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Topic: RE: Gastric Steeve
Hi there,
I am approved to have VSG surgery w/Dr. Macik through June of next year, and am trying to work up the courage as I cancelled my original surgery date. How did it go with him? Did he visit you at hospital bedside to give you updates on your health? How has it been since your surgery? Thanks for sharing your comments; it's very helpful.
I am approved to have VSG surgery w/Dr. Macik through June of next year, and am trying to work up the courage as I cancelled my original surgery date. How did it go with him? Did he visit you at hospital bedside to give you updates on your health? How has it been since your surgery? Thanks for sharing your comments; it's very helpful.
HW/256 SW/233 CW/151 GW/140 or less
G/BMI=25 or less, normal weight
1st goal = 215#, MET 2nd goal = Onederland, MET
3rd goal = 175#, MET 4th goal = > BMI of 29.9, MET 5th goal = 155#, MET Final WL goal = 140# or less and normal BMI
G/BMI=25 or less, normal weight
1st goal = 215#, MET 2nd goal = Onederland, MET
3rd goal = 175#, MET 4th goal = > BMI of 29.9, MET 5th goal = 155#, MET Final WL goal = 140# or less and normal BMI
Topic: RE: my mom mary wright died from complications due to a
SophieGrace, Do you believe in KARMA???? You have some really bad Ju-JU and to blast a family who is mourning the death of their loved one is wrong and you should be ashamed. And, if you are not ashamed for your actions, don't worry, Karma will humble you.
Topic: RE: Surgury V/S Fear V/S Dying of my fat body
Thank you both for your info.. You were very helpful. I am type 2 diabetic, but still on pills. I talked to my family doctor about it and he gave me the number of someone to call to see about seeing a seminar and talking with their staff. I have yet to do it, because of fear. I am once again attempting to loose weight on my own, though I don't know how strong that will be or hold. I am still considering wls it just scares me so much. Once again ty and God Bless.
Topic: RE: scheduled for surgery 6/1, got postponed...now I don't want know if I want it at all
I changed my mind at the last minute and have postponed my surgery for now as I have until February 2010 for my approval to run out (I have Kaiser). The reason is that, in doing more research, I am finding as some others have posted here, that the longer term side effects of WLS are not well documented but that some things are emerging, such as: nutritional deficiencies leading to severe osteoarthritis, anemia and impaired neurological function. I don't feel so bad that I want to trade my current health care concerns for those potential future ones, all things being relative. Because, as advised above, I'm not 100%+++ sure, I'm opting to wait until and if I am. However, I certainly do support everyone's right to make this decision and am very very happy for those for whom it's turned out to be a godsend and life changer.
HW/256 SW/233 CW/151 GW/140 or less
G/BMI=25 or less, normal weight
1st goal = 215#, MET 2nd goal = Onederland, MET
3rd goal = 175#, MET 4th goal = > BMI of 29.9, MET 5th goal = 155#, MET Final WL goal = 140# or less and normal BMI
G/BMI=25 or less, normal weight
1st goal = 215#, MET 2nd goal = Onederland, MET
3rd goal = 175#, MET 4th goal = > BMI of 29.9, MET 5th goal = 155#, MET Final WL goal = 140# or less and normal BMI
Topic: RE: A Real Mess 3 Years Out
There are a few surgeons across the county who do reversals or revisions and able to take down the GB pouch, reattach to the stomach, etc. and then either leave it like you were before, or revised to a DS. That is what I had done and I couldn't be happier. My doc is in California though. Checking out Dr. Greenbaum as someone else mentioned might be worth a shot for you. Good luck.
KAREN W.
I LOVE MY DS!!!!!
STRIVE TO BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE AND DO THE BEST THAT YOU CAN.
Check out www.dsfacts.com and www.duodenalswitch.com for all the accurate information on the great DS, and find surgeons in your area or around the country or out of the country.
I couldn't have done without all the great peeps on this board. 
SW: 234.5 CW: 157 GW: 140 - ish
Topic: RE: Surgury V/S Fear V/S Dying of my fat body
As of 12/10/10 CW: 150 pounds Lost: 52
I just saw your post. I don't know if you are still looking for help since this is an "old post" about two weeks old.
I can relate to the fear of surgery somewhat but I was more afraid of dying in the next year or so.
A little background about my health.
I am type 2 diabetes insulin dependent 11 years and counting. I used 175 unit of insulin a day.
In Oct 08 I had a heart attack a stent was put in. March 09, May 09 I had two angina attacks which ended with more stents. All of this is because of the diabetes is making my arteries smaller.
On June 29th 2009 I had a gastric sleeve done in Mexico I spent $7500 for doctor, hospital, hotel and $73 for medicines. I have lost 26 pounds, my weight loss has been slow because I do not exercise and I am still taking insulin only 40 units a day. My A1C went from 8.9 to 7.9 in six weeks. This included 2 months of bad reading as well, so you can get an idea of how well my glucose is now.
For a diabetic I do not recommend a the Lap Band. I think that it works but not for diabetics meaning you may still have high numbers even after weightloss. If you want your diabetes resolved look into RNY, DS or Sleeve. It has to do with an incision being made in the stomach that helps us diabetics. RNY and DS claim that is best for diabetes the sleeve has worked well for me.
I would not worry about the pain it only lasts a day or two. Some people a week but it is worth it.
You do not always need plastic surgery. I would first worry about where to get the money/approval for the WLS surgery then once that is done and if you need plastics I would worry about that.
I recommend WLS surgery for anyone who is overweight but specially for someone with Diabetes. Also you insurance may cover it. If you do not have insurance you could go to MX. Lot of people get it done there. Check out seminars, some doctors offer on-line as well. All these questions you should pose to the surgeon as well. I hope this helps and best of luck to you on your WLS quest.
I can relate to the fear of surgery somewhat but I was more afraid of dying in the next year or so.
A little background about my health.
I am type 2 diabetes insulin dependent 11 years and counting. I used 175 unit of insulin a day.
In Oct 08 I had a heart attack a stent was put in. March 09, May 09 I had two angina attacks which ended with more stents. All of this is because of the diabetes is making my arteries smaller.
On June 29th 2009 I had a gastric sleeve done in Mexico I spent $7500 for doctor, hospital, hotel and $73 for medicines. I have lost 26 pounds, my weight loss has been slow because I do not exercise and I am still taking insulin only 40 units a day. My A1C went from 8.9 to 7.9 in six weeks. This included 2 months of bad reading as well, so you can get an idea of how well my glucose is now.
For a diabetic I do not recommend a the Lap Band. I think that it works but not for diabetics meaning you may still have high numbers even after weightloss. If you want your diabetes resolved look into RNY, DS or Sleeve. It has to do with an incision being made in the stomach that helps us diabetics. RNY and DS claim that is best for diabetes the sleeve has worked well for me.
I would not worry about the pain it only lasts a day or two. Some people a week but it is worth it.
You do not always need plastic surgery. I would first worry about where to get the money/approval for the WLS surgery then once that is done and if you need plastics I would worry about that.
I recommend WLS surgery for anyone who is overweight but specially for someone with Diabetes. Also you insurance may cover it. If you do not have insurance you could go to MX. Lot of people get it done there. Check out seminars, some doctors offer on-line as well. All these questions you should pose to the surgeon as well. I hope this helps and best of luck to you on your WLS quest.
Topic: RE: Anyone else out there that isn't enjoying their WLS?
I used to always answer I would do it again in a heartbeat when people would ask me if I would ... that was even after emergency surgery at 1 yr post op for an intestional adhesion that caused a bowel obstruction and developing an ulcer
Well after the last year I would give a different answer ... I have been sooooooooo tired and just overall feeling crappy most of the time
I had Dr test my iron and b12 because I thought maybe that was low and that was why I was tired ... those levels were fine and he suggested testing my vitamin D ... which came back at 7.9 ... lowest of any of his patients ever he said ... and ricketts territory
I also suffer with severe hypoglycemic episodes
I had less health problems prior to surgery
I did not think I would ever say something like this but honestly I would put 30-40 or even 50 pounds back on if I believed it would make me feel healthy and have energy again to enjoy life
So if someone asked me today if I would do it again I would have to say no way! ( but that could change tomorrow depending on the day lol )
If your tired all the time have they ever checked your Vitamin D level? I went on huge amounts and it does seem to be helping some as it continues to come back up
Well after the last year I would give a different answer ... I have been sooooooooo tired and just overall feeling crappy most of the time
I had Dr test my iron and b12 because I thought maybe that was low and that was why I was tired ... those levels were fine and he suggested testing my vitamin D ... which came back at 7.9 ... lowest of any of his patients ever he said ... and ricketts territory
I also suffer with severe hypoglycemic episodes
I had less health problems prior to surgery
I did not think I would ever say something like this but honestly I would put 30-40 or even 50 pounds back on if I believed it would make me feel healthy and have energy again to enjoy life
So if someone asked me today if I would do it again I would have to say no way! ( but that could change tomorrow depending on the day lol )
If your tired all the time have they ever checked your Vitamin D level? I went on huge amounts and it does seem to be helping some as it continues to come back up
Topic: RE: Anyone 3+ yrs post op? I want to hear about any complications
5 1/2 yrs out from RNY
First year no complications and actually got to 10 pounds below my goal weight
right after my 1 yr mark I ended up in for emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction caused by an intenstional adhesion ( scar tissue )
I deal with severe hypoglycemic episodes which there is no rhyme or reason to
My Vitamin D tanked so I take huge amounts of that trying to get it back up ( this is not something I ever heard was a concern )
I only had 2 main health issues prior to surgery ... one was acid reflux which I had to go back on a med for 4 months after surgery and still am on to this day
Other was high blood pressure ... I was on meds for about 4 months prior to surgery after having typically low blood pressure ... havent been on anything for that since the day prior to surgery and it has been back to normal ( for me ) since then ... just last week it was 92/64 so that issue has definitely been taken care of by the surgery
overall I have more health issues now then I did then
First year no complications and actually got to 10 pounds below my goal weight
right after my 1 yr mark I ended up in for emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction caused by an intenstional adhesion ( scar tissue )
I deal with severe hypoglycemic episodes which there is no rhyme or reason to
My Vitamin D tanked so I take huge amounts of that trying to get it back up ( this is not something I ever heard was a concern )
I only had 2 main health issues prior to surgery ... one was acid reflux which I had to go back on a med for 4 months after surgery and still am on to this day
Other was high blood pressure ... I was on meds for about 4 months prior to surgery after having typically low blood pressure ... havent been on anything for that since the day prior to surgery and it has been back to normal ( for me ) since then ... just last week it was 92/64 so that issue has definitely been taken care of by the surgery
overall I have more health issues now then I did then
Topic: RE: Gastric Steeve
Just had VSG - so far it is awesome. Go to the VSG forum - you will find a lot of enthusiastic "sleevers" -
My doc says as soon as the more long term data comes in, this may be the new gold standard surgery!
My doc says as soon as the more long term data comes in, this may be the new gold standard surgery!
HW 366 (2004) * HW Pre-OP 271 (VSG) * CW 157 * GW 145
VSG - Dr. Paul Macik (Atlanta, GA) - 7/09
Post MWL Plastics with Dr. Peter Fisher (San Antonio, TX) 12/13
Topic: RE: A Real Mess 3 Years Out
I agree that if you have not sought the opinion of a different physician group you should RUN to one right away..... preferably someone who is well known as a master in this field. Where do you live and what insurance coverage do you have - if you don't mind my asking...the skill and experience of the surgeon is so critical to your situation and the fact that the guy you like has no experience with what you need and will have to ask the hack for asistance is greatly troubling to me.
All the best - will keep you in my prayers!
Jill
All the best - will keep you in my prayers!
Jill
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