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Topic: Diastolic Dysfunction??
Ok freaking out here! I had an echocardiogram last Tues. I've been waiting for results and I called the dr's office today asking for someone to call me back. My doctor called me back after hours wbecause he's just great that way and because I had other concerns that I needed answers about. First he told me they got the echocardiogram back and it shows that I have a slightly enlarged heart. I asked what that means and he tells me that it's mild diastolic dysfunction. What does that mean? The heart normally beats, then rests, beats, then rests. Supposedly my heart doesn't seem to be resting enough. Well what the hell does this mean? How dangerous is it? Can it be cured/fixed? How? Should I see a cardiologist? Will this be a reason to not be cleared for surgery? Any info anyone has would be great. Thanks!
Topic: RE: Type 1 for 30 years -- RNY or sleeve?
Ok I understand. It just seems like there are just so many unknowns about the RNY, even though it's the most performed surgery. Weird...and a bit scary.
So why don't they stitch you up/staple you as well with the RNY as far as blocking the other part of the stomach than they do with the VSG? Or is it because they are making the line in a different part of the stomach/different shape? Sorry if I sound uninformed. I guess I sort of am when it comes to this part of it!
If you don't mind my asking, I'm curious about your signature. What do you mean you're somewhere in between a VSG and a DS? I read your profile story. Wow a lot of similarities in our growing up.
So why don't they stitch you up/staple you as well with the RNY as far as blocking the other part of the stomach than they do with the VSG? Or is it because they are making the line in a different part of the stomach/different shape? Sorry if I sound uninformed. I guess I sort of am when it comes to this part of it!
If you don't mind my asking, I'm curious about your signature. What do you mean you're somewhere in between a VSG and a DS? I read your profile story. Wow a lot of similarities in our growing up.
(deactivated member)
on 9/20/10 3:08 am - Woodbridge, VA
on 9/20/10 3:08 am - Woodbridge, VA
Topic: RE: Type 1 for 30 years -- RNY or sleeve?
Once a VSG stomach is healed, stretching will not cause a leak, just as stretching a normal stomach would not rip a hole in it.
Some RNY surgeons seem to be okay with their patients taking NSAIDs as long as they also take something else with it (an acid reducer, maybe? I can't recall). However, the effects of NSAIDs are systemic and can affect the blind stomach via the blood stream - it's not about direct contact. I can't tell you how many NSAIDs you could take without a problem - some people NEVER have problems. The issue with the RNY is that NSAIDs are known to cause ulcers (even in regular people who have never had surgery), and if those ulcers occur in the blind stomach, they can take quite some time to diagnose due to the inability to scope the blind stomach.
Some RNY surgeons seem to be okay with their patients taking NSAIDs as long as they also take something else with it (an acid reducer, maybe? I can't recall). However, the effects of NSAIDs are systemic and can affect the blind stomach via the blood stream - it's not about direct contact. I can't tell you how many NSAIDs you could take without a problem - some people NEVER have problems. The issue with the RNY is that NSAIDs are known to cause ulcers (even in regular people who have never had surgery), and if those ulcers occur in the blind stomach, they can take quite some time to diagnose due to the inability to scope the blind stomach.
Topic: RE: changing doctors before beginning process
Hi Jennie! The way you write reminds me of myself. I'm a rambler too, but sometimes you just need to vent!
I just switched to a new PCP in the last year and I just wrote a bunch of notes and brought them to my appt when I knew I was ready to present the idea to him. Diet history, weight history, my personal story, why I think it's right for me, my comorbidities (which he already knew, but it was a good idea to point them out again). He had NO problem writing a referral. There was no convincing I needed to do, but then again, he's got the best bedside manner I've ever seen.
If your weightloss surgeon or insurance company needs history/info from previous docs they can always request records or you can request a copy of your file I think too.
If I were you I would go to the appt, whenever (and if ever) they can get you in, just to express your opinions about her staff! She may talk to them about it and that itself could change your experience there for years to come. Maybe there's some miscommunication between dr and staff, maybe they didn't relay the doctor's message correctly to you or the one you talked to is just a crappy employee period. LOL Who knows, but I wouldn't give up just yet, you've had great experience with her otherwise and good endo's are kind of hard to come by.
As far as who needs to recommend the surgery though, it's either the PCP or endo. Mine was PCP but he sent a referral to the endo right after I mentioned surgery. The weightloss clinic wants my endo to write a letter stating that he believes WLS is a good idea for me. If I wouldn't have had an appt with the endo before my New Patient Ed day with the WLC I think they would have required a visit with an endo before they would do surgery anyway. That's why I got it over with early.
Ughhh...See how I ended up rambling? LOL! Good luck!
I just switched to a new PCP in the last year and I just wrote a bunch of notes and brought them to my appt when I knew I was ready to present the idea to him. Diet history, weight history, my personal story, why I think it's right for me, my comorbidities (which he already knew, but it was a good idea to point them out again). He had NO problem writing a referral. There was no convincing I needed to do, but then again, he's got the best bedside manner I've ever seen.
If your weightloss surgeon or insurance company needs history/info from previous docs they can always request records or you can request a copy of your file I think too.
If I were you I would go to the appt, whenever (and if ever) they can get you in, just to express your opinions about her staff! She may talk to them about it and that itself could change your experience there for years to come. Maybe there's some miscommunication between dr and staff, maybe they didn't relay the doctor's message correctly to you or the one you talked to is just a crappy employee period. LOL Who knows, but I wouldn't give up just yet, you've had great experience with her otherwise and good endo's are kind of hard to come by.
As far as who needs to recommend the surgery though, it's either the PCP or endo. Mine was PCP but he sent a referral to the endo right after I mentioned surgery. The weightloss clinic wants my endo to write a letter stating that he believes WLS is a good idea for me. If I wouldn't have had an appt with the endo before my New Patient Ed day with the WLC I think they would have required a visit with an endo before they would do surgery anyway. That's why I got it over with early.
Ughhh...See how I ended up rambling? LOL! Good luck!
Topic: RE: Type 1 for 30 years -- RNY or sleeve?
I do worry about the blind stomach. I have also heard about the stomach stretching too much and opening and going back to normal size, causing RNYers to gain the weight back. This is of course a worse concern about the sleeve though, because since the portion of the stomach is removed, any stretching could open the closed part and cause leaking, which is much more serious. Sigh. I wi**** was an obvious answer. Do RNYers need to completely avoid NSAIDs? I mean, if I take 500 mg for a headache once and awhile is that going to hurt?
Topic: RE: Type 1 for 30 years -- RNY or sleeve?
Oh geez...scratch that! I just read your profile and see you were denied for surgery on the 22nd. That sucks! Being Type 1 diabetic for 30 years and overweight should be reason enough to approve you! Grrr. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, but think positive because it will happen eventually.
Topic: RE: Type 1 for 30 years -- RNY or sleeve?
Thanks! I need to invest in a bunch of glucose tabs. It's a simple solution, I just never bothered to buy them...only when I've gotten them from a doctor because it seems I need to take quite a few for them to work. It may be that I'm just impatient. lol I just can't stand feeling like that so sometimes I overcompensate for a low by eating/drinking too much. But then again, I've taken the glucose tabs and it worked a little and then it dropped again if I didn't get to eat something right away.
Wow! Your surgery is in TWO days!! So excited for you!! Make sure you write and let me know how it goes. I would love to hear some updates weekly to see how RNY works for you! Good luck!
Wow! Your surgery is in TWO days!! So excited for you!! Make sure you write and let me know how it goes. I would love to hear some updates weekly to see how RNY works for you! Good luck!
Topic: RE: Type 1 for 30 years -- RNY or sleeve?
I am Type 1 for 30 yrs myself. With all my research I have also been recommended that the RNY is more effective for us Type 1's. I originally thought about the lap band, but after reading several articles on this site I am so glad I am going for the RNY. I also wanted the VSG, my insurance wont cover it and one surgeon said it is not effective for diabetics. Have you ever tried glucose tablets for the low's? In my pre-surgery class they recommended milk or glucose tablets. They are much easier to take anywhere and everywhere.
I wish you the best and look forward to hearing about your decision and experience.
I wish you the best and look forward to hearing about your decision and experience.
Moving on to better health
Topic: RE: new to the diabetic forum , my story
I am not sure about the other sites beth, this is the first diabetic site I have been to, I will have to check out some of the others. was good to meet you though! :)
cybil
cybil
Topic: RE: new to the diabetic forum , my story
Hi Cybil I am a very newly dxd type 2 and preop for DS so my experiences match yours in no way, but I did want to offer you my support! Do you see an endo? How about dlife.com, are there any WLSers there? I do find their forums for diabetes very good.
I do know somewhat how you feel, when I eat and drink and take my meds very carefully and I am still reading anywhere from 120s to 200s, it's really discouraging. Hang in there. Your weight loss can only do your body good!
I do know somewhat how you feel, when I eat and drink and take my meds very carefully and I am still reading anywhere from 120s to 200s, it's really discouraging. Hang in there. Your weight loss can only do your body good!
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