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The Question
08/04/09 09:17 AM

"I am discussing lap band surgery with my dr and she says that there is research that indicates it may reverse diabetes-is it the same for neuropathy?"
Asked By: debbye  
Category: Neuropathy

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Expert Answers (1)

08/04/09 08:43 PM

Hi and thanks for writing dLife. It is true that weight loss surgery can be often very helpful in managing type 2 diabetes. This seems to be especially true with gastric bypass surgery (vs. lap band surgery) because of very significant hormone changes as well as weight loss and low calorie intake because of extreme restrictions on diet. Blood sugar control can often be so improved that one may often be able to discontinue diabetes medications altogether. However like with any other treatments, individual results do vary, depending on how long you have had diabetes, how much insulin your body is still making, physicial activity, degree of weight loss and other factors. The same is true for neuropathy. While better blood sugar control can certainly help reducing risks for further damage, there is no guarantee that any existing damage can be reversed. For the best answer regarding your specific condition, discuss this with your physician who can much more closely evaluate the status of your currently health.
Answered By: Janice Baker
Accreditations: B.Sc., MBA, RD, CDE, CNSC
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Community Answers (3)

08/19/09 07:09 PM

The example of neuropathy going away is great. Thing is depends on how long you had diabetes before dx. Mine is still with me even though my a1c has been well below 7 for a very long time. Thing is for years it wasnt and that damage wont go away. I knew a type 2 on insulin had the gastric surgery and she lost some weight but never was able to go off insulin.
Answered By: furball64801
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08/09/09 12:34 AM

I ama type 1 diabetic and I have neuropathy in my legs feet and hands and I am perscribed medication for it because of how bad it was just six months ago. but now that i have other health issues under control and they are no longer affecting my sugar control my neuropathy has improved. I rarely ever feel it in my hands and its only once in a while in my legs and its bareable to where i havent taken any meds for it in 3 months.
Answered By: kuczka21
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08/04/09 08:26 PM

My son-in-law, who was "grossly obese" had that surgery. As he lost weight, his diabetes went away, his cholesterol returned to normal and so did his high blood pressure. As for the neuropathy, I recently increased the amount of Metformin I was taking and the neuropathy in my feet and hands has gone away.
Answered By: carolvsl
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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