Question:
were any of you medically high risk, i am just need reasurance

   — grandma83201poc (posted on February 28, 2010)

February 28, 2010
Hi, I am a Grandma too. I was 57 when I had my gastric bypass. I have a history of heart disease, had tripple bypass 11 years ago, congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Also high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and hypothyroidism. I was afraid to have weight loss surgery, because I thought I would die. My cardiologist simply explained that the odds of me dying if I didn't have the surgery were much higher. I started at 344 pounds, now I am at 213, and I am still losing. I feel so much better. I no longer take meds for diabetes, my blood pressure meds have been reduced by half, and I can walk comfortably. I will be here longer for my kids and grandkids, and that makes me happy. If I can help in any way, please feel free to contact me.
   — pageturnr

February 28, 2010
i m 66 was over 350 lbs type2 diabetic variouse other ailments, 11 weeks out no complicatuons whatsoever . down 80 plus lbs. so i call this a win win situation for me.
   — hanksguns

February 28, 2010
i m 66 was over 350 lbs type2 diabetic variouse other ailments, 11 weeks out no complicatuons whatsoever . down 80 plus lbs. so i call this a win win situation for me.
   — hanksguns

March 1, 2010
I think just the fact that a person is obese puts them at a higher risk of surgical complications. That being said, the risk of staying obese certainly outweighs the risk of surgery. What will happen to you, if one day you need surgery immediately or you will die? (bypass, etc.) That is a huge possibility for obese people. Think of the long term. This surgery can SAVE your life.
   — corky1057

March 1, 2010
I managed to get my weight down to 310 preOp (from 389) but I was a HIGH risk for blood clots, having had 2 DVTs and 2 PEs preOp (w/in 1 year before surgery). My surgeon took ALL the appropriate precautions, and I was in the hospital 3 days instead of 2, but my ONLY complication was due to a minor skin infection from the adhesive on the steri strips - I'm 2 weeks short of 6 months postOp and down over 60 MORE pounds, so as long an your surgeon is prepared for your particular risks, and you follow ALL instructions, have faith that you are in good hands and taking a step towards better health and decreasing your health risks with weight loss! The key is making sure everyone has information - even if you feel you are repeating yourself fifteen times - the nurse at checkin, the OR nurse, the floor nurse, etc. Make sure EVERYONE knows YOUR risks and be your own BEST advocate! Good luck to you!
   — Diane324

March 1, 2010
Hi, 53, started at 325, 6 months out now, 101 down, type 2 diabetes, heart murmur, arthritis in the knees... no more meds for cholesterol, blood pressure, or diabetes. i was more crazed about the pre testing .... thought that was gonna kill me... the surgery went great no pain... smartest thing I have ever done.
   — MarthaJ0110

March 1, 2010
Remember that in this law-suit happy society, doctors feel compelled to practice "defensive medicine," scaring us to death when risks of surgery are overemphasized -- when in fact the likelihood of experiencing those risks are very small. I was upset for six months based on what one surgeon told me; and I could not have been more surprised when I woke up from surgery without any problems whatsoever. I also know at least three people who were considered high risk due to heart problems, and they did not have problems either. So take the risk warnings with a BIG grain of salt that most people do NOT have problems, even if they are high risk. God bless!
   — Janell C.