Type 1 Diabetes and bariatric surgery

Brighton T1

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1
Hi all,

It's my first time posting on here as I have found very little help online to do with this topic.

I have been T1 for 15 years and am morbidly obese with a BMI of 40. Has anyone here gone through weight loss surgery?? I found a couple of outdated conversations here where people said they had surgeries coming up but I couldn't find any updates.

I am very seriously considering weight loss surgery (I don't really want to hear about diets or advice on eating and fitness as I have been through all of it, lost a lot of weight but I'm still not where I want to be). Of course I am aware there will be risks but just want to know if it's possible and if anyone can point me in the right direction as I would like to go private and wondering if anyone knows of any bariatric surgeons who specialise or have experience with Type 1 patients.
 

Jaylee

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18,214
Type of diabetes
Type 1
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Insulin
Hi all,

It's my first time posting on here as I have found very little help online to do with this topic.

I have been T1 for 15 years and am morbidly obese with a BMI of 40. Has anyone here gone through weight loss surgery?? I found a couple of outdated conversations here where people said they had surgeries coming up but I couldn't find any updates.

I am very seriously considering weight loss surgery (I don't really want to hear about diets or advice on eating and fitness as I have been through all of it, lost a lot of weight but I'm still not where I want to be). Of course I am aware there will be risks but just want to know if it's possible and if anyone can point me in the right direction as I would like to go private and wondering if anyone knows of any bariatric surgeons who specialise or have experience with Type 1 patients.

Hi @Brighton T1 ,

Welcome to the forum.

I'm afraid I can't offer any personal experience or advice on the subject.
But do offer a warm hello to a fellow T1 & wish you well on your progress so far.

I'll tag in @Juicyj , @Diakat & @Antje77 to say Hi, & keep the sensitive nature of this topic on track for you..

I wish you all the best on your quest.. :)
 

Juicyj

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Hi @Brighton T1 welcome the forum :)

Sorry I haven’t come across this type of surgery and t1 before - my only advice is that you would need really good control to manage the healing process afterwards to ensure it goes well, if I see anything in it I’ll post it here.
 
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Geordie lass

Well-Known Member
Messages
160
Type of diabetes
Type 1
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Pump
Hello @Brighton T1

I don't usually post on here (haven't for a while now), but I read posts every now and again and happened to stumble across yours! I have been T1 for over 15 years now and had a sleeve gastrectomy nearly 6 years ago. I had a BMI of 39.6 at the time and lost 8 stone within 10 months following my surgery. I don't regret having this surgery as it has helped so much since. My diabetes is so much better controlled, having followed a low carb lifestyle on and off since my surgery.

Anyway, I had the surgery done privately as I couldn't wait 2 years as you do with NHS! My surgeon was amazing, very skilled and the after care is great. After my surgery I was taken to the High Dependency Unit for 24 hours due to having T1, so that I could be observed more closely, but I've not had any issues at all since having this surgery. Best thing I've done!

I must add, it's not any easy option having surgery. It's just a tool. You still have to be careful with what you eat. Many high carb/sugary foods (called sliders) are so easy to consume (grazing throughout the day) which don't fill you up, they just move through your stomach with ease (that's why they are called slider foods!). You have to emotionally/psychologically be ready for this surgery otherwise it is so easy to put weight on, especially a few years post surgery. It took me 4 years to make that decision, until I knew I was 100% ready and committed to having this surgery done. Now, 6 years post surgery, I'm a happy, healthy weight and in control of my T1DM.

Good luck with whatever you decide, but I highly recommend the Sleeve and the above Surgeon/Hospital :)

Edited by Mod, to remove surgeon details, as we cannot allow posting HCP personal details on forum.
 
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Antje77

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LADA
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Hi @Brighton T1 , have another hearty welcome to the forum!
Like @Jaylee and @Juicyj I don't know much about the subject but I wanted to wish you all the best!
And, like Jaylee suggested, we'll keep an eye on this thread to make sure it stays on track :)
 
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HSSS

Expert
Messages
7,465
Type of diabetes
Type 2
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Diet only
I’ve known a few people who have had weight loss surgery although none type 1. The thing in common about their success is whether the actual cause of the excess weight is addressed long term. Sadly the majority after a few years now just have the side effects of the reduced eating and absorption capabilities but have gone back to many of their old ways with their old issues and regained much of the weight.

If you have addressed these issues (including achieving good bgl control, any increasing resistance and amounts of insulin used in the case of a diabetic) or have a solid plan to do so then perhaps it’ll give you what you seek.

Have you asked you diabetes team about this and recommendations? Maybe a good first step towards getting enough information to make your choices.
 
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