Cardiaoligest{ Heart Doctor}

Hi, The heart dr. will give me the go ahead, but I think he is trying to scare me out of having the RYN done. I really like him a lot but he is telling me really scarey things that can happen with the surgery. He says things like , So your really going to do it?? So far he is the only one of my Dr.`s who is totally against having it done. All the others think it is a good idea. I need some encouregament. Thanks alot

I went to the cardiologist who was recommended by CHRIAS. He was totally supportive and very informed of WLS pre and post-op. On the other hand, I am of the personal belief that if someone telling you the scary things that can happen, can scare you off, then maybe you aren't quite ready for this surgery. As a friend of mine who had the surgery and had complications but would do it again says: If you are not willing to change your life, possibly risk it all, to possibly gain a better life, you are not ready. I know this is not the kind of support you were looking for. But you have to decide this within yourself. And find that peace within yourself. There was a great post on the main board recently. This post was from a man who had major complications with this surgery. He is so great at putting things into perspective. I would recommend this post highly. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/messageboard/postdetail/976408.html?vc=0 ((((((((((( Lydia )))))))))))) Best wishes and prayers go with you on this journey. Gigee

Lyndia, I identify with you and think the responses you received from those who have had surgery are good. I'm in the deciding whether to do it or not phase, have started consults etc but not 100% committed. One thing I've learned from the posts I've read is to pay attention and listen to the facts about the surgery today from those informed. WLS surgery has changed and is safer than in the past, less risk and less long term complications. Sometimes uninformed medical practitioners are basing advice on experiences or literature 15-20 years old. I've been very particular in asking questions to the doctors - asking for specific information and advice pertaining to MY health. For instance, I plan to ask my cardiologist if my risks for cardiac complications are greater due to my personal cardiac history. I asked the WL surgeon if my risk for bowel obstruction are higher than normal because I had radiation therapy. If your cardiologist is totaly against you having it done, I'd want to know why - are your risks greater - or is he against the surgery completely. If he won't answer those questions, or you suspect he has an uneducated bias toward the surgery, I'd get a second cardiology consult if it were me. There is no doubt about it, this is serious. A major life decision. There is a place off the main message board called memorial. It's a list of those who have belonged to the morbid obesity forum and are no longer with us. Some died in surgery, others afterwards, a few from non WLS events. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/wlsmemorial.phtml For me, looking at that list made the risk of surgery vivid. I'm trying to put it in perspective, remember there are thousands who have the surgery and don't post etc - but it is there in black and white - there is risk of death with this surgery. I'm at the point where I'm trying to decide whether I'm willing to take that risk, and if so how to best minimize it. I am SO thankful for this forum, for the information we have available and the generosity of those who are willing to share their experiences and thoughts after going through it. Take gentle, thoughtful care, Karen

Hi Lydia: I had surgery on Oct. 25 with no complications from the actual surgery. I just had severe back spasms which was probably a result of past problems I've had with my back. All of my doctors agreed that this surgery was necessary. I am 53 and had high blood pressure, diabetes, high chlolestal (excuse spelling), depression, you name it. I took a year researching, talking to others and made the decision to have the surgery. You really have to listen to your doctors, but also do what is best for you. This is more than I was initially prepared for and you don't know that until after the surgery. I would suggest that you get a support person (family member, close friend) who can be your coach to get you through the first several months post op. I have found myself saying, maybe this wasn't what I should have done, but for me, the depression had a lot to do with it and my case is different from many in that I have been treated for depression for almost 10 years. Hang in there and good luck with your decision. I have lost 54 lbs. I feel better, but my life has certainly changed a lot. I have faith that I will soon be feeling great -- the support group assured me and they were right on the money. Ruth

Whoa Lydia. Will you travel to Brazil for your surgery? I read your profile and was not familiar with your Doctor so I looked him up. He sounds very impressive. I think if I were you I'd check with another Cardiologist. He didn't sound very positive, and really didn't give you the reasons why you should not have the surgery. Only you can make this decision, based on the information that your support Dr's give you as feedback. I would definetly have some questions. The more research you do will be to your benefit in the end. That way you will be secure in knowing that you left no stones unturned and the decision you make will be an educated one. Keep us posted on your progress. Elissa

Hi Lydia, Obviously, this is your life and your body. You must ultimately do what you are comfortable with. It's kind a funny, but I used my own cardiologist and he was ecstatic about the surgery for me! Now, my OB/GYN wasn't as excited and we discussed her reasons for it. She agreed that my motivation would probably help me go far, but many of her patients that had had the surgery had regained some or much of their weight and she wasn't sure it was the best option. I think this is a very personal decision and you will decide what is best for you. Best of luck and God Bless! Valerie

Not sure which cardiologist you use. One of the reason that we use the cardiologist recommended by our surgeon is they want to have the cardiologist in near proximity of the surgical room in case there are complications. I noticed you are having the surgery done in Brazil. Have you researched after-care follow-up? Just wanted to caution you, since this surgery is not just an operation, it requires continual follow-up for the rest of your life, support and guidance from nutritionists, doctors familiar with the operation, and other support professional. Sorry I cant be more encouraging but the cardiologist needs to let you know about all the possible complications. That is his job. You need to decide if the risk is worth it. Rob

I`m not having my surgery in Brazil. I`m having it at the Barix Clinic in Langhorn. The Dr. Hasn`t really scared me but he is really apposed to it, but he wouldn`t tell me his reasons ,other then the hospital here in Lewis was going to try to do these surgeries here but their insurance said it wasn`t worth the risk of getting sued if things went wrong.

I`m not going to Brazil for the surgery, It will be at the Barix Clinic in Langhorn Pa.

That makes a lot more sense. Your profile and doctor's profile all talk about people heading down to Brazil... That is really confusing. My brother just had his surgery at Barix in Langhorn, PA. He said the staff was great, and the surgeons were excellent. Rob