Question:
Could having high blood pressure or high blood sugar delay surgery?

I am in the process of qualifying for WLS. I recently saw my dr. for a check-up & my blood pressure & blood sugar was a little high. She put me on med. to help lower my BP & sent me to diabetic ed. to help get my BS under control. Has anyone ever been denied because of this or had their surgery delayed? Won't my BP & BS get better after WLS?    — Michelle R. (posted on November 10, 2006)

November 10, 2006
Oh yes it will -- you will more than likely be able to come off both meds. A friend of mine had WLS back in April and she is now off the BP medicine. Don't think you'll be able to come off both at the same time --- follow doctor orders. The surgery would be delayed if they are up; however, this doesn't mean you will be denied.
   — the7thdean

November 10, 2006
My guess is that just based on the blood sugar and blood pressure reading will not cause you to be denied. They could however, like someone else wrote to you, possibly delay the surgery. The doctor will want you as healthy as possible going into the surgery to help decrease the risk of complications. So, follow all of his instructions. ... good luck to you.....
   — Kari_K

November 11, 2006
I am really interested in the answers you get because I am facing the same questions. I have done or have scheduled everything on the list my surgeon gave me. I dread getting my HbA1c done because it was 8.5 in Oct. My surgeon says it has to be below 7.5. How do I get it lower in 3 weeks?
   — judyrchrdsn

November 11, 2006
Quite to the contrary. If you have type II diabetes, bariatric is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Unless it is likely to cause, for some reason, a severe surgery risk, diabetes should be a factor IN FAVOR of WLS. Since surgery I have not taken any of my old diabetic meds (e.g., Metformin), blood pressure, or cholesterol meds. My type II diabetes is now under control without need for prescription medication.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 11, 2006
My high blood pressure and elevated sugar are what qualified me for WLS. Otherwise I would have been denied because my BMI was 37.9.
   — deeport

November 12, 2006
hi Michelle. I had type II diabetes, borderline high BP, and high cholesterol before the WLS. I was on meds and actually these are referred to as co-morbidities which help you to get approved because there are things your weight is causing you to be more un-healthy. After WLS I have lost 175 lbs. and all the meds are gone for the diabetes, BP and cholesterol. Best to you!!
   — theroses03