400 plus please open rny
Dr. V had Sherry come with me yesterday. His listing of complications and negative possibilities and the way he delivered them it seemed and he said as much was to try and disuade us/scare us. This is the oddest situation I have ever been in. He had Sherry crying, he had me teared up, his resident was crying. Death does not hold any fear for me. One because of my faith but also because of the living death I have now. More scary is a list of long term negative possibilities. I signed the consent though and had all of my test done. So now I am on a liquid diet and the countdown has really begun. I really need support from folks who were 400 plus pounds and had open gastric bypass.
Randy
So you have been forgiven?
Hi Randy..
I saw you post on the main forum..and thought you go some pretty good responses. Let me add mine..
When I started the whole weight loss journey..I was 423lbs. Bad knees, couldn't walk far, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. I went to see a surgeons seminar, got really excited by all I heard and then terribly crushed when he said that he didn't operate on people whose BMI was over 50...mine was 69..I was doomed. I cried. But I went back for a one on one appointment with him and he told me that I had to lose a "sufficient" amount of weight before he could "safely" do the surgery. Again, I was crushed. I mean, if I could lose weight, then why would I need the surgery?? But...I did as he told me, went to see a weight loss Dr., started a 1300 calorie a day diet and started swimming. From Nov. to June, I lost 80 lbs..and you know what? He still wanted me to lose more!!!! So I got really mad...and found another surgeon. At the first visit, He told me that I was an excellent candidate for the surgery, told me to go have some pre-op testing, and then they schedule it..for about 3 weeks later. At that time I weighed 338lbs.
My whole point is...what have you got to lose by losing some weight? And if you do all he says, and he still wont do it..find someone who will. Like one poster said..statistically, you'll be fine. There are lots of us that have had lap RNY's and come out on the other side just fine. They have to tell you all the bad things. But I dint think that a surgeon would do an operation if he truly thought you'd die on his table. They had a reputation that they don't want to ruin.
Good luck!
I saw you post on the main forum..and thought you go some pretty good responses. Let me add mine..
When I started the whole weight loss journey..I was 423lbs. Bad knees, couldn't walk far, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. I went to see a surgeons seminar, got really excited by all I heard and then terribly crushed when he said that he didn't operate on people whose BMI was over 50...mine was 69..I was doomed. I cried. But I went back for a one on one appointment with him and he told me that I had to lose a "sufficient" amount of weight before he could "safely" do the surgery. Again, I was crushed. I mean, if I could lose weight, then why would I need the surgery?? But...I did as he told me, went to see a weight loss Dr., started a 1300 calorie a day diet and started swimming. From Nov. to June, I lost 80 lbs..and you know what? He still wanted me to lose more!!!! So I got really mad...and found another surgeon. At the first visit, He told me that I was an excellent candidate for the surgery, told me to go have some pre-op testing, and then they schedule it..for about 3 weeks later. At that time I weighed 338lbs.
My whole point is...what have you got to lose by losing some weight? And if you do all he says, and he still wont do it..find someone who will. Like one poster said..statistically, you'll be fine. There are lots of us that have had lap RNY's and come out on the other side just fine. They have to tell you all the bad things. But I dint think that a surgeon would do an operation if he truly thought you'd die on his table. They had a reputation that they don't want to ruin.
Good luck!
Hiya Randy,
First of all let me offer you a HUGE HUG!!! I started at 433, I was fortunate enough to barely make it under the requirements to have lap rny, however I had to have several things done differently than a normal lap. I in NO way want to scare you more I just want to tell you what faith and determination like yours will get you thru. I knew going in I would have to be awake due to my size to have the anistieia tube put in and to have it removed and told I might have to have a trache, I will not lie and say I wasnt terrified cause I was. Because of the special nature of my rny I was set as the first surgery of the day but wound up 3 hours late getting in the OR due to my IV problems, without graphic details let me just say this was HARD to go thru but I prayed I could feel all the special people I had met on the OH missouri boards with me, I found I was more afriad to NOT have surgery than to go thru whatever it was they threw at me to get there!! I was sent special nurses that day as well one that even held my hand till I woke up!! This surgery is not a easy fix as I am sure you are aware and it takes guts to go thru, NO doubt but from your post I can see you have the courage and the strength not to mention the support of Sherry, YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!
People like you continue to inspire me everyday on this board, I feel so blessed to know such brave people who discover they CAN change thier lives and the lives of those they love!! Put yourself in the Master's hands!! You will never be alone he will be there to hold you hand and get you thru this!!!
I will be shining a spot especially for you on the loosing bench and have your badge of courage ready when you get home and start your band new life!!
I am so very very very proud of you, I will be praying for you before, during and after!! If i can ever repay the inspiration and the renewed courage you have given me today PLEASE let me know I will be there !!!
Jeanine
Patty, I never heard super morbid obesity called the living death, but that's kind of profound. We just barely exist. We know we are creative and wonderful people, but we are trapped in our huge bodies that don't move well. People don't take pictures of us and we feel so ashamed, which is weird because the alcoholics and drug users and sex addicts and mean rotten folks are all out there, but obesity is the ultimate taboo.
Randy, the surgeons have to protect their licenses and they want good statistics so we have to suck it up and lose some weight to show that we've got true grit and will do what we need to do to succeed. I do better if I avoid most regular food except salads and I eat whey protein shakes and Lean Cuisine or other frozen food. That way the portion control is done for me. I always feel very sad when I'm done eating and I think, "I'm going to starve to death," but a few minutes later, I feel better. I've had enough water to fill a small lake, but I'm almost at the goal and can get surgery.
I think my religious beliefs have been a source of strength for me, but I have also used them as a crutch. I've been expecting God to somehow magically rescue me and take the weight and the depression away. I realize now that God expects me to do MY part, which is research and using the classes, counselling, and tools that I have available to me. I take an anti-depressant, I did months of counselling with a social worker, I joined the Wellaware program, I do chair yoga, and all this in addition to prayer. You may not need this mini "lecture," but I find many Christians to be pretty passive in their thinking. I wish you all the best.
Randy, the surgeons have to protect their licenses and they want good statistics so we have to suck it up and lose some weight to show that we've got true grit and will do what we need to do to succeed. I do better if I avoid most regular food except salads and I eat whey protein shakes and Lean Cuisine or other frozen food. That way the portion control is done for me. I always feel very sad when I'm done eating and I think, "I'm going to starve to death," but a few minutes later, I feel better. I've had enough water to fill a small lake, but I'm almost at the goal and can get surgery.
I think my religious beliefs have been a source of strength for me, but I have also used them as a crutch. I've been expecting God to somehow magically rescue me and take the weight and the depression away. I realize now that God expects me to do MY part, which is research and using the classes, counselling, and tools that I have available to me. I take an anti-depressant, I did months of counselling with a social worker, I joined the Wellaware program, I do chair yoga, and all this in addition to prayer. You may not need this mini "lecture," but I find many Christians to be pretty passive in their thinking. I wish you all the best.
Food is for sissies. REAL women exist on skim milk, protein powder, broth and air..... 
Hey Ruby!
It wasn't my term - I borrowed it from Randy, as I thought it was a perfect descriptor.
I made great changes in my life once before through the power of the strength that a group gave to me plus the power of prayer.
And laughter! I had a dear work friend over today to help me pick the bounty of my garden. She brought her little dog who was worn out buy the time we had both picked a week's worth of produce. The dog gets all happy and dances when she hears laughter and I laugh a lot. We had such fun.
Even tho I was too tired to go swimming, I did walk quite a bit today and the warm glow of friendship was grand. And healing for both of us.
God/Goddess/ helps those who help themselves.
It wasn't my term - I borrowed it from Randy, as I thought it was a perfect descriptor.
I made great changes in my life once before through the power of the strength that a group gave to me plus the power of prayer.
And laughter! I had a dear work friend over today to help me pick the bounty of my garden. She brought her little dog who was worn out buy the time we had both picked a week's worth of produce. The dog gets all happy and dances when she hears laughter and I laugh a lot. We had such fun.
Even tho I was too tired to go swimming, I did walk quite a bit today and the warm glow of friendship was grand. And healing for both of us.
God/Goddess/
I re-read the string and saw that Randy used that term in his post. It IS a very powerful description of the life we have been leading.
I love little dogs. Our daughter adopted an abused dog in grad school. We call him Henry the Biting Chihuahua. She lives in LA and can't have a dog so we've had him for several years. He DOES try to bite everyone but me, including my poor husband, but he's full of personality and we enjoy him. He sings for us at times.
Yes, I believe in prayer and then I try to look around to see if God wants me to DO something to help that prayer along. I have had some miracles in my life.
Have a good week. I love reading your posts.
I love little dogs. Our daughter adopted an abused dog in grad school. We call him Henry the Biting Chihuahua. She lives in LA and can't have a dog so we've had him for several years. He DOES try to bite everyone but me, including my poor husband, but he's full of personality and we enjoy him. He sings for us at times.
Yes, I believe in prayer and then I try to look around to see if God wants me to DO something to help that prayer along. I have had some miracles in my life.
Have a good week. I love reading your posts.
Food is for sissies. REAL women exist on skim milk, protein powder, broth and air.....
I started my weight loss journey at 475 in April 2008 and by September decided needed to go the RNY route. On my first appointment with the surgeon had all the pre-op tests except an endoscopy done and was hoping to have surgery before the holidays. Well I weighed in a 423 that day and he told me I needed to loose 10% to 50 lbs before he would do the surgery. I went on the preop diet and started exercising allot, I was in a constant state of pain but by 6 Jan I had lost almost the 42 lbs so he scheduled me for laproscopic surgery. On the day of surgery I was at 393.
In retrospect for me I think having to loose that weight on my own was a good lesson to me that when I set a goal for my self and worked to that goal, used the tools to my benefit I could achieve what I set out to do. I am happy to report that 7 mos. post op I am now down over 178lbs and have gained so much. This journey is a long one with it share of ups and downs but if you keep yourself focused on the prize of gaining mobility and getting a life back you can accomplish what you set out to do. Use all the tools in your arsenal, seeking support is a great one that you are already doing, use your Dr., diets, exercise and important , try to keep a positive attitude. Stressing yourself out will only hinder your weight loss.
Keep in touch and keep us apprised of your progress.
In retrospect for me I think having to loose that weight on my own was a good lesson to me that when I set a goal for my self and worked to that goal, used the tools to my benefit I could achieve what I set out to do. I am happy to report that 7 mos. post op I am now down over 178lbs and have gained so much. This journey is a long one with it share of ups and downs but if you keep yourself focused on the prize of gaining mobility and getting a life back you can accomplish what you set out to do. Use all the tools in your arsenal, seeking support is a great one that you are already doing, use your Dr., diets, exercise and important , try to keep a positive attitude. Stressing yourself out will only hinder your weight loss.
Keep in touch and keep us apprised of your progress.
Randy,
I didn't see your post on the MB. I don't come to OH as much as I used to but came today and saw your post. My journey started at 500+ lbs., I had a panni thinking that the removal of the weight would light a fire and get me started, I lost 50 lbs. after the surgery but like my past history ate my way back up to 460. I returned to the hospital that did the panni and saw one of the three docs who did the surgery. I disliked the surgeon, he was too in your face, just like I am and the bottom line I didn't feel too good about myself. He ordered a laundry list of tests including the insertion of the Vena Cava filter. I have lymphedma in my leg and he didn't want to take the chance that I had blood clot problems. The surgeon told me he was going to do the surgery lap. Fast forward 3 months, all test done, filter in and I am laying in the holding area waiting my turn. LIke you death didn't scare me, as a matter of fact I didn't care at this point. My knees are shot, I can hardly walk, I am alone and I was miserable. In walks the surgeon, my impression of him make a 360 degree turn. His words and caring nature were unbelieveable. I had the surgery, there was complications when the holes were drilled for the lap and I had to go open. No complications. They kept me in intensive care for about 24 hours basically because there was no baraiatric rooms available and I went home on the 3rd day after the GBS. I had some minor wound problems, believe me compared to when I had my second panni they were minor. The 6 weeks I lost 100 lbs.. I am 3 years post op. I still have much to lose but I will be getting my knees replaced this winter. BTW I am 54 years old.
I don't know your whole story but keep the faith, This surgery can be done on supersized people. I was 300 lbs. when I had my second panni and did have wound complications but that was expected. Please feel free to contact me if you wish to talk. My e-mail addie is [email protected].
Good luck to you. I hope to hear from you.
Jeanne
I didn't see your post on the MB. I don't come to OH as much as I used to but came today and saw your post. My journey started at 500+ lbs., I had a panni thinking that the removal of the weight would light a fire and get me started, I lost 50 lbs. after the surgery but like my past history ate my way back up to 460. I returned to the hospital that did the panni and saw one of the three docs who did the surgery. I disliked the surgeon, he was too in your face, just like I am and the bottom line I didn't feel too good about myself. He ordered a laundry list of tests including the insertion of the Vena Cava filter. I have lymphedma in my leg and he didn't want to take the chance that I had blood clot problems. The surgeon told me he was going to do the surgery lap. Fast forward 3 months, all test done, filter in and I am laying in the holding area waiting my turn. LIke you death didn't scare me, as a matter of fact I didn't care at this point. My knees are shot, I can hardly walk, I am alone and I was miserable. In walks the surgeon, my impression of him make a 360 degree turn. His words and caring nature were unbelieveable. I had the surgery, there was complications when the holes were drilled for the lap and I had to go open. No complications. They kept me in intensive care for about 24 hours basically because there was no baraiatric rooms available and I went home on the 3rd day after the GBS. I had some minor wound problems, believe me compared to when I had my second panni they were minor. The 6 weeks I lost 100 lbs.. I am 3 years post op. I still have much to lose but I will be getting my knees replaced this winter. BTW I am 54 years old.
I don't know your whole story but keep the faith, This surgery can be done on supersized people. I was 300 lbs. when I had my second panni and did have wound complications but that was expected. Please feel free to contact me if you wish to talk. My e-mail addie is [email protected].
Good luck to you. I hope to hear from you.
Jeanne
Randy, I just wanted to offer my support to you. I didn't see your post on the main board, but I will so totally and completely have you in my thoughts. Also, I had open DS, and if you are worried about the open part, it has not been that terrible. Keep your incision clean and dry, and expose it to air. I have had 2 Csections and this open DS, and that is how I prevented infection in my 2nd Csection, and my DS.
Emilie, mom, wife, Nurse........superhero
It's about the Wow's!
It's about the Wow's!
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