Hello, another newbie

Hello.  I am just starting to learn about WLS because my family doctor hit me with the idea last week at a check-up for my blood pressure.  I have other issues going on, most prominently among them hydrendinitis supperativa.  That means I have to find a surgeon to cut the HS out before I can even start the process for WLS to get all infection out of my body.

I was comparing all the WLS options by reading up on them and I felt the most comfortable with the RNY.  My father had what I believe to have been the grandfather to this kind of surgery back when I was a small child becase of stomach cancer (I'm 37 now).  This was back when they were trying out cow stomachs, sheep stomachs, and other animal parts in the hopes of saving people with stomach cancer.  My father opted to have his stomach reduced to the size of a silver dollar and his intestine reconnected to that tiny stomach pouch.  The difference is his goal was to stretch that little stomach pouch so he would be able to eat normally again and my goal would be to keep mine about the same size and try to lose weight.  I guess you'd say we've come full circle in my family.

I was told on the RNY forum that with a BMI of around 85 I wouldn't be a candidate for RNY and that I would have to lose weight in order to even be a candidate for WLS at all.  That seemed kind of redundant seeing that if I could lose weight I wouldn't need WLS in the first place.  But then again I'm just beginning to learn about WLS so I dunno.  I was pointed to another forum about a different kind of procedure, but I know if I'm going to have WLS I want the RNY because I feel like I know something about it because of my dad.

I need help learning the ropes.  I'm lost and on top of that can't find a doc to treat the HS so I may never even make it to WLS.  Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

Don't give up!  I wish you well finding a doctor to treat your HR.  Many on this board have to lose weight to be able to have weight loss surgery.  It is difficult, but there is hope, becasue the wls enables them to keep that weight loss and more off.  I had RNY, but many people with your BMI range find that other surgeries are more appropriate for them.  Try to learn as much about the others as you know about RNY so you can make a very informed decision.  Don't give up on getting your infection cleared up, that is so important no matter what.  I wish you good health.  Loris

Thank you Loris.  I called my family doc's office this afternoon and they said they are just waiting to get my appointment time back from UAB in Birmingham, AL for my HS to be looked at!  A part of me wants to dance a jig but another part of me knows just because they're waiting for an appointment time doesn't mean it will be soon.  Also they didn't tell me which clinic - plastic surgery (where doc wants me to go) or dermatology or what.  Either way I'm ready to go when they ask.  If the janitor down there has a half clean pocket knife in his pocket I may let him have a got at it! LOL!

That would take care of the infection.  Does anyone think I may as well try to get in to see a WLS surgeon to see how much weight I'm going to need to lose before they'll consider the surgery?  I think that is what is driving me batty about the whole thing...I don't know what is expected of me.  If I did I'd start doing it.  But does it make sense to be talking with a WLS before I've even had the HS cut out?

Good luck with whatever you choose.
My BMI was 61 and my surgeon had me lose 15 lbs. or 5% of my weight.  Every doctor is different.  It was hard but well worth it.  I am better than I have been in years.
Sheri

Thank you Sheri.  I was lucky enough to get the call yesterday to see a plastic surgeon at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL about my HS so hopefully we will be making headway on that front.  I figure while I'm going through the HS stuff I'll keep doing research on WLS and if it takes surgery to help the HS then I'll have plenty of time for research.  That is unless I end up with both my arms stuck straight out because the surgery would be on my under arms and if I'm going to have to have both done might as well have them both done at the same time.

I have been researching and I still feel most comfortable with the RNY at this point.  But as I said I will keep doing my research.  On the other board I posted on they made it sound like I'd have to lose 100+lbs. before any doctor would touch me.  I'm hoping not.  And I'm seeing one of the Deans of Plastic Surgery at UAB so maybe he'll know someone locally who does WLS on larger people like me so I don't have to wait to lost that kind of weight.  I'm not lazy but it would take forever to lose 100+lbs.  And if I could do that, I'd just keep going and lose it without surgery if I could.  That was why I said losing weight sounded redundant when you're trying to have WLS surgery.  The more I research and y'all share, the more I'm beginning to understand.  Thanks so much for sharing information with me.

Wishing the very, very best for you. I hope you will keep us updated. Lots of love to you. Emilie

Thank you Emilie.  I'll do my best to keep yall updated.  I wouldn't want to have snuck in and sucked up peoples feelings and resources and just disappear on you because that wouldn't be right.  I have decided for sure to pursue WLS of some type where I was really still on the fence about trying to even have it done.  So now I'm starting research in earnest.

I was really lucky. My HS resolved COMPLETELY with weight loss and I have been lesion free (knock wood!) for over a year.

I was a bigger woman than most when I had my RNY-- and I lost 68 pounds pre op, in four months. It's doable if you want it.

If the "other procedure" was a duodenal switch, you really do owe it to yourself to learn everything you can about it-- it touts MUCH better results for super morbidly obese patients than the RNY does. They weren't doing these back in your dad's day--- PLEASE, do look into it.

I am no help with your HS as I have no clue what it is. However I highly recommend the Duodenal Switch surgery. I thought RNY was the best way to go as well until I discovered the DS. Your stomach is left functioning as it was before, there is NO pouch to stretch or food to get stuck in. There is no dumping. You can eat a more normal diet and amount while still losing weight. Everyone must pick what is right for them but for me that is the DS. I want a NORMAL life, normal foods, etc I encourage you to check out the DS. It can be done in 2 parts. The first part to sleeve your stomach and help you lose weight then when you are down to a comfortable weight they can do stage 2. Good luck with your choice and on your journey!

I highly recommend, with a BMI in the 80s, that you look into the Duodenal Switch. There is a DS forum here on OH if you have any questions at all. The DS has, statistically, the best results for those with very high BMIs. Statistics also show that, in general, the DS yields the highest percentage of excess weight loss overall AND the best chances of keeping the weight off long term. It also has such advantages as no dumping syndrome (which some people with RNY experience) and the ability to continue taking NSAIDs.

You can check out www.dsfacts.com for more information.