Question:
Has anyone out there had a Stroke or been diagnosed with MS before surgery?

I just had an MRI done and showed that I had a Stroke and possibly have MS now with the rest of my medical problems. I also have GERD (Barrett's Esophagus), Asthma, Diabetes, Arthritis, Back Problems, Sleep Apnea and some other illnesses, but would like to know if the stroke would have any bearing on the surgery. Thanks, Rose [email protected]    — rose S. (posted on November 9, 2002)

November 9, 2002
Yes Rose. I had a stroke on February 24, 2001. The only bearing it had on my LAP RNY of September 23, 2002 was that I needed to see a few specialists to make sure all was okay for surgery. As I am on Plavix, my neurologist, hematologist, and surgeon worked together closely to make sure I would not have any undue bleeding or "oozing" during and after surgery. My surgery took a little longer than most LAP RNY's, and my surgeon used a different type of staples that were smaller so as to control blood loss. Other than that, my neurologist felt I was a good candidate for the surgery as far as diminishing my stroke risk due to obesity. Feel free to email me at [email protected] for any other questions you may have. Good luck.
   — Jen D.

November 10, 2002
I had a stroke 5 1/2 years before my LAP RNY surgery. I had it while in childbirth. I did see a neurologist before my surgery and he gave me the go ahead. My stoke affected my right side and I walk slower. (Brain stem stoke.) Right after the stoke (after learning to walk again) I gained 50+ pounds because I really couldn't exercise and I was finally able to feed myself again! Since I have lost weight, due to the surgery (99 pounds so far) I exercise, walk, get around, and generally feel a lot better. The Doctor I saw at BTC center wasn't going to do the surgery (see my profile) because the surgery was 'elective'. This is the best thing I could have done for me. Feel free to email me if I can be of any help. To me, the surgery and any risk associated with it was well worth it.
   — dianehanson