Question:
Pre-op panel is almost perfect. shoul i do it?

i just go my pre-op panel back from my doctor, and it was almost perfect. 154 cholestprol,sugar,throid,all of it NORMAL. I thought I would have some problems because i'm 390lbs, have sleep apnea,swelling legs and feet,and tingling in my feet. When I diet I loose a little weight and then gain it back plus more. Should I try again? Should I do the operation? I guess I'm getting scared with operation scheduled for 1/24/00. Any supportive input is much appreciated. Thanks Rudy    — RUDY S. (posted on January 4, 2000)

January 4, 2000
I have morbid obesity. My cholesterol levels have remained excellent all of my adult life. I went to college with a 'little' girl who weighed about 90 lbs. Her cholesterol levels were dangerously high. Obesity has little relationship with bad cholesterol levels if you are not predisposed to genetically high bad cholesterol levels. All of the other factors, sleep apnea, swelling, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetis, etc. are what should be your deciding factor. Not normal thyroid, cholesterol, etc. levels.
   — Connie H.

January 4, 2000
I feel that is a question you need to ask yourself........are you getting bigger??? Would you feel better smaller......more active.........happier?? If you answered yes to these questions it is a good possiblitly that surgery will improve your life.....but in the long run it is you that has to WANT this........if you go in half heartidly(as I did) you will come out halfheartidly...and that makes for a slow recovery....please get a piece of paper and write all the pros and cons and wiegh it out...make sure.....but I know you will be happy with the results! take care and good luck
   — whisperskiss

January 4, 2000
Do it!!!!!! It is the beginning of a new life. You deserve every opportunity to lead a completely healthy and normal life. You are in my prayers. Lorinda Miller
   — Lorinda M.

January 4, 2000
Hi Rudy! I think only you can make that decision. I, too, received my labs back to find out I didn't have any problems with those things. However, I am having the surgery to lengthen my life. Just because I don't suffer from bad blood work results doesn't negate the other things I do suffer from- apnea, bad knees, lack of energy to keep up with my family, and depression about my looks. Also, there is no guarentee that those labs won't go sky high in coming years. I think that, for me, it is better to have this surgery now and prevent future problems than it is to wait, develope more complications, and have surgery with more of a chance of surgical complications. Good luck in whatever decision you make!
   — M B.

January 4, 2000
Rudy, I am thrilled as I am sure you are that at least your bloodwork is normal, however, I wonder how long at your present weight is it going to remain normal. How long do you think your joints are going to survive. How long do you suppose your heart is going to continue to pump. I am also morbidly obese around 350. I look at it this way. My joints and heart and all of my organs were designed to supply one person and I have been making them supply 2 overweight people for so many years that I have to wonder if maybe they will start to shut down in half the time that they were originally designed for. I am sorry to ramble but you have a wonderful opportunity in your hands right now. I hate to see you throw it all away only to regret it in a few years. Good luck in what ever descision you make.
   — Tina H.

January 4, 2000
Hi Rudy You need to search your own heart on this one but I wanted to tell you what made me decide on persuing the surgery. Last spring I was 120 lbs overweight (I eventually gained another 20 while waiting for the surgery from the stress and last suppers!) Anyway I was doing yard work with my hubby and we were filling these new planters we bought with top soil. I never had trouble lifting heavy things before and the bags were a strain for me. I realized that they weighed 40lbs a piece. Then it occured to me... If someone handed me three bags of top soil and told me I had to carry them everywhere I go I would tell them to go jump in the lake!! But essentially by being 120lbs overweight that is exactly what I was doing!! Even something that only weighs 10lbs is heavy if you carry it all the time. So to help with your decision think of what all that weight is doing to your body!!! Good luck with whatever you decide-We are here for you. ~:o)
   — Lisa O.