Injury may mean cancellation of VSG...

Well, I have been out of work injured for 2 weeks. Got the MRI results back today and found out I have a GradeIII meniscus tear. I don't know what this means, but if they have to do surgery I know I will have to cancel my VSG on Nov. 3rd. (Pretty sure you cant have surgery within a certain period of time) Anyone know anything about this? I have been kind of hoping it was a sprain and just needed time to heal so I could go forward with the surgery. How long is the approval good for? I am really down right now. And the surgeons office is closed, and I don't yet know who my Ortho Dr. is to call and ask them. Any advice?

You'll want to double check but I think approval for WLS is usually good for a year. One step at a time... talk to both surgeons and see where you are after that. Sending hugs and swinging lizards for you.

--gina

From experience I can tell you that I had my gallbladder removed on November 2nd and had my Sleevie done on February 17th of the following year.  So just a few months.  I think I could have gotten the sleeve sooner but I wasn't referred to the bariatric program until after my gallbladder came out.   I'm grateful that I had pain from gallbladder because it was at the appointment that my PCP recommended I try WLS.

Call everyone and ask lots of questions.  I have a friend that recently had a meniscus tear repaired.  It was done at an outpatient facility.  She had a few weeks of staying off it after surgery.

I'm sorry you're injured.  You must be disappointed.

My insurance required you have the surgery within a year from the date you started the program.  We had to do 6 consecutive months of counseling or support groups and 6 months of doctor supervised weight loss.  They could both be done in the same six months or could overlap.

My DH had meniscus tears on both his knees.  It was outpatient and done orthoscopically(?), but it did take him a week or two to get back on his feet.

I wonder if you could have your sleeve surgery first and then have the meniscus tear repaired.  DH was able to work with his for a little while although it was painful.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Linda

Thank you both for responding to my post and for yoru positive thoughts! They are MUCH appreciated. I will keep you all posted as I learn more. THANK YOU AGAIN!!!

Hope you got some concrete answers by now. Wishing you a quick recovery!!

I had to have surgery to remove an ovary in april after I had a date for may for my rny. So it just delayed things until july.
It will just postpone things. Hang in there!

Okay, the others have told you about the timing...I will tell you about the meniscus tear...

What is a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Each knee has two menisci (plural of meniscus)-one at the outer edge of the knee and one at the inner edge. The menis****ep your knee steady by balancing your weight across the knee. A torn meniscus can prevent your knee from working right.

See a picture of the knee and the meniscus
What causes a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear is usually caused by twisting or turning quickly, often with the foot planted while the knee is bent. These tears can occur when you lift something heavy or play sports. As you get older, your meniscus gets worn. This can make it tear more easily.

See a picture of common meniscus tears.

I tore mine a few years back...all they did was wrap it, and then put me on crutches for a couple of weeks. Apparently I changed directions too fast just one too many times (usually in the kitchen) and it had enough. Tears are more common in athletes because of the sudden changes they tend to make.

It's painful but not as critical as it sounds...You may have to delay a few weeks but cancel...I seriously doubt it.

Liz

I had leg surgery (fasciotomy) in September and my surgeon said I only had to wait 6 weeks to have my WLS.  It's been past that now, just jumping through hoops. 

Anyway, I tore my medial collateral and damaged my meniscus years ago.  The surgery was done laparoscopically and I was back to work in less than 2 weeks.  Just a side note, my knee hurt worse after surgery for several months but hasn't given me any problems for going on 14 yrs now.

Good Luck!

I spoke with my WL surgeon's office and they said I don't have to cancel, and I could have sugery the following day. I will have to make sure the ortho agrees. (Still don't know which ortho I will be referred to)  Thank you all for the information and support.