Hi!
I'm new here. I'm looking for help to make my decision about gastric bypass.
I have been to the seminar and have turned in the initial paperwork. We have decided to go through the pre-op appointments and see what the insurance says about paying for my surgery. (in general, they do cover it) I'm on my way to making the final decision about whether or not to go through with the surgery.
I am 5'9" 260 lbs. (272 at my highest) I was diagnosed as a diabetic about five years ago (my doctor called it early onset type 2 diabetes). I am only 43 and I'm on two kinds of insulin as well as three oral meds. I have neuropathy on the bottom of both feet and sometimes feel it up my legs as well. I don't anticipate a long and active life unless something drastic changes. I am a homeschooling mom and pastor's wife. I have three sons ages 15, 12, and 11. My 11 year old has Down Syndrome. I'm active in so many things in life but, honestly it is getting harder. I want to be involved in the lives of my grandchildren and continue to be active in everything in life but, I don't see a bright hope for that with the path I'm on. My youngest may need my care for many years to come and I don't know how I'll do that in poor health. Well, you get the picture!
I went to the seminar to learn about the Lapband but, when I spoke with the surgeon afterwards, he said absolutely not. He said the Roux en Y was absolutely the surgery I should get. He was quite enthusiastic that it would be a incredible cure for diabetes. He said that I was the target candidate for this type of surgery and that I would leave the hospital and never take insulin again! I had to start all over thinking about what to do because I felt the gastric bypass was too radical and not reversible like the Lapband.
At this point I feel I should at least pursue this to the point where the insurance company gives their answer. I'm praying that the Lord would lead me to the right choice. So far, things are all pointing to the surgery. At this point, one of my biggest fears is telling my mother. I know she has a negative view about it. She says, "People die from that surgery!!" and "Why don't you just eat small amounts without the surgery?" She feels people need to run to the bathroom continually for the rest of their lives, etc. I haven't told her I'm considering it because I know she will flip out! My dad died last winter and she is going through her first year alone. I know she would only be afraid for me because she loves me but, I dread going through the discussions that I'm sure will take place when I finally do tell her (after all is settled and the surgery is scheduled....)
I would love to hear the stories of any diabetics here and how the surgery has affected them It would really help me in my decision. I might even print some of the replies and send them in the packet I'm going to ask my mom to read before she calls me all upset about the surgery.
Thanks for reading!
Linda
Diabetic considering gastric bypass
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