Type of Surgery and Age

Hi,
I had my meeting with my surgeon on Thursday.  To say that it did not go to well as far as I was concerned would be an understatement.  I was to have a DS a year ago, and they found a heart problem during the testing and I had open heart surgery instead.  I thought WLS was out of the question for me.  In April my cardio Dr brought up the fact that I was originally going to have the WLS, and continued by saying in the beginning he did not think alot of it, but as more studies came out, that he is now in favor of it, and even though I was not really there to discuss it, I should maybe really think about it.  I was a little upset.  I had been thru so much with the open heart surgery, I couldn't really face any major surgery again.  I thought about it and decided on the lapband as my answer.  Wrong!!!!  MY WLS surgeon told me that I would only loose about 30# at best as I am a lightweight with only about 110# to loose.  Because of my comorbitys (gerd,HBP,Diabetes,bad LDL/HDL) and the fact that these had all contributed to my having the heart surgery, That I needed to have RNY.  I am concerned because of my age and what will happen to me later in life.  Will I lose to much weight, or have other health concerns as I get older.  I am still researching for my decision, but came here to see if anyone could give me any input.   (age 60 in Sept)
Thanks for reading this ramble,Ena

Well....I personally like the RNY better for ME...however...I totally disagree with your doctors statement of you would only lose 30 pounds.  REGARDLESS of which surgery you have, you will have to work "the tool" majorly.  A little more because of your age.  Do I think you could do it with the band?  Maybe not all the weight, but a good percentage of it. 

Keep in mind, though...the rny although a major surgery is not like open heart!  Most times it is done laproscopically with 5 or 6 very small incisions...you are home within 1 to 2 days...I was driving and off pain meds by 4 days post op...it wasn't that big of a deal, FOR me.  Granted...I'm quite a bit younger than you and everyone recovers differently.

It wouldn't hurt to get other opinions from other doctors, as well.

Thanks Pam,
He did mention about going home in two days.  I have had time to think about it since the appointment and have been posting questions.  I think I am leaning towards the RNY now.  My daughter is a nurse, and although she is looking out for my best interest she can get on my nerves.  She said she will fully support me in what and ever I decide to do, and will do whatever it takes to get me there and thru it.  (she is 32yo, can't ask for better than that)  My DH is not supportive now, nor was he on the first attempt, he said he does not think I am healthy enough.  I told him not to worry, the insurance is made out to him. (lol)
Thanks for answering, Ena

Ena - I agree with Pam. The RNY was the only option for me - the thought of that piece of plastic in my belly just didn't jive.

RNY is a major surgery on the inside but you will recovery quickly even with your health issues. I would weigh the issues - the GERD, Diabeter, and cholesterol are going to take their toll on your body. THey RNY has been proved  to help with type 2 diabetes the second that they sever something in the stomach - not sure of all of the details. It will also help greatly with cholesterol and HPB. Maybe sitting down and talking through all of these things with your hubby will help him to get his head out of his butt and support you - "for better or worse, sickness and in health" HE married you because he loves you!!

*hugs*

hope this helps!

Liz

Hi Liz,
The more I have looked and researched, I think the RNY is the way to go for me.  I just need a large boost of courage to do it and not jump off the table and run the other way.  As far as my DH getting his head out of his butt, not gonna happen.  He told me the first time around that I was not healthy enough for surgery, so since I had the heart surgery he can say I told you so.  I am fortunate in that my 32 yo daughter is my biggest supporter, and she is a nurse.  She has gotten some additional info from one of the drs at the hospital where she works.  She told me that she would support me in what ever decision I make and will do what ever it take for me to have it done.
Ena

Did Dr B, bring up the VSG? The thought of a piece of plastic in my body with a "port" that needs to be filled or unfilled for the rest of my life or the thought of my intestines be re-routed, were both a turn off for me.  The VSG was the right option for me and Dr B is the only one in the area that does it.

He did talk to me about it but said that most insurances would not pay.  So I don't think this will be an option for me.
Thanks for the post

I can't speak for your age, but there are other WLS patients in the Barix Group that are your age. I know that you've approached the age where some surgeons will still do it, but not all.  I can speak from the co-morbidity end.  Prior to my surgery I was looking into the DS however the surgeon was well over 100 miles away from me so I opted for the RNY (open) at Barix for convenience and peace of mind in knowing that if an emergency cropped up after surgery that I would be within close driving distance.  I started out over 400# and could barely walk. I had a consult with the doctor at U of P and was told that due to my size I probably would never lose more than 100#, but that surgery was a good option for me but not until I got past psychiatric counseling for unrealistic expectations for the surgery.  Let me tell you, U of P was wrong, I am now down 268# and although I am not at goal, I have a life.  The quality of my life has so dramatically improved that I could tap dance.  All doctors don't know their ass from their elbow, thankfully mine did.  Make sure you find a surgeon who has your best interests at heart and that you are comfortable with.  See as many as you possibly can for a consult and choose the one that puts your mind at ease.  The amount that you lose will be determined by your dedication to the change in eating habits as well as your physical limitations.

I think it is a matter of finding the right surgery and then working the tool to the best of your ability.
Funny you should say tap dance my husband wants to start taking tap dance lessons at the senior ctr.(sorry off topic)  I do believe Dr B has my best interest at heart, I was just kind of shocked because he was so adamant about it.
Thanks for the response. Ena

I echo all of the previous posters, and would encourage you to explore your options of surgeons as well as surgery types.  I am 51.  I had my open RNY three years ago, at 48.  

Please do not give up on your options, or yourself.  You are so worth the effort and research.

Hugs,
Trish