Double post: Saying "hmmm?" but having surgery

This is a double post. I'm posting this for both the LB vets board and the DS board. Lots of people might not understand that and that's OK. I'm still giving life and weight loss a nice long thought, but I've just finished a week of pain that has me just short of losing both my mind and my job. I spent most of the afternoon and *all* of the night in the ER and a walk-in medical clinic last Wednesday. My pain levels were high and my blood pressure was responding to it -- 240/120. Despite my long running issues, the ER was just interested in getting the BP down and making sure I didn't have a heart attack. I didn't, of course, and my heart looks great. I slept off the trauma Thursday, but Friday the pain was back with a vengence. My abdominal pain starts on my left side and spreads to both my left arm and down my left leg. On top of being miserable, my supervisor thinks it strange I could go this long with testing and procedures and 13 hours in the ER and not have a diagnosis. Despite the check-out sheet from the ER and Urgent Care, he thinks his fine institution is being taken advantage of. (place your own cussing here) I'm not 100 percent and between home, work and my family, the pressure is on to perform and no one understands why I just can't get better already. (I am not kidding, unfortunately.) My SupaDoc has even conferred with another bariatric surgeon close to our area and they both agree that the band has got to come out. Maybe there's some other issue at work or maybe I'm just rejecting it being there, but I'm days away from surgery to see what the heck is going on. My boss is delighted and added that I should make some type of contengency plan just in case my surgery can be scheduled before my current e-news project is finished. I should know which day on Monday, but it will be next week. I have a few days to go "hmmm" about my options and I'm considering *all* conversions accept to RNY (because of my pesky anemia and other deficiencies) and may decide to just remove and think about another surgery later or not at all. You all have been wonderful and I have been given so much information and support, I feel adequately prepared for next week. I feel like I've found the best of both worlds in the support I've gotten from both DSers and the Band folks. The last few weeks haven't been easy, but I've NEVER felt alone. Thank you, Frances

Frances, I'm soooo sorry you're suffering and in pain. You have gone through so many surgeries, and now you're facing another. Thanks for the update sweetie...take care

Frances, I am so sorry you are having all these difficulties and so much pain....I will say lots of prayers and hope that things are resolved soon so you can go back to enjoying life. Take care...we're here for you...always. Anita

Frances, I am so sorry for all of your pain and suffering. What ever happens I hope that the doctors can make you feel better - band or no band! God Bless You! Love, Marcia

Wow...Frances, what an end to a long week for you. Whatever you go through, you know you can always count on us to support you. I hope this is over soon for you and that you come out healthy and happy. Please keep us posted. - Ann PS....Can I just add that your manager sounds like an insensitive jerk! I have asthma. It's contolled now but many years ago I used to be hospitalized several times a year for it. I had a boss (I guess he thought he was being nice) that told me I should take off 3 or 4 mo's and just get it treated so I could stop being out for a week at a time. I was never one to stay out of work....I'd get home and go right back to work. He must have thought it was TB or something....Go figure!

Frances, I am so sorry this is happening to you. I hope that you get all the support that you need from every board on this site. I hope that you and your doc can get you back to health and peace as soon as possibe. Keep on keepin' on. Susan

Frances ..Ya gotta do what ya gotta do and if the band must comeout the band comes out!..You will decide what, when ,or "if" you want antother surgery ... maybe you need some time to see how your health is improving after band removal before getting another weight loss surgery... that might be best .. but you are the one who knows your body best,whatver happens we understand. I always try to remember.. "There but for the grace of God . there go I" any one of us may have to face what you are now facing in the future please know I am behind you 100% I just want you to feel better and get your health back!

Frances, you have really given this a chance, I'm praying that you will realize the same relief I did. I told you, I have the same kind of radiating pain throughout the left. I don't have BP issues so it wasn't provoked. I am happy to think this part of your journey will be addressed before the end of the week. If I were you, I would not jump into another surgery right away, your body needs a break (your head too)... I am so sorry this is happening, it's awful, but I am glad for you that it won't be delayed much longer. You take care.

Frances there is no one better than you at spreading the love and everyone loves you in return. I hope that having the band removed will get you on the road to recovery. Just promise that you will grace us with your presence always.

Frances, you still amaze me as you are the strongest person I know. Few people could handle what you are going through and not go psychotic. I hope and pray that you will find relief from the pain, whatever it takes. DS, RNY, just band removal..... It doesn't matter what the choice is as long as you find relief. You are such a beautiful woman, Frances, and you deserve the best of everything. Much love and many prayers! Chelle