Question:
My BMI is almost 50. I have no co-morbids, except bad knees, back etc.

Well, I do get short of breath when doing alot of activity. but that's about it. I'm 38 and weigh around 330 lbs. My blood pressure is good, my overall health is good, and I can't think of any co-morbids that I may have. I'm sure this sounds silly, but I'm wondering, what are the chances that I'll have the complications that I've read about in so many others. I'm scared silly that I won't make it thru surgery, or that I'll have blood clots, etc. What can I do before hand to help make sure that things go smoothly? (It doesn't help that I visited the memorial page today)    — Alisa Sheets (posted on February 28, 2003)

February 27, 2003
When I started my process I was 390lbs. My blood pressure was borderline but not high.I had the usual pains in my joints and back. While you are in the doc do alot to keep you from having clots. Then put messagers on your legs as well as medications. Also the more you get up and walk the faster you recover and avoid the possible complications. I was just as scared as you when I went in. I would recommend that you get up and start walking as soon as possible after surgery. This will help you all the way. I started my vitamin's before surgery to make sure I was in the best health possible. I also went on atkins to help with th fat on the liver to help reduce that as well. Have faith in your doc and just do what he says. I did exactly what my doc said to me and I had not complications and I lost 190 lbs in one year. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I am 13 months out and at 197 lbs. Not to bad since I started out at 390.
   — Richard M.

February 27, 2003
I was a BMI of 50 (5'3" and 300 lbs)then lost 40ish lbs and maintained for a few years and couldn't loose more. When I met with surgeon and began this process I started at 257 and (Dr. required) I lost down to 243 on surgery day. I had only borderline high Blood Pressure and Cholesterol but I have family history of obesity and Diabetes, heart attack, stroke etc. I had a really tough time convincing family/friends that the future risks to my health were much greater than the surgical risks. I didn't want to wait until I had diabetes and truly high BP to pursue surgery. I wanted to make a preemptive strike, so to speak. My thought was that many of the complications people experience may be due to the co morb's and general poor health of a person who is very long term MO. I wanted to go into this surgery as healthy as possible. Yes there are risks with any and all major surgeries but I really had to believe in my well researched decision and my surgeon. Yes I was scared to death in spite of all of the above. I just tried really hard not to show it because my family was more scared. My personal bottom line was think positive and go in with your eyes wide open armed with good solid research. Good Luck to you. Feel free to email me if you want to "talk". Penny LAP RNY 07/31/02 245/171 -75lbs 5'3" :-)
   — pcollin4

March 1, 2003
I had a BMI of 54 when I went into this journey. I too had what I thought were "no" co-morbidities but I did have severe pain in my left knee and back pain and shortness of breath. During all the testing they found that I did have sleep apnea....something I never knew I had!!! I too was scared of the possibility of not making it but knew there was only one option and that was to be POSITIVE about the whole process. I couldn't live on the "what ifs" and "what happens whens" so I made my mind up that this surgery was going to work for me and this was going to be my way to a new and healthier lifestyle! I'm happy to say that I'm 6 months and 2 weeks out and down 122 pounds! Yup, I started at 346 pounds which looks like it is right around where you are starting and before hand I took vitamins (multi-vitamin w/iron, B-complex, & calcium citrate) that my doctors suggested I take for at least 2 years but ideally for the rest of my life. I also was given a incentive sparometer to help with keeping my lungs open and right after surgery....walk walk walk!!!! If you can keep all of the above in perspective and know you WILL come through this and you WILL succeed then you'll have no problems. Hope I helped some, and if you need to talk further please feel free to contact me! Best of luck to you! Open RNY 8/20/02 -122 pounds!
   — Carole M.