Hit a brick wall on the path to bariatric surgery.

[Bertha Venation]

As the surgeon reviewed my info yesterday, I saw a sudden change in her face and she said "I see you have Hepatitis C." For reasons I understand but can't describe, I think this fact may preclude me from the surgery.

I am to go to my gastroenterologist for an upper GI endoscopy and a liver biopsy. I think that if those things are good, I may still be able to have some kind of bariatric surgery, but it won't be the lap band. The doctor said that the least risky in my case would probably be the sleeve gastrectomy.

I'm disappointed, but I'm already thinking ahead: I can try again without surgical help. Perhaps knowing that surgery's not an option anymore will help me.

All I know is that I need to lose at least a hundred pounds. :banghead:

lap band http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lap_band

sleeve gastrectomy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeve_gastrectomy

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. sorry...

:hug:

[old mark]

2. BV, a friend from work had that surgery done, and later had

serious problems/complications requiring emergency surgery to correct.You might have lucked out.


Good luck.

markO8)

[Bertha Venation]

3. Which one did your friend have done, Mark?

[old mark]

7. Not the sleeve, but a more complicated, probably earlier version -

I'm not sure of the exact type.

mark

[auntAgonist]

4. K, the sleeve gastrectomy is VERY successful and very safe.

It's the restrictive portion of the BPD/DS. PM me if you need more info. The brick wall ain't so strong y'know.

kesha :hug:


I really think you need to pursue the sleeve.

[NJmaverick]

5. Sorry to hear that, but better they catch it

than have some sort of serious complication.

[Callalily]

6. Although you are disappointed,

maybe it's all for the best.

Sending tons of :hug:

Hope all works out well.

[Haole Girl]

8. I've been holding off on giving my opinion on bariatric surgery so far...

but I decided to tell you something. A man I worked with died from complications. It is a risk, you know (more of one than some doctors tell you). If you have an underlying condition that might prohibit you from being able to deal with complications, I would take the safe route. Being overweight myself, I know how difficult it is... and how dangerous obesity - in itself - can be. Still, there ARE other options.

Just curious. And you don't have to answer me if you don't want. Have you ever tried Weight Watchers AND working out at the same time? My older sister lost 60 lbs with Weight Watchers and exercise. I won't gloss it over-- it's very difficult. But not impossible.

Keep your chin up. I hope you find something that works for you. :hug:

[auntAgonist]

9. Haole Girl

I do appreciate your cautionary note really. Very few people die as a result of complications from bariatric surgery though. Any reputable surgeon will sit with you and explain the risks involved.

I know of one person who died after surgery. His starting weight was 560lbs and the risk of him dying was just as great had he not had the surgery. He knew this going in. He had many many comorbidities, more than most people ever have. Someone in very good health will have no problems with the sleeve gastrectomy.

The biliopancreatic diversion combines the sleeve and a malabsorption portion making weightloss very successful but one has to be vigilant with supplements and vitamins, protein etc.

Bariatric surgery is usually a last resort. It's not entered into easily and there are MANY hoops to jump through.

Research is key.


aA
kesha

[applegrove]

10. Sorry for this hick up in your plans Bertha. I do admire your determination to

do something about your situation. You are very brave. I'm keeping my eye on your situation as I may be next. Loosing weight is so hard.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. My dear Bertha...

I'm so sorry...

It's truly difficult to get your hopes up, and then have them dashed.

I'm holding the good thought that you will find something that will work!

:hug: