South Bay Area WLS Group
Questions...guidance needed....
Hi folks,
I have been a lurker on these forums for a while...trying to glean information about WLS, while struggling with weight and related issues.
Am turning a poster...as i think that i need to get serious about committing to this...
Summary Background
-47 Yr old. Male. In addition to obesity, all other co-morbid conditions exist...diabetes, High BP, Chlorestrol.
- Heavy all my life. Least weight I rememeber was 291 lbs. Most recorded 333.
- Tried many different programs for weight loss...did not stick. Most effective was DASH diet, got me to 309; but went back to old habits...and back to 323 or so.
- Attended Kaiser South San Fran WLS workshop 2 yrs ago...weighted in at 330 or so; they gave me a target of 290, before they would take me for WLS. I did not take the program seriously....until about 5 weeks ago when i had the a-ha moment.
- About 5 weeks ago...A1C shot up to 8, and PCP asked me to come in for insulin. That was the wakeup...did not want insulin shots. The a-ha was...the Kaiser Bariatrics Dr David Le said to me that doing exercise will never get me to my weight....his view was that diet needs to be more important.
- At that a-ha moment....5 weeks ago...was about 318. Went down the path of changing my diet and lifestyle as if i have already had the surgery. Am trying to follow the post-op surgery diet in the Kaiser handbook, along with the vitamins, etc (cut out carbs/bread/rice, etc).
- As a result....now i am at 295...diabetes is better controlled (stayed away from insuin shots; even reduced the Glipizide). First 2 weeks was hard....and the diabetes medication makes it harder (makes me hungry, if i do not manage it well). Good news....am approaching 290....and have a follow up with the doctor in 10 days (wont be at 290 by then, but should be at 293 or so, hopefully).
- Am motivated to make it work....but am scared of the surgery and consequences.
Guidance ane help needed
From all the smart people here...do want your help and guidance on followings questions pls...
1) Sleeve vs Bypass: Sleeve seems like a lower risk procedure, and seems to have benefits like no dumping, and NSAIDs. Am scared of what dumping may do to my professional life at the office. Thoughts and suggestions welcome.
2) Risks of each surgery......is Sleeve really lower risk? As the sole breadwinner for the family, am scared of scenarios that may be unpleasant, or fatal. Thus the Q and the concern.
3) For risk mitigation, is it worth to just follow the current plan i am on....basically a new way of life for eating....and stay on that for say 6 months and see how that transpires....before commiting to WLS? Or, just dive in...if benefits outweigh the risks?
4) Any references/expereinces with Kaiser South San Fran Bariatrics, and especially Dr David Minh Le?
Many many thanks!
Rick
PS: Any local support meetings in San Jose? Would love to join. Thanks