Sue from upstate

I have been going thru this site for months now and I have to make a decision before I jump ship. I was extremely excited about meeting my Dr and the consult but came away (4 weeks ago) confused and upset. After seeing my internist and cardiologist which both recommened I move on this asap, I am beating myself up about two major problems. First, I will be 58 in about a month and am beginning to feel the surgery may be too risky due to my age and other health issues. Dr Trivedi said he wished I had decided this 10 years ago, not many people were. Before I ramble on, I SMOKE and the Dr will not consider surgery until I have stopped for two months. The harder I try it seems the harder it is to smoke and I feel like I may as well just give it up. My question is has anyone had the bypass around my age and has anyone been told no to surgery ONLY do to smoking.??? Please help me anyone.

I guess you need to decide whats important to you. If this comes out sounding har**** is not meant to be but first of all, you are ONLY 58. You have many years left to live but only if you take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself is not being overweight and smoking. Trust me, I know. I was a smoker and I weighed 338 at 5ft 2 inches tall. If you are serious about wanting to get healthy, you will throw out the smokes and concentrate on what you want. I am a therapist and I hear all day long from people who hate certain things in their life or they want change but then they just sit there and whine (I am not saying you are, this is just an example). Instead of sitting back and wishing you can do this or do that...DO IT. You are a strong woman and can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. Stop acting defeated and do this for yourself, your health and all the people who want to have you around for years to come. Trust me, quitting smoking was the easy part of the surgery. Just remember...That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. If you need anything please feel free to e mail me Good Luck Michele 338/151/130

Thanks for the responses to my cry however, it is not just the smoking, I know that is my choice. I am referring to my age as it seems most of the people I saw at the seminar, in the Doctor's office and on this site do not seem to be quite as "young" as my 58 years as stated. I am very concerned about this as I have medical issues. The Dr actually told me he felt whatever time it would take a normal person to heal it would probably take me 7-8 months. This is very frightening to me and he did not go into all the specifics. Just statements. After all the wonderful things I read about this Dr. I was taken back and am not sure if I should consult another Dr or just stand my gun and press on and get answers to my questions. I donot mean to sound like I am complaining about myself, I am extremely confused!!!

Thank you for the response. I got the message. However, when I replied to you I sent the message to myself. Could you kindly please read my original message to see my response. I would type over but I have 4 grandkids at my side right now. Again, thanks.

Hi Susan, Michele could'nt have said it better ! I have not had the surgery yet but I did smoke for 23 years and I quit over a year and a half ago ! The reason I quit ...... So I could better my health . The reason I want this surgery is the same . From what I have been hearing... most surgeons do ask you to quit prior to having surgery . I am sure that you would'nt be looking into this unless you really wanted to better your health no matter what your age ! Right? So look at it this way ..... This surgery will indeed better your health and quiting smoking will help you to be even healthier ! So why give up on the surgery ? You can do it ! Don't let smoking get in your way of this surgery, Hun .... Smoking will kill you and I know that you are aware of that ! This surgery will save your life ! Be strong , remember ..... YOU CAN DO IT !!!! Take care and best of luck, Carol

Sue - While I can't relate to the smoking quitting is the first step in taking back your life. I am not 58 years old, my Aunt was 64 years old when they performed her surgery. She had all kinds ot heart and breathing problems. My surgeon won't do the surgery if "you" smoke. I am 42 years old and have the usual health problems AND I have multiple sclerosis. This means I am looking at a long recovery time because likely I will not heal quickly nor will I have the energy required - at first. I can't tell you what to do because this is a decision that you must make for you but.... I am taking back my life and striving torwards health. It will be hard but think of all that you will regain with your health Good luck Ann Shaffer