I am just curious ... - ThinnerTimes

ModernMaster · 11-26-2007, 10:19 PM

Hello all ... I am curious about something. I am wondering if I should consider Bariatric Surgery. Here is the scoop on my condition. I had a Posterior Spinal Fusion in 2002 that failed ... which is to say I did not fuse. So, I became disabled due to that. I have chronic back pain because of it. I am 100 pounds overweight ... 5' 7" and around 275 pounds. My BMI is something like 42 or 43. I have high blood pressure and I take two meds to control that. I cannot exercise because of my back problem. I am also on an anti-depressant but I don't think that is really relavent. Do any of you think that I would qualify as a candidate for Gastric Bypass? I am not diabetic and I have not documented a diet. I can diet I suppose but without exercise can dieting alone be of any benefit? My logic stems in the direction that "IF" I could lose a 100 pounds ... possibly my back would heal ... I'm certain it would ease the pain ... my excess weight puts a strain on my lower back right where I have my Spinal Fusion Hardware installed. Also ... since I am disabled ... I have Medicare ... Medicare has started to open up a little on paying for this procedure ... but, I'm not sure how difficult it will be to get approval. Any info or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks much.

Paul

Toony · 11-26-2007, 10:28 PM

Hi Paul... all good questions... Why don't you schedule an appt. with the weight loss team in your area and see what they have to say... even your PCP or back surgeon should be able to provide advise. It's worth asking!

Would your back heal if you lost weight? I doubt it... my husband's foot fusion did not "take" and will never take unless he has surgery again --- it was explained that it is like trying to get 3 blocks of wood to stick together, but the glue has already dried... It'll never happen. Your back will feel better tho without the added weight!!!

Good luck and let us know how you're doing!

katie

Phoenixfire · 11-27-2007, 05:12 AM

Hi Paul,
I had a similar back condition. My pain didn't go completely away but it was manageable so I could work off of disability. The other co-morbidities helped the approval. I would heartily recommend you start a supervised diet while you investigate (via a surgeon that takes Medicare) what the requirements are and what they are looking for.
I will never regret taking control of my weight and at least TRYING to cure my back pain.
I hope you find relief too.

spentmoney · 11-27-2007, 09:09 AM

You already meet the criteria. I have no comorbidity problems myself just quality of life diminished and a BMI of 41. My surgery is day after tomorrow. Good luck. I'd push for it if I were you. Life is too short to spend it sitting down and watching.

SpentMoney

Val 3 · 11-27-2007, 09:49 AM

While I dont know if losing the weight would cure anything, it cant hurt. I entered into the whole WLS surgery with a bad heart. (I needed a new heart at one point, but because of my weight I wasnt allowed to be listed!!!) my heart improved a little with a new pacer/icd. Then I was allowed to get a band. To date I have lost -115, and gained 5 points in my heart function! So no more talk of a new heart. While ditching some weight didnt cure me, it sure has helped!!!

I do know of one gal in my support group that has surgery and she was on medicare for being disabled as well. So it does or can happen.

Good luck, and start the convo with your PCP....

Valerie

LQQkn · 11-27-2007, 10:13 AM

Sorry for your back problem. I know there are minor exercise you can do to help your back. Back stretches etc. Do you do that much? I sort of agree with your logic but no... if you don't exercise then you can limit your caloric intake. I think it's great advise from a few to schedule an appt with a team of doctors that can assist you in making a logical and educated decision. Take care Janie