pianolover51

God must have heard me wrong. I went through all of the steps and was approved for Gastric Bypass Surgery in June. All he heard was that I wanted a bypass.

March 4th, I went to the ER with shoulder blade pain. (I had googled it and came up with only gall bladder and I had mine out in 2000). I had been playing the piano a lot and at the computer a lot (and I have bad arthritis in the neck). So I figured I would get a pain pill or a shot and go home.


The next thing you know I am on an EKG then an ambulance to the next town where they have the heart stuff ( catheter lab etc.) Two days later I have a triple bypass. I believe I am having a better than average recovery ( no depression, no cognition problems. no infections, etc.)


They told me at my Bariatric Surgeon's office that I would need cardiac clearance. I am certainly not going to have it done the first of June. I have lost 19 pounds since the operation, so I am right at the cusp of the 35% BMI.

I have a feeling, if I do have an operation, it might be for the lap band, as it wouldn't be such a stress on the body.


What are your feelings???


Don

Dr. Callery

Band v bypass is always a dilemma: both good operations, each with advantages and disadvantages. I would talk the choice over with your surgeon and have him/her talk with your cardiologist. Then consult with your bariatric surgeon again.

While a band is less taxing from a physiological and risk standpoint, a bypass will probably provide greater weight loss on average. Now that you've had your cardiac surgery, you're much better off than before. You might tolerate a bypass well now, whereas it might have cased a heart attack before. Only docs and loved ones who know all your medical and personal details can guide you effectively for this choice. Best of luck.