Feelin real bad

Just as I thought everything was falling into place I ran into a potentially BIG setback today. I had completed all my pre-op evaluation tests except the abdominal ultrasound (tomorrow). My PCP called last week to tell me there was something in the report from my stress test and he wanted me to see a cardiologist. That just happened today and they won't approve going forward without doing an angiogram. Then she gave me the bad news - if there is a blockage as the test seems to show, they will put in a stent. If they put in the stent I won't even be able to consider having surgery for 6 months. I managed to not cry by biting my lip in that moment but I can't believe how disappointed and sad I'm feeling. I guess as I got through each successive step and things were looking good I was also getting more emotionally invested. I guess now I just have to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and hope that it was a false positive test (which apparently can happen) and they won't have to put the stent in.

Steven, my partner had a "false" positive and had to have an angiogram and they were going to do stents. Turns out there was no blockage at all and her arteries were great. The false positives do happen on women more often than men, thouhg. This was the catalyst for WLS, though. And even if you do have to have the stents put in place, better you have that done and get your heart healthier. Keep in mind that the healthier you are going into WLS, the more successful your outcome will be. XOXOXO, Sharyn

Thanks Sharyn. Apparently breast tissue is a factor that contributes to false positives... so, maybe these "moobs" as I've heard them called (man boobs) of mine clouded up the images. Either way, I'm feeling better about the whole thing today and just need to do what I need to do.

Keep your head up. Even if they do end up having to put a stent in, it would be better having a healthy heart before surgery than have serious complications after surgery. The time will fly by and you can use the extra time to get your body in the best shape possible for surgery. Good luck with the tests and remember that everything happens for a reason.

Thanks Sierra! I do feel better about it today and appreciate the support.

Let me start by saying that I am sorry for your setback. I guess all I can say is do what you need to do. I will be hoping that it is a false positive. Look at it this way, these tests are to make sure that you will be ok when you have surgery. It is better to be safe than sorry in the long run. I know 6 months seems like a very long time, but if it means your heart will be healthy for the surgery, it is so much better than having a riskier surgery. My heart does go out to you and I remember as I went to the cardiologist with an abnormal EKG before surgery how I felt. It is scary. I surely did not want to put off surgery any longer. It is upsetting, but honestly the best way to deal with this setback is be as positive as you can be. You will have this surgery when it is the right time for you and your body. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope for a good out come for you. Take care Erin

Thanks Erin. I have a better perspective today that finding this and getting it taken care of, if there is a blockage, before surgery is all to my advantage and all of you helped me get that through my head in the last day. Appreciate you being here. Steve

Hi Steve, I'm so sorry that you have to go through an angiogram and put off your surgery. Believe me, I understand just how disappointed you are. I was halfway through my Dr. supervised dieting when I suffered a heart attack. I now have a stent (I had 100% blockage in one arterie) along with some damage to my heart. I'm hoping that your stress test gave a false positive, but you must look at this from a positive angle. If you do have a blockage at least you will have it taken care of before you have a heart attack. If you have to wait at least 6 months, I think that is definitely worth your health and your life. Best of luck to you. I'll be hoping for your angiogram to find no blockages.

Thanks for sharing your story and helping me put this in perspective. With the support and feedback I've been able to see the value in finding and fixing any potential problems now - even if it does mean a delay. So, next Friday it will be done and I'll know where things go from there.

Glad you are feeling a little better about this now. Please keep us updated on your procedure and what they find (hopefully nothing bad). Sometimes the anxiety of what they might find is worse than the procedure itself. Email me if you need to talk about this. Rachelle [email protected]