Need Advice From Those Who Have Had GBP - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Dove · 05-06-2005, 04:04 AM

Hi

I have not yet spoken with my doctor because I really want to get good input from those of you have gone through this surgery already. I have one friend and she has nothing good to say about. Despite the wieght loss she continues to have post op intestinal problems and regrets having done this 3 years ago.

I do not even know if I am a candidate. Where can get any info on what the criteria is for this operation? I am 5'4 220 pounds and have been going up 5 pounds every year for the past 16 years. When I became ill and was put on medications that started the rise in weight and the health issues continue. I live with chronic pain, severe pain in my shoulders and neck and have a rare form of a arthritis. I am on some pretty strong pain meds and not even those cut it. I am positive if I could get the weight off that I would have some results with less pain etc. I have thought of having breast reduction but it would not make sense to do that and leave the rest of my body out of proportion. Of course I have tried every diet out there. I can't exercise very well because of my weight and pain levels. I am on thyroid and not having much results although the pain meds have kept me awake 24/7 and because of that I have lost a few pounds...not a good way to lose. I can't climb stairs, bend over, stoop, walk in a large store, do house work, be employed, wear a bra ever...so many things I can't do without paying severly. I am 42 years old and feel I am at the end of my life to the point of suicide..I hope this is not inappropriate. I have been begging doctors for years to help me with this pain and how I feel about myself. What I have gotten is a slight addiction to pain killers and brain lesions from the meds...I don't know where to go or what to do...

Please anyone give me some advice....I no longer live I just breathe knowing that I am going to die at a young age. I never thought my life would be like this. I lost my talent, my faith, my outgoing personality and somewhere that go getter person is in me but dead at the same time....

Should I consider this surgery?

watergirl · 05-06-2005, 06:13 AM

In one word "YES". I'd start by talking this over with your doctor. Check your insurance to see if it's covered. Best of luck to you!

lealphachienne · 05-06-2005, 07:24 AM

This is a decision that you need to make for yourself. Do youneed the the surgery?

We will support you in any endeavor that you chose.

This surgery is a life commitment to yourself. There are serious risks of complications. People have died from them. Many people do have problems for years after. Just as many, if not more are very successful. The successful ones tend not to talk about it after a few years. It becomes second nature to them and no one would ever believe they ever were obese.

Your friend may not be using her "tool" correctly. Perhaps she's not f/u with her doctor to discover the cause of her problems. Perhaps she's in denial. There are several kinds of gastric surgeries out there. Each has their own set of pros and cons.

Check out your insurance to find out what they require as proof of medical necessity. Each insurance, and each medical group within the insurance can vary in requirements. Mine, Blue Cross CA HMO with Sharp Medical Group required a BMI of at least 40 without co-morbidities or a BMI of at least 35 with documented problems. My insurance also specified that the co-morbidities have to effect the heart (example:high blood pressure), lungs (sleep apnea), and/or endocrine (diabetes) systems. I also needed documentatin of a medically supervised diet program lasting at least 6 months that occured within the past 6 months. Having your doctor go to bat for you is also crucial to getting things moving.

As for me, I have absolutely no regrets. Check out my pics in the member photos sections. They're listed underneath the thread of "Hope you have a strong stomach". I was about the size you currently are.

LizardQueen · 05-06-2005, 09:13 AM

You need to go to your doc and get a referral and get the ball rolling. I can't tell you if you need this surgery or not but I think you know you need to do something drastic and soon. You are still a wonderful talented outgoing person! You just have to let that part of your personality shine through again. If you are having thoughts of suicide you need to go to your doc and get a referral for some therapy. I have gone at several points in my life and there is absolutely no shame in it. You are the most important person in your life so you need to take care of your self!! I wish you the best of luck and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Amber