I JUST STARTED THIS JOURNEY WITH MY INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY

Hello everyone!  I'm hoping that I can make some great connections here with people who understand the journey I'm about to take.

Unlike a lot of people, I was never particularly overweight as a child.  Around 14, gained about 50 lbs or so, but then lost them by age 16 by increasing my activity.  Did fine until about age 31, and after the end of a significant boyfriend, started comforting eating.  Did the same thing when my brother was diagnosed with AIDS and subsequently died; and did again, when my father passed away . . . after a botched gastric bypass.

From what I've been told, that particular surgeon was not very experienced and had a high "injury" rate.  So, for me to even CONSIDER this surgery, shows how desperate I am in getting my health back on track, and regain my life.

I just turned 49 years old.  I'm 5' 3" and weigh about 330 lbs (BMI > 54).  I am what the doctors call "super morbidly obese."  Wonderful. 

I also have MANY co-morbidities including signifcant hypertension (already my brain MRIs are showing evidence of what has been very difficult to control and chronic hypertension); severe joint problems due to cartiledge loss; fibromyalgia; an enlarged heart with a murmur, severe sleep apnea (I DO consistently use my CPAP), and other medical issues.  Diabetes run in my family (my father and two of his three brothers had it).  For now, when I see a new physician and they ask, "Are you diabetic?", I cryptically answer, "Not yet."  I know this is a very real threat and it could happen tomorrow. 

I am terrified that I'm going to die too young if I do not take this drastic step.  After what happened to my father, this is something I've had to work out in my mind and heart.  I've done a lot of research and feel the surgeons who would perform my surgery are very well-qualified.  I just attended my first informational meeting this week.  I haven't even been accepted by the surgeon yet, so I'm worried that maybe he/she will consider me too high risk to do the surgery, but I feel that my medical issues are even MORE high risk.  I simply don't have the time to lose the weight "on my own." 

I have a couple of other medical issues that may disqualify me (I think).  I have a blood-clotting disorder where the actual cause is unknown.  Several ultrasounds were done and no DVTs were found.  I have a history of MULTIPLE pulmonary emboli at two separate times.  I've now been told I should stay on Coumadin for life.  I was taken off the drug for 3 days prior to my gallbladder surgery last year, and then immediately put on Lovenox, Coumadin, etc., to quickly get my INR to a therapuetic level.  Luckily, my gallbladder surgery was done as a lap, and I flew through recovery with NO complications whatsoever.  I'm hoping that's a good sign in terms of qualifying for gastric bypass.

I also have very mild Crohns disease.  I am hoping that this will not prevent my surgery either.

If there is anyone with a similar history as mine, can you please respond?  I also know that my health is the most important factor in doing this surgery, but I must admit, I'm also concerned about the loose skin I'm sure to have, maybe a new relationship and sex life (I have not been in a relationship for more than 15 years due to my obesity), and any other "costs" that may result from having the surgery.  I would think, from a health standpoint, the surgery would outweigh (pun intended!) the risks I could have with my Crohns disease, and maybe even from the blood clotting issues.  

Thanks to anyone who cares to respond to me.  I would appreciate very, very much any advice or shared experiences. 

While I agree with you that malabsorption would be ideal for you due to your BMI, can you really do that with Crohns disease?

You need to go to a surgeon that specializes in high risk folks.

Are you an apple shape or pear shape? IOW, do you carry your weight in your torso or your legs/hips?

With so many serious issues perhaps you should focus research on which procedures are best compatible.  Will Chrones be exacerbated or relieved by mal absorption? We know nearly always diabetes and hypertension are usually relieved immediately and over time after wls respectively.  Clotting disorder can complicate any procedure. 

You've got some specialized research to do and wil likely need many additional clearances with the usual.  Know which procedure is most successful with your conditions then seek out surgeons with a good track record for high risk patients.  

Personally, I selected my preferred procedures then the surgeons to be considered.  Good luck to you.  

It took me over a year to get comfortable with the idea of WLS. I have/had some similar health issues....pretty close to same height & weight...I was 335 at 5'4 with CPAP at 14 cm (that's high) developed a heart murmur and hypertension, and have a bad gene pool for breast cancer. I am 2 weeks out from surgery, about 20 lbs lighter and truly feel this was the best decision I have ever made about my health, body and life in general.

I talked to 2 different surgeons and had a good feeling about both until it came time for the 6 mo. follow-up with my GP for insurance approval. My first surgeons office would not return calls or emails. Then he gave 2 procedures away on a radio contest and then was making tv commercials about a fiber bar that was a good alternative to surgery. Still, not returning my calls or emails. Went back to the other surgeon and he & his staff were AWESOME!!! Returned calls, provided lots of info and support for me, my hubby and siblings. All the way throough the process. I feel great now and am VERY excited for this adventure to continue.

Find a Dr you are very comfortable with. Any anxiety with the Dr means they aren't right for you. Find another. Ask your insurance carrier for their preferred Dr and/or hospitals for a good starting place. Ignore the doomsayers (I have a sister who is one) and believe in yourself and your Dr.

Good Luck!!

I'm sorry I wasn't able to respond to your kind message sooner.  As luck would have it, my computer's motherboard went out, so I had to purchase a new computer.  Darn.  I wasn't expecting that expense, but . . . what could I do?  LOL!   Anyway, I want to thank you so much for your nice and encouraging reply.  We ARE very similar--even in our CPAP settings (mine is 13.6)!  And yes, there are those doomsayers.  It upsets me when some people want to tell me the most horrific stories they can.  Yes, I know bad things CAN happen, but the fact is, at my age and BMI, I'm at MUCH more risk for stroke or heart attack, and even cancer.  Even on my brain MRIs, there is already "white matter" that is showing up due to my long time struggle with hypertension.  So, at least my neurologist is very encouraging too.  He says that I'm already on the correct drugs and dosages for my hypertension, and if it's surgery that can help control this, then he's all for it.

So, thanks again for the encouragement and please keep me posted on your progress.  It sounds like you're well on your way to a healthy and long life.  Good luck and best wishes to you too!

Gayle

Hi Gayle!  In a lot of ways I'm right where you are.  I'm 5'7" and at 329, my BMI is 50-51.  I'm 48, and I'm trying to get approval for a DS.

What caught my eye was what you said about clotting disorder.  At a group I was at this week, one man also has a clotting disorder and has had pulmonary emboli post back surgeries.  He didn't say if he was on coumadin or not (bet he is) but his RNY is a week from tomorrow.  He is younger, though, 30s.

(My husband threw a blood clot that settled in his lung six days out from a massive stroke.  The clot put him in ICU for a month, on a ventilator.  You're lucky to have survived!)

I don't know about Crohns. 

I agree with other folks, you have a particular set of issues and will have to work through them carefully, which I know you will, and we're here to help you and be helped in our turn.  Good luck!