Question:
May i have your opinion, i really need help. i'm already making funeral plans.

May i have your opinion? I see the doctor again on June 6th, i wiegh about 485lbs. i have sleep apnea and will start on oxygen on level 17 in may, ive been waiting for a nasal pillow because the mask i have now i get/am clostraphobic. i have asthma, high blood pressure 170 over 125 and uncontrolled diabetes. HOW AM I GOING TO GET THE SURGERY DONE WITH ALL THIS WRONG WITH ME? my doctor has been trying to get this all under controll but with no avail. i live in rockford but i go to chicago to northwestern wellness center about surgery. They want me to get under 400 lbs before they will do surgery.. im trying but it's sooooo hard. i cant be put on diet pills because of my blood pressure.what do YOU think?    — alondralouise2 (posted on April 22, 2002)

April 22, 2002
try calling some other surgeons and getting their opinions..is it more important for you to lose the 85 lbs or to have the surgery asap.....i know there are surgeons who work on pts heavier then you - if most of us could lose 85 lbs before having the surgery we would not be looking into the surgery.......good luck to you :)
   — Sharon Jones

April 22, 2002
You might want to try a surgeon at the University of Chicago Hospitals, Dr. John Alverdy. I know it's further south than Northwestern, but you're already coming from Rockford. Its about 15-20 minutes south of Northwestern on the Dan Ryan expressway. There may be a long wait, because Dr. Alverdy is one of the best, but he has done surgery on people over 600 pounds. They have plenty of experience with "high-risk" patients that no one else will take. I assume he will want a thorough exam before he and his team will decide whether to take you, but he DOES have the expertise to do it right. Also, they have a very comprehensive approach, with great follow-up. I had gone to Northwestern's program prior to my consultation with Dr. Alverdy at U of C, and was much more impressed with U of C's program. I know it's a big consideration, changing surgeons, but it's just a thought. If you want more information, or have any questions I can answer about Dr. Alverdy or University of Chicago, please email me at [email protected] Best wishes to you! Maria (PS I'm 16 months post-op, Lap RNY, Dr. John Alverdy)
   — Maria H.

April 23, 2002
I was over 400 lbs. when I had the surgery done, and I came through with flying colors. Of course, I was young (28) with few co-morbidities. My opinion: try anything you can to get this surgery. My BP went from 170/120 to 120/70. Big change!
   — Terissa R.

April 23, 2002
Hey you are like I was preop. Now my diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholestrol, sleep apnea pressure 17, acid reflux, achey knees and assorted other health problems ALL GONE! See my profdile. Off all prescription drugs in less than 6 weeks or so.
   — bob-haller

April 23, 2002
HI, Just wanted to add to one of the otehr posts, Dr. Alverdy has a very long wait. I made my appointment last novemeber and my 1st consult is not until next September 18. There is another surgeon in Evergreen Park. Dr. Cahill (litle Company of Mary Hospital). I have surgery next week, so Ica nt give you details on how it hs gone, but so far I really like him. and his great fantastic wonderful staff!
   — Tracey L.

April 24, 2002
My personal opinion is that it would be to your advantage if you could try very hard to get some of the co morbids under control, especially the sleep apnea. My friend had untreated sleep apnea and died from respiratory complications after having the surgery. Remember, this is elective surgery and although you Badly need it, your chances of survival are greater if your co morbids especially the really life threatening ones are under control. Best of luck to you for a successful surgery.
   — Hackett