Hello

[Papagoose]

Hello everyone

I'm taking the first steps towards surgery in a few weeks when I visit a surgeon for a consultation. I was referred by my endocrinologist who is treating my type 2 diabetes - she feels that this is the way for me to go and I think she's right. I weigh 340 lbs, but really should have never allowed myself to go over 200. That's when I became diabetic, and it's all been downhill since then.

I've been in this situation before; about five years ago I went through the process, even had approval from my insurance company, but allowed friends and coworkers to talk me out of it at the last minute. This time I have the support of my wife and kids and don't really care what my friends say. I know what I need to do to prolong my life and will do whatever it takes.

I am really interested in hearing from people 5+ years out from surgery. I know what to expect in the first year, but not after that.

It looks like I have lots of info to read here, and I look forward to talking to lots of you soon.

Diabetes Mellitus A disease that occurs when the body is not able to use blood glucose (sugar). Blood sugar levels are controlled by insulin, a hormone in the body that helps move glucose from the blood to muscles and other tissues. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body does not respond to the insulin that is made. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921, but there is no cure.

[MsJacquiiC]

Hi JJ and welcome to The Journey! Congratulations on your decision to go through with the WLS? Which surgery are you considering?

At anyrate - I had the lap roux-en-y back on April 28th this year - One of the best decisions I've made for myself ever IMO anyway. It's been a troublefree journey thus far and I hope that yours will be trouble free and successful as well.

Again = Welcome, enjoy and happy posting! Feel free to update your profile to include your current info and edit your avatar as well.

Jacquii.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass A type of gastric bypass procedure which combines restrictive and malabsorption techniques - meaning, it reduces the amount of food a patient can comfortably eat (restriction), and also reduces the amount of calories that can be digested in the small intestine (malabsorption). This combination of bariatric methods leads to greater weight loss and the roux-en-y procedure is seen as one of the best ways to treat clinically severe obesity. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.