Question:
Will I still be able to have surgey if I'm swelling?

I have had swelling in my legs and feet since October 99. I am seeing my primary care Doctor and, I have had test after test to find out why all the swelling. We have come up with nothing yet. I was wondering if I am still swelling by the time I have RNY will they still be able to do it with all this swelling. I asked my pcp if it would be a problem and she said "yes" but she didnt say how or why. Have any of the posts have this problem and still have surgery? Any information will be appreciated.- Cheryl Woodson    — Cheryl W. (posted on January 29, 2000)

January 29, 2000
I also have much swelling in both my lower ext. and am having surgery on Feb. 7. The surgeon said my weight is what's causing the water retention and will have no problem going thru with the surgery. Good luck to you
   — Nancy P.

January 29, 2000
Hi Cheryl: When I had my open proximal RNY at the end of last July, I was 5'4" and 300 pounds. My lower legs and feet were so swollen that I could not rest back on my calves from a kneeling position. My feet looked like sausages! I know I was either in or on my way to mild congestive heart failure, and my circulation was impaired from the weight. My surgery went as scheduled, and within about a week my feet looked like human feet again, and the swelling in my legs was drastically reduced within a few weeks. My shoes were too big within a month, and I had to buy new ones because I couldn't keep the old ones on my feet! Good luck with your surgery, I hope you have the same results. Jaye Carl, 90 pounds gone forever!
   — Jaye C.

November 11, 2000
I I take a fluid pill prescribed by my doctor because I have swollen ankles due to my weight.(319 now)They started to leak fluid because the skin got so swollen and tight. That scared me!! I am starting the research process to do the surgery. MY cousin just had the surgery last week.Our family has a history of heart disease, stroke, obesity(of course), cancer. Losing my weight would let me give up taking the pills, and make my legs look normal again. I always have to wear support hose during the day. I AM ONLY 29!!! I am currently 319# with a BMI of 44.5-5'11" tall. I tried starving, Weight Watchers, fruit diet, one meal a day.. since I was 13. Wish me luck in getting the surgery. I have a mother who is trying to talk me out of this surgery. I want to be "reborn". Congratulations to all those who have succeeded, and good luck to those on their way. You've got an angel here. :)
   — Jennifer C.