I am New

Hi, my name is Marilyn Bauer and I am new to this. I will be having a sleeve gastrectomy done in NY by Dr. Gagner. I started the process over a year ago. I was hoping to have the surgery done at Mercy Hospital here in Des Moines, but no one would touch me. I am very high risk so they sent me to NY. I am very pleased with the surgeon and the option he gave me. I am unable to have the RNY because of the amount of Prednisone I take and the amount of Insulin I use. I have pulmonary hypertension, copd, CHF, sleep apnea, diabetes, valvual heart disease, osteoporosis, asthma, elevated liver functions, oxygen dependent, and that's all I can think of for now. I use over 260 units of insulin a day and my blood sugars remain in the upper 300 to upper 400 range. Because of the hypoxia I have to be in a wheelchair when I am out and about. I am 42 and live in Johnston. I am married and have four boys. Their ages are 23,19,19 and 16. They are very against me having the surgery. They are concerned that I won't survivie. I told them I won't survive much longer the way it's going now. I am a little nervous about having the surgery. I am more concerned about what to do pre-op. They really haven't given me any instructions. Also, I am wondering what kind of clothes I will need to take with me to NY. Should I ware sweet pants after the surgery? The surgery will be laprascopically. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Hi Marilyn and welcome to the Iowa message board. I can understand your kids being apprehensive. You have a lot of serious health risks, but you have to decide what's best for you. I guess if the surgeon didn't think you could handle the operation he wouldn't be taking on your case and your decision apparently reflects that self-confidence. Maybe it would help to sit your boys down and have a very frank discussion with them about how obesity impacts your quality of life and the risks you are taking staying the way you are. It may even help to have them talk to your family doctor or the surgeon. I raised two boys too. It sounds like your kids are very caring. One thing you or another respected adult may need to remind them of though, is if you decide to go through with this, they need to put their differences aside and give you all the support and respect for your decision that they can. After all, you are an adult and are fully aware of the risks. I have gone into other surgeries extremely stressed by family cir****tances and have ended up with complications that I know in my heart were brought on by my state of mind. It would definitely help them to have other family members around who support your decision, especially during the surgery and recovery. That's when their fears could really run wild. As far as what to bring, sweatpants(loose) sound like a good choice. If you don't feel you have enough padding on your tummy, you can tuck a small handtowel over the waistband. I wish you the best of luck and hope to hear about your progress soon!