Bariatric Surgery

I have never had the procedure...but I know enough to make the decision that it is something I would not do. I have heard of some positive results with it, but the negative stories are so bad that I am not willing to risk it. There is some early research that may show that something in the Roux-en-Y surgery might be having an effect on whatever mechanism it is that is causing insulin resistance. If your pancreas is still functioning properly, then it is theoretically possible that you could go into remission of sorts. If you are not producing a normal amount of insulin, then your diabetes is never going to go away...your requirements for medication may lessen...but it isnt going to go away. I think one reason your blood sugar is so much better after surgery also has a lot to do with the diet you are required to follow after surgery. I have seen some good results....but the bad ones were absolutely disasterous...and permanent. Personally I think, for me at least, losing weight, exercising, and following a healthier more balanced diet seems the way to go.

My opinion of course...just sayin'

opinions

Pam
Yes of course that is also all I am offering, my opinion. My history since the surgery has been disaster, my life is forever changed (see above).

With that said I have found that those asking an opinion really have already made up their minds about having their surgery. I am not sure anyone could have changed my mind once the decision was made. If you will look at those that have had the surgery, many gain the weight back. The psychological reasons for eating are not cured with this surgery and as with me after a year to 18 months the hunger returns and it is still a battle.

This overproduction or dumping of insulin makes me in a state of constant lows, the weakness, confusion, needing monitoring most of the time is awful. The last time Peter was out of town and 911 had to be called the decision was made that not only can I not drive, travel alone, but now have to have someone with me if he goes out of town. My next move is getting a Diabetic Alert Dog in hopes of her warning me sooner than the CGM, which as you know lets me know after the problem is starting.

Thanks, folks

BTyler, I agree with you that some folks end up putting on all weight they lost due to bariatric surgery. A friend of mine has a brother in Washington, DC and that is exactly what happened to him! Someone described bariatric surgery as "a tool, NOT a cure."

Still, to be fair and balanced, there are lots of people out there that are ecstatic over having made the decision to have it done ... they feel their good health was given back to them and the prospect of living a long and happy life as well. I met a middle-aged couple - the husband had the procedure - and his wife declared that before as an obese person he was angry, bitter, depressed, demoralized and anti-social; after the surgery and subsequent weight loss he emerged like a butterfly out of the cocoon - happy, filled with pride over his weight loss, friendly, outgoing and a happy person!

I think one must weigh all the pros and cons. First of all, death on the operating table is a possibility - not common - but it does happen in 1/4 of 1%. Second, people seem to complain of having a bad case of gas and cramps and nausea. Third, are the more horrific complications described in this threads.

As you say: it's a tool, not a cure. It's hard work to loose weight, even after the surgery. Before my surgery, I ate healthy and I do the same now. I make good decisions and I take good care of myself. My life has changed in that manner that I'm much happier now and I have more energy. My eyes are shining again and my mood has improved tremendously. I'm very sorry to hear that some have bad experiences. My surgeon has operated me in that manner that he can undo the surgery if things would not turn out the way they were supposed to be..

To the lady with reactive hypoglycaemia: did you have diabetes before your surgery? I'm asking, because I'm a type 1 and since my pancreas doesn't produce any insulin at all, I don't have that risk. But yes, I've heard before about people getting this complication after surgery. I'm sorry to hear you're one of them.