Question:
Will I still qualify for Wls as long as blood pressure is under control by meds?

Can I still qualify for Wls since my blood pressure is under control with norvasc? My pcp has not prescibed any meds for my diabetes, just diet and excersise. I am having a hard time with the latter. My knees swell with fluid everytime, preventing me from exercising enough to loose the excess weight. I weight 283 lbs. , BMI 40.3, 5'8'    — nay_nay45 (posted on October 14, 2001)

October 14, 2001
Of course.....taking meds to control BP is not the normal/healthy thing to do...(well, it's better than having BP out of control, of course) - but, getting your weight down, and possibly losing the need to even TAKE the meds is the better thing....I took three BP meds a day for six years prior to my OpenVBG (06/11/01)....my BP is now normal - without ANY meds....(I've lost 91 lbs in four months)
   — Cathy J.

October 15, 2001
I had a hard time getting my blood pressure under control before surgery - the doctor tried 4 or 5 different meds in the months before surgery. The Catapres transdermal patch finally was the on that worked to control my blood pressure. My surgeon said MAKE SURE you have your patch on for your surgery because if your bp is too high they will not put you under anesthesia. As long as your blood pressure is under control, with meds or not, you will be able to have surgery. Most people who have WLS are on high blood pressure meds. I'm 6 months post-op, lost 78 lbs and no longer have to take any high bp meds. Good luck to you.
   — Jeanne R.