Question:
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CAME BACK 5 YR POST=OP

I want to thank you all for directing me to the cardiologist for the dizzyness and fludders I was feeling it turns out though my high blood pressure has found me again and my heart beat is slow so getting that bottom number down isn't going to be easy on me. I was very depressed thinking for the fist time how maybe having bypass was not such a good idea, till the two doctors taking care of me closed the door looked at me and said "Anna you are a medical miricle you have kept off 154 pounds in 5 years ride yourself of diabeties and kept your blood pressure down till now. You have saved your life and if you ever wanted confermation that you did the right thing this is it.. You may have had a stroke or heart attack if the story were different." Reality herts let me tell you, I haven't stopped crying, I still need the stress test and more blood work the doctor tells me somethings are in families and come back. Has anyone else had the same problem and how do you get over feeling so blue, my dad died from heart failure brought on by his being over weight I miss him. He should be here too. Anna.    — ANNAJEAN (posted on January 22, 2009)

January 22, 2009
Even thin people can have blood pressure and hert problems. If you had not done the surgery you would probably be like me with a bypass of the heart vessels. It is not fun. You will just need to realize that not every health problem is cured by losing weight but your health is much better if there is a need to fix a heart problem. Be gentle with your self and we will be praying for you.
   — trible

January 22, 2009
Anna, Take heart, you did a good thing for your health. Yes, you need more tests, but nowdays they work miracles with the heart, and they can do that for you too. I just had my bypass in November 08, but on Jan 2nd my Dr called and told me to go straight to the hospital, my heart was stopping and I needed a pacemaker. I have/had high Chlos.& trygliseride counts, and high BP too, then because my father has had 2 heart attacks and two full bypass's and is now in CHF, my Dr was concerned when I told her last year that several times I had had chest pain. So she sent me to the Cardiologist and had a angiogram, stress test and my heart looked just fine and they gave me a clean bill of health to have the surgery and then wammo!! Out of the blue with one small test to see if my heart was racing (that's what it felt like since surgery sometimes). I thank the Lord for that test, because who knows what would have happened without it. But I too have been a little overwhelmed because I just can't believe how they could have missed that my heart was stopping for so long. Even in the hospital for my RNY bypass in Nov I had to spend 3 days in ICU (I also have MS and had seizures after surgery) on constant heart monitoring and no one noticed the problem. Be happy you have had the time to lose your weight and recover so you can now focus your getting well on your heart issue. I'm trying to go through the first months after the RNY, recover from the pacemaker and find out why I have that problem, then a couple days after I was home from getting the pacemaker I had some problems and ended up in the ER and getting a CT scan to see if I had problems with my RNY...didn't find any problems with that (thank God) but they did find a large tumor in my kidney and I now have to go in next week and have my one kidney removed. To stay sane I just have to look at it as I know the Lord has something planned for my life, or for impact on someone elses life no matter what I will have to go through, good or bad. It's not easy to keep up my 'courage', but I've been through times where I gave into my fears and that was always much worse in the long run. I will add you to my prayers, remember as my Doctors told me before the RNY...it was only a tool to 'help' me get healthier by losing weight...it wouldn't be a magic cure for my health problems. I know you can get through this cause you won with your WLS and managed to get 156# off and keep it off...that's not a easy achievement either and took a lot of strength on your part. Vicki
   — angelvh2

January 22, 2009
Praise God that you found out what was wrong! like the other person said weight loss doesn;t cure everything, although we wish it would. But the Doctors are correct, if there is a history of high blood pressure in your family, there is somethings called primary familiar hypertention. Big words for "i have hi B/P because it runs in my family". Getting your weight off did save your life. You may need to go on some meds, but if you still had all the weight on things would be harder for you. Have the tests, do what the doctors say and remember, God has given you another chance-- As far as the Depression over the loss of your father, well first I am sorry for your loss. I have lost both my parents, mother 25 years ago and father 5 years ago. It isn't easy, may God comfort you at this time. some times it is just time and God calls them Home. Adn we aren't ready to let them go. Take a deep breath, know that we are here for you.and please keep us informed how you are doing. anyone can have High B/P. just remember you are a healthier person now and perhaps you will not have to be on a lot of medication. COngratulations on your wonderful weight loss HOW AWESOME!! Good luck with the medical tests and i will keep you in my prayers. Blessing and hugs, Cora Shrum
   — jnclshrum

January 22, 2009
Anna, Thank God you went to your doctors. Now you know that your weight didn't cause this problem. Do what the docs ask you to do; you will probably end up with some meds. Finish your tests with the docs. As for the death of your father, I am truly sorry for your loss. I lost my father 12 years ago. My mom is approaching her 79th birthday this year. Anyway, you will start feeling better mentally. If nothing else get online and talk to all of us. WE listen. And your doctors most certainly support you. WE are here for you; the depression will pass most likely when you are treated for your high blood pressure. I know what you mean I'm constantly battling my diabetes, thyroid and heart problems along with trying to lose more weight to get to my goal. Hang in there, Anna. You will make it. You are in my prayers. vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 22, 2009
Hi anna my name is stacie smith and i will be having the vertical sleeve in feb. but i will tell you this i'm 48 4 years ago i had to have double heart bypass and i did have a heart attack and it is by the grace of god i am here. yes iwas overweight and i did smoke which i quite smoking and now i'm trying to do something about my weight. but this runs in my family, and i am hoping i will get off my meds its great you did but listen to your dr if you need it take it it will prevent problems on down the line. good job and good luck
   — ssmith2268