Question:
I just had a CBC done at a free clinic just for the heck of it.

I am almost one year post-op (11/02) and had my cholesterol checked at a free clinic a month ago. My PCP had taken me off my chol. meds 6 months ago. Well, it is higher now then before I had my lap surgery! Right now, it's 260 and pre-op it was 230! I am shocked and am wondering how this can be. I really don't want to go back on chol. meds. Any suggestions or feedback? The good chol. count was good and the bad chol. count was bad. What's up with this?    — Annie H. (posted on October 26, 2002)

October 26, 2002
I am not a Doctor, but I can tell you what mine said. Mine went up to after surgery too, from 208 to 240. I was amazed, Dr. Blaney said it was my genetics. I am pregnant now, so I wont go back on my cholestrol meds until after the baby. If you find out anything else let me know please. Good luck.
   — Angela S.

October 26, 2002
If I understand correctly, your cholesterol level doesn't depend completely on what you eat. It is genetics and some people have to depend on medicine to lower it. I know for myself that I will always depend on medicine. I have lost weight and gained weight several times before surgery and my cholesterol level was always high. I will be starting medicine soon, my doctor didn't want to start me yet because I am still young, but I'm 22 now and it's not getting any lower as I lose weight so I will be starting soon.
   — Jordan K.

October 26, 2002
Yep, it can be genetic. Mine has dropped from the high 400's to the 251, but it is still way too high. My PCP is giving me until mid-November to get it where it needs to be or I have to start medication. I have a strong family history of high cholesterol and heart disease. She told me there was no way I was "pounding back enough fat" to make it that high. For some of us it's just "in our blood" and there is nothing we can do about it. If you're a year post-op an it is still that high, you should probably take the results to your PCP and see if he/she thinks you need meds. I intend to take them if mine is still up. My mother had her first heart attack at 41 at a normal weight.
   — Tina P.

October 26, 2002
Did you fast prior to having it drawn. I understand the results are not accurate if it isnt done after fasting.
   — maryburton