What has your experience been if you are insulin dependent?

SHAZ · 05-04-2005, 08:54 AM

Is anyone insulin dependent and if so, has the rate of your weight loss been affected? I am eating 90% (if not more) the way I should, working out at curves 4 to 5 days a week and walking on weekends. Maybe it's just my impatience but I seem to be loosing at a very slow rate. I realize too that my age may be a factor (57). But, GOSH!! I've been feeling sooooo discouraged lately. I am able to get into some skirts that I previously was unable to wear but that's still not enough weight lost, in my opinion. I plan to speak to the nutritionist as well. I feel down-hearted at current. Sorry for posting a negative coment. I really need your input!!!

Vickitoo · 05-04-2005, 09:03 AM

HI
Well I have been wondering the same thing. I have lost 22 pounds, most of that right off the bat some even before surgery. I take 40 units of Lantus a day. I was also taking Regular Insulin with meals, but I am allergic to it and taking it causes great pain (my reason for having surgery to begin with) I am a type 2 diabetic. I so hoped that having the surgery and losing weight would mean no more insulin. But my sugars still run around 200, even with the drastic change in my diet. I can't help but believe the insulin has something to do with not losing more.
I wish I had an answer.
I am going to go for my third fill next week. I am not sure that will make a difference, because I don't think I am overeating. But I don't want to not use the band to it's fullest potential.
It is hard to exercise because I am still in some pain even just being on the Lantus.
Take care

SHAZ · 05-04-2005, 09:25 AM

Hi Vickitoo
I too am taking about 40 per day and I share in your frustration. I also thought I would be losing weight and coming off medication. I can remember reading in one of Dr. Atkins' books that insulin is definitely a deterant when trying to lose weight. He named several factors but insulin usage was numeral uno. However, when I do not use the meds my sugar is very out of control (even though I eat so little). When I last saw my MD, he felt the lack of weight loss was due to eating too much or eating the wrong foods(not true). I didn't argue, just went home and tried harder which is when I joined the gym and began walking. I've since lost only about 5 more pounds. Of course this makes me a real believer that insulin is affecting my progress. All I can do is go with the flow.

**Jack** · 05-06-2005, 03:10 PM

I am 'type 2' on insulin injections 15 years....age 59....

With metformin tid 850mg I also had to take average 100u twice a day of Humulin N & R mix....and was loosing the battle....kept my A1c in the sub 7 range with only utmost difficulty...

insulin requirements thru mushy stage dropped dramatically to 1 or 2 injections A WEEK....at maybe 15u rather than 200 daily!!!! And NO metformin!!!

since 'regular food'....calorie intake about 2000/day...weight loss much slower...take ~15u Humulin maybe 2~3x a week....

yes, insulin is a hormone that makes weight loss very difficult...

it's a battle between a host of comorbidities, and is one of the reasons I chose my little Angel of the Silicon Fist....

all the indicators are I may be off insulin entirely over the next 6~12 months....I have started metformin bid again but BG average hovers around 125 with less than 10% of insulin I was taking pre-band...