from bread, potatoes and rice.

Exercise as much as you can and get your protein in from drinks for right now although I would get back on solid protein as soon as you can.

[lizzy2150 3]

Have you looked into alternative Protein sources? I use Protein shakes for Breakfast (when my band is too tight for solid food). I'm allowed light, protein-rich Snacks, so I will eat soy butter on apple slices (I'm allergic to peanuts, but Peanut Butter would work, of course)--the soy butter is too sticky on crackers, but on apples it's just right (just be sure to peel the apples!). I'm also deeply fond of Revival Soy Chips: http://www.revivalsoy.com/products/chips/ . I eat a bag of them (100 calories) with one or two rounds of Mini Baby Bel light cheese. It's my current lunch of choice. I love Greek yogurt, so I usually eat one of those a day. I like an ounce or so of salmon mixed up with a wedge of Laughing Cow Herb and Garlic cheese and served on Blue Diamond brand Nut Thins (crackers, but thin and crunchy and lower carb).

I think the key is to be creative.

[scout47 1]

Have you looked into alternative Protein sources? I use Protein shakes for breakfast (when my band is too tight for solid food). I'm allowed light, protein-rich Snacks, so I will eat soy butter on apple slices (I'm allergic to peanuts, but Peanut Butter would work, of course)--the soy butter is too sticky on crackers, but on apples it's just right (just be sure to peel the apples!). I'm also deeply fond of Revival Soy Chips: http://www.revivalso...products/chips/ . I eat a bag of them (100 calories) with one or two rounds of Mini Baby Bel light cheese. It's my current lunch of choice. I love Greek yogurt, so I usually eat one of those a day. I like an ounce or so of salmon mixed up with a wedge of Laughing Cow Herb and Garlic cheese and served on Blue Diamond brand Nut Thins (crackers, but thin and crunchy and lower carb).

I think the key is to be creative.

Thanks for the good tips. I usually have a Myoplex (42 g protein) every morning for breakfast. Also,I love Nut Thins and Laughing Cow Herb and Garlic cheese -- hadn't thought about mixing it with salmon or tuna would be great!

[scout47 1]

Have you looked into alternative Protein sources? I use Protein shakes for Breakfast (when my band is too tight for solid food). I'm allowed light, protein-rich Snacks, so I will eat soy butter on apple slices (I'm allergic to peanuts, but Peanut Butter would work, of course)--the soy butter is too sticky on crackers, but on apples it's just right (just be sure to peel the apples!). I'm also deeply fond of Revival Soy Chips: http://www.revivalso...products/chips/ . I eat a bag of them (100 calories) with one or two rounds of Mini Baby Bel light cheese. It's my current lunch of choice. I love Greek yogurt, so I usually eat one of those a day. I like an ounce or so of salmon mixed up with a wedge of Laughing Cow Herb and Garlic cheese and served on Blue Diamond brand Nut Thins (crackers, but thin and crunchy and lower carb).

I think the key is to be creative.

Izzy, thanks again for your info. I wanted to look at your post again but everytime I tried to find my original post and view my answers, I can't find either. The only way I can find it is to click the web address given in my emails telling me someone has commented. It's been so long since I've posted on this forum and so many things have changed, can you tell me how I can go directly to my question and view the answers?? Thanks.

[54Shirley 105]

I'm sure through your surgeon, you must have a Dietician or Nutritionist.

I would make contact, and have them give you a plan or recipes or Guidelines to follow.

You Paid your dues when you were Banded, and all these other people were paid. So contact her/him.

and explain your situation. I'm sure they stand behind there work.

[scout47 1]

Depends what your diabetic way of eating is - here in Australia I know they often recommend low GI rather than actual low carb but I would imagine if this new medication fixes your esophageal problems, you may find you can eat solid Proteins the way you are supposed to.

Jachut, thx for the info and encouragement.

[healthierme72 6]

I am diabetic and got banded in May of this year. For some reason, my diabetes improved immediately after my surgery. I went from 10 pills a day to zero now. I pretty much stick to my diabetic diet but, I have totally eliminated all processed white foods, (no bread, no Pasta, no rice, yes and no pizza) I have not had any since being banded. I have Proteins shakes, Beans, chicken, fish, and lite baby bel cheese for my Protein intake. Before surgery I was almost at the point of having to be put on insulin and that was when I decided to have the lapband. Either die being fat, and diabetic taking shots evryday or choosing to be healthy and live longer. I am very happy with my decision and happy to not have to take meds anymore.

[scout47 1]

I am diabetic and got banded in May of this year. For some reason, my diabetes improved immediately after my surgery. I went from 10 pills a day to zero now. I pretty much stick to my diabetic diet but, I have totally eliminated all processed white foods, (no bread, no Pasta, no rice, yes and no pizza) I have not had any since being banded. I have Proteins shakes, Beans, chicken, fish, and lite baby bel cheese for my Protein intake. Before surgery I was almost at the point of having to be put on insulin and that was when I decided to have the lapband. Either die being fat, and diabetic taking shots evryday or choosing to be healthy and live longer. I am very happy with my decision and happy to not have to take meds anymore.

[scout47 1]

I am diabetic and got banded in May of this year. For some reason, my diabetes improved immediately after my surgery. I went from 10 pills a day to zero now. I pretty much stick to my diabetic diet but, I have totally eliminated all processed white foods, (no bread, no Pasta, no rice, yes and no pizza) I have not had any since being banded. I have Proteins shakes, Beans, chicken, fish, and lite baby bel cheese for my Protein intake. Before surgery I was almost at the point of having to be put on insulin and that was when I decided to have the lapband. Either die being fat, and diabetic taking shots evryday or choosing to be healthy and live longer. I am very happy with my decision and happy to not have to take meds anymore.

Thanks for the encouragement! I think one of my biggest problems is that I was in denial regarding being diabetic; so I never really had a "diabetic diet". The Nutritionist I saw when I was first diagnosed was terrible, made no sense, and then soon after I saw her she was no longer there. So I am on two types of insulin and also Metformin. So I definitely need to make my own structured eating plan. Thanks again for answering my posts.