[New And In Need Of Help] - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Sweetie916 · 02-12-2009, 02:14 PM

Hi everyone. I'm new here, just joined a day or so ago. I've been lurking the threads a bit and have a few questions. I am not having GB or LB. I am however going in for a visit with a new doctor at Kaiser. I'm 4'11, and around 240lbs. I have Cerebral Palsy, as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Having CP is really hard on a lot of different things. Working out is tough, even talking around for a certain amount of time makes not only my feet hurt, but my back and hips as well. I get winded very easily.

I'm kind of afraid to talk to this new doctor about the decision to get Gastric or Lap-Band just because of my age.. I'm wonder if this will be a factor in choosing what to do or even if it'll be an option in his eyes. I'm 20. He seems to be all about improving the health of his patients lives, so I'm hoping he'll have an open mind when I do choose to come to him about this. I have an appointment a little over a month from now.

I'd really like to hear other peoples options on everything. And if it'd be a good decision as to do this. I'm really hoping to be able to get this.. Diabetes runs in my family as far back as grandparents, uncles, etc. And my mom just got out of the hospital for heart surgery. As well as various other help concerns I have. I don't want to have to struggle for the rest of my life.. You know? I hope someone replies.. and I hope to meet some nice people. Everyone seems very friendly. ^_^

Thanks for your time.

mistymee · 02-12-2009, 03:19 PM

Hi there, Sweetie.... good to have you here! There are a few young'un's like yourself here on TT.. Look for Offstringirl & Imdaprincess.. they're both fairly young..

Good for you for taking a proactive step while you're still young enough to enjoy your life and before you present with permanent damage to your body! I hope your doctor is helpful.

Good luck!

Toyladi770 · 02-12-2009, 04:39 PM

Hey I'm new to TT and I'm 28. Welcome!!

balerseller · 02-12-2009, 05:00 PM

Having just had surgery through the Kiaser and knowing there system. Im going to assume you will visit breifly with your primary care doctor, he/she will refer you most likley to the richmond bariatric program, as it is closer to to u,,asuming 916 is sacramneto area code. They will set you up with a orentation, and start you on your journey. I was uncertain of wich surgery to have, and waited untill I met with my surgen, to discuss and decided then on Rny. Richmond is a great program, dont be discuraged, i takes a few months to get really rolling in the program..Feel free to ask any questions..

Sweetie916 · 02-12-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balerseller

Having just had surgery through the Kiaser and knowing there system. Im going to assume you will visit breifly with your primary care doctor, he/she will refer you most likley to the richmond bariatric program, as it is closer to to u,,asuming 916 is sacramneto area code. They will set you up with a orentation, and start you on your journey. I was uncertain of wich surgery to have, and waited untill I met with my surgen, to discuss and decided then on Rny. Richmond is a great program, dont be discuraged, i takes a few months to get really rolling in the program..Feel free to ask any questions..

Yes I am in the Sacramento area. Thank you so much for the great information. I'm just really worried that he might dismiss me like my last doctor. I really felt like she blew me off, so to speak. Because I want in and out very quickly without really talking to her on why I'd think surgery would be the best way for me to go. I'm hoping in this case it'll be much different. Would you happen to know if Kaiser would be paying for the surgery? I just had the option through my Medi-cal which hospital I'd like to have, and I chose Kaiser.. So I'm really wondering about a lot at the moment. And I'm really worried that I have a lot going against me as to why I should be chosen to have it. I've just tried so many diets since I was 11.. And nothing has stuck. I lose 5-10 pounds and then it seems like I hit a wall where I can't lose anymore. I've been around 220lbs since I was 13-14yrs old and I'm just losing hope I suppose. I'm worried he'll see my age and think the surgery won't be for me. I'd really like to know if they do consider age when reviewing a patient?

Thank you all for responding. It's so nice to see how welcoming everyone is.

I really really like it here.

suebry05 · 02-12-2009, 05:16 PM

Sweetie,

just go in with lots of information and facts to support why YOU would be a great candidate for the surgery. Knowledge is power and be strong- even if they are not for it

IMO.. the younger doctors seem to be more open with this surgery and more supportive

Sweetie916 · 02-12-2009, 05:50 PM

Ahhh, yeah I've heard that before about them being younger. I really picked my doctor because he seems to be very understanding and said something along the lines of him wanting to help his patients become healthier. I like that. And that's really all I want. I want to be healthy and not have to go through what so many of my family members have been through.. With diabetes, high blood pressure, you name it. I'm just nervous beyond belief. And I'm really trying not to psych myself out when it comes to everything. Since I still might be turned down..

... Plus, I'm shy. Extremely shy. I don't know how to talk to doctors.. I'm afraid I'm going to clam up and not say everything I want to. I have a bad habit of doing that with new people. Argh. I have horrid customer service skills. x.x

balerseller · 02-12-2009, 05:57 PM

i would agree,,do some homework, and present it to the doctor, why you would make a good canidate, show them that you are ready to commit to this life changing expierance.

Sweetie916 · 02-12-2009, 06:10 PM

Would that look alright? I mean.. To them? I don't want to look like I'm unprepared so that does sound like a very very good idea. I just don't want them to think that I've thought too hard on it.. Or that I'm making anything up. Hmm.. I wish I had been his patient before this. It's so awkward meeting someone for the first time and asking them for help right away.

Claire-in-Texas · 02-12-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetie916

Ahhh, yeah I've heard that before about them being younger. I really picked my doctor because he seems to be very understanding and said something along the lines of him wanting to help his patients become healthier. I like that. And that's really all I want. I want to be healthy and not have to go through what so many of my family members have been through.. With diabetes, high blood pressure, you name it. I'm just nervous beyond belief. And I'm really trying not to psych myself out when it comes to everything. Since I still might be turned down..

... Plus, I'm shy. Extremely shy. I don't know how to talk to doctors.. I'm afraid I'm going to clam up and not say everything I want to. I have a bad habit of doing that with new people. Argh. I have horrid customer service skills. x.x

Hi Sweetie, and welcome to T-T!

Perhaps if you wrote each point down, you would be able to read the points off to the doctor. I find my mind goes blank in front of a doctor, especially a new one. If you have all your data handy, it will relax you to a degree.

I think you are on the right track, and good for you that you are taking your life in your hands!! You go, girl!