I'm Afraid and Confused

I have started the process last year toward gastric by pass surgery.  I am only about 60 lbs. overweight.  But I have a lot of medical issues, including diabetes, etc.  One of the medical issues I have is called POF or Premature Ovarian Failure and I am on Hormone Replacement Therapy for this...Can't live without it!  I have stopped the process toward surgery as I am afraid of a lot of things.  One thing in particular that I heard about was absorption issues.  I am concerned that once I have the surgery my hormones won't absorb into my system.  If this happens, I'd actually rather die to tell you the truth!  Can anyone shed some light on this topic of absorption issues for me???

Angie - if you are looking at RNY we do have absorbtion issues, but this can be accomodated for by changing the dosage of the medicine. MAny of us are on medications and we do just fine after a few manipulations of dose. You'll be amazed at what the weight loss does for your fertility and with your hormones too - the meds might not be needed anymore. I'd make an appt with the WL surgeon and discuss this all with them instead of stopping the process.

Good luck!

Liz

Hi Liz,

Thanks for your input.  I really appreciate it...I thought the same thing that I had to actually address this issue with the WL surgeon.  I figured there would be absorption issues.  I hope you are right that the surgery would help my hormone levels.  As for fertility, that is gone for me and no turning back at this point...I have no eggs left.    It would be nice if I didn't need those hormone meds anymore, but I am not really hopeful on that front at this point...I know my body and my past experiences of symptoms without the meds.  I will continue to look into this topic. 

Thanks,
Angela

I agree with Liz - TALK to them about absorption.  Yes, with RNY there are absorption issues but there are MANY ways around it.  One is the change of doseage.  The second one is crushing pills and mixing them with a little bit of water (not all pills can be done this with, so you would need to discuss it)  The other one is a different FORMS of drugs.  Some pills come in injection form as well - more of a pain in the butt (literally) to take but helps with absorption.  And some come in liquids.  I'm not sure hormone therapy would, but it couldn't hurt to find out what your options are.

Talk to your doc who prescribes them, talk to your surgeon about these issues, and even talk to your pharmacist etc. to find out what options are there.

The surgery, may in fact, reverse your diabetes, and diabetes reaks havok on ALL system of the body, including reproductive issues, so you may see an improvement regardless in one or both of them (I'm not entirely certain about POF and don't have much knowledge on that....so I might be totally off on that)

Hi Pam,

I got POF before my diabetes, but one probably did affect the other.  Anyway, there are patches to wear for hormone issues that go right into the skin...and I am on one now, but also take two forms of hormone pills as well...and my body actually needs all these hormones, or you don't want to be around me....in fact, I don't want to be around me!  Long story, but my GYN basically sucks....he doesn't listen to me on my POF issues really, so not sure how much he would help me in adjusting my meds for my hormones after surgery...I might have to go to another doctor or go back to my original Reproductive Endocrinologist for this tweaking.  But in any case, I will discuss this issue with the surgeon ultimately.  Yes, I know you have to be your own advocate.  I am sick of all my health problems and dealing with them all really.  Sorry for the complaints.  Well, I hope the surgery, if I do have it, does reverse my diabetes, that's the goal...and do also hope it helps hormone issues as well.  As far as reproduction goes, it is too late for me, I have no eggs left and there is no reversal to this scenario sadly.  Thanks for your opinions and input.

Angela

If you are only 60 lbs overweight have you considered the lapband? That might be more in line with what you need and can live with (I read your previous post). There are still lifestyle changes you will have to make but the lapband may be a better option for you at this time.

Do yourself a huge favor before submitting to any weight loss surgery - research, research, research - make sure you know what you are getting into because none of these are a 'magic bullet' - you have to maintain the lifestyle change - its a tool, not a cure.

I know there are people who have gained weight - yes, it is a reality that some face. But if you are diligent with your daily intake and exercise you will maintain your weight loss and feel better for it.

Best of luck with whatever you choose...

Well, I'd like to make a correction...it is actually more like 80 lbs. I have to lose really, not 60.  I did request the lap band surgery initially and the weight loss doctors told me that this was not an option for me as I had too many endocrine problems and was on too much medication.  They said that the lap band wouldn't benefit me as much as gastric by pass and that I wouldn't be able to reach my goals with the lap band. 

I guess I am not totally surprised, but disappointed somewhat to know that the surgery is not a cure, but really just a tool.  I guess I was foolish to think otherwise.  This is one of the reasons why I question having the surgery.  Because if you still have to diet, then why not do it on your own.  I wasn't successful on my own though...but if I get the surgery, what's to say that I would stick by the surgery rules then in the end anyway...like all of you are suggesting?  When you say diligent with your daily intake..what do you mean...only eating certain things and measuring everything all the time?  Can you explain more?  Did you have gastric by pass surgery?  I am afraid of dumping syndrome and never being able to have a sweet thing again and/or a carbonated beverage ever.  Anyway, I guess that comes with the territory though...I guess I need to just bear down and face the facts.  I do need to research...I guess the Internet is the way, right?  Where did you research?

Thanks for your input,
Angela

I had lap band surgery and would suggest you check into that as well. The absorbtion wouldn't be an issue with lap band. Check into it and I agree with everyoen else research is vital. Neither surgery is an "easy fix" . I am only 3 weeks out and I have to work hard to stay on track. Good luck with wich ever you choose.
Shrinking Sharon  

Hi Sharon,

Glad to hear things are going well for you.  I guess it is just surprising to me as to how hard you still have to work at things even after having either of the surgeries.  I guess I have to come down to reality.  Anyway, I did inquire about the lap band initially and my weight loss doctors told me it was not a real option for me.  They told me I had too many endocrine problems and was on too many meds to have the lap band benefit me...in other words, they thought I wouldn't lose the weight I needed to on this surgery to make a real difference in my life.  So, they dismissed this idea from my thoughts.  Frankly either one sounds scary to me...but of course the by pass is much more invasive.  I am just in a quandary since I can't seem to lose weight on my own, and then wonder if even after I have the surgery if I will be able to follow a strict diet like all of you are saying that you have to do after surgery...I guess maybe your body post surgery forces you to eat certain ways...I just feel like ..."will I have to live eating like a bird" the rest of my life then?  I guess I just need to make the decision....I have been toying with it now for almost two years.  I do worry about the absorption issues though...I will have to talk to my doctors about this...Thanks for your input.
Angela