May not get surgery!

Hi everyone, I am a little bummed out right now. I had my re-evaluation with Dr. Patterson today. I really like her, she tells you like it is. She needs a letter from my Oncologist explaining the type of cancer that I had, the stage, and my prognosis for survival,and if I would be a good candidate for WLS. As I have told you before I had an agressive type of cancer, it may come back. She went on to tell me that she will have to consult with her team, because I am considered a high risk now because of the above mentioned. I did get to sign the papers about my surgery etc. And I also have lost another two pounds. I will try to keep my chin up and keep losing no matter what, and whatever the decision will be. Keep me in your prayers. I will keep you informed. Sheryl

Hang in there Sheryl, I hope and pray things will work out for you.

deb366

Sorry to hear that.  Keep fighting. You will see the reason behind the timing someday. Reynold

Hi Sheryl.  I am pre-surgery too with Dr. Patterson.  Mine has also been an extremely long journey.  First surgery date was cancelled right before they were going to take me off to la la land because Emma was afraid I might have an infection.  She had infectious disease drs. come look at me and assess things before I was discharge.  12 weeks later, I was back and made it to operating room.  Guess what....woke up in recovery to find out my liver was too big.  Emma said fine, lose more weight...your liver shrinks with even a 20 pound weight loss.  Well guess what....50 pounds later and still big assed liver.  Tomorrow seeing her endicronologist. Long story short, I find Emma to be very thourough and cautious.  While the wait is very difficult, I feel pretty confident in her hands.  Once you get your information to her and she consults with her team, if she has concerns discuss with her if she has done some research with other surgeons outside of the team.  She doesn't seem to be resistant to getting a lot of information to make an informed decision. Good luck to you and hang in there.  It is difficult.  You may want to ask your oncologist what the impact of your having WLS and losing weight would be on a recurrance of your cancer.  Doesn't cancer feed on hormones that fat people seem to have more of?  ....Just a thought. Terri

I want to say thank you for your support. It means alot to me. My Oncologist has dictated the letter Dr. Patterson needs and is sending a copy to me. If I need to I will talk to her about my risks. She was thrilled for me to go for the WLS when I last saw her a month ago. I sure hope the letter says so. Sheryl

Sheryl, I would trust Dr. Patterson for her reasons.  I know she's dedicated to providing the best care possible for her patients. I'm just sorry you're having to struggle along this journey.  At least you can be confident in telling people that you most certainly didn't take the easy way out! Here's hoping you get the answer you want but the strength to understand with disappointment if it were to happen.  After all, who knows what life has in store for you anyway?  Lori

It is true that I would be "very" disappointed if I could not have the surgery. I do understand where Dr. Patterson is coming from, it just hurts. Even if I don't get the WLS, if it's ok, I would like to continue talking with all of you as you follow your journey's. You are all an inspiration to me to keep pushing on with weight loss. Sheryl

That's tough news to accept.  The good thing is that Dr. Patterson doesn't sound like she's ruling it out, just wanting to make sure the conditions and timing are right.  Keep your self pointed in the right direction and we will hope your doctor's letter will give her what she needs to proceed. Patty