New here and looking for support - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

mrslane07 · 10-23-2009, 11:56 AM

Hello everyone. I am new here (today). I am looking for support/answers to questions and to read about others' journeys. I have been thinking about wls for a while now. I have recently gave birth to my 2nd child 7 months ago and during that pregnancy I was diagnosed with GD

I knew it was bound to happen since I was 275 lbs when I became pregnant. I just recently found a new PCP and at my only 2nd visit with her I told her I was interested in wls. She immediately agreed and sent out a referral. 2 weeks ago she diagnosed me with high blood pressure and I am now taking hydrochlorothyozide. (well im supposed to be taking it, I havent started it yet) and my mother has high blood pressure, acid reflux or gerd, diabetes, high cholesterol so I am in line for quite a bit if i dont do something about it. I am VERY VERY VERY nervous about getting surgery and the after affects. I have heard stories from people that really scare me like, "oh i wouldnt wish that on anyone, the stuff you have to do afterward is dreadfull" or "dont get it b/c you have to take vitamins everyday of your life (which i know) and when you get sick you REALLLLLYYYY get sick" what does that mean??? sooo anyways my Dr. office called me today and gave me the number to the surgery center and told me to schedule an appt for an informational meeting...I called and they are supposed to be calling me back with the appt date. so this is my first step. I know I have a long road ahead of me and my husband and my mother on my side at all times. being so young (24) I'm worried most about death or dying from malnutrition. How can someone prepare themselves? I am willing to gear your stories good or bad and please be honest

god bless

Josephine · 10-23-2009, 01:04 PM

First thing I'd do is call the insurance and see if they cover the gastric sleeve instead of RNY. In my opinion the sleeve has much less complications. It can always be converted to the bypass or the switch at a later time if you can't lose enough without the malabsorption part. However many people never need to do that because they lose the weight, it just takes 2 or 3 months longer than it would with RNY. But what's 2 or 3 months for a lifetime of better health and less worries?

Marella · 10-29-2009, 11:45 AM

Welcome to Thinner Times, Mrs Lane.

Nerves and excitement and apprehension all seem to be a part of this journey. Life post-op is a great unknown. When we compare our journey's there's a wide variety of post-op experiences.

The good news is that most post-op experiences seem to be not only tolerable and livable, but acceptable as quite normal. I'm 18 or so months post-op and I'm living a very normal and active life.

Yes, I take vitamins every day. Yes, there are things I don't eat and I don't care whether or not I'll ever be able to eat certain foods every again. I got my life back and the trade off isn't even at all. I eat to live and no longer live to eat. Food no longer controls me and what I learned from going to nutrition classes, I hope, will set-up my son for a healthy lifestyle for life.

There are a few who've had bad post-op experiences... complications can happen with any elective or non-elective surgery. IMO, I took a chance to live not only longer, but better.

You have learned, through your mother, what may be in store for you if you don't have WLS. You are so very young and headed for 300 with 400 possibly looming in your 30's. What kind of hardships can you imagine if you don't do anything while carrying all that extra weight around VS. if you do have WLS and have a more regimented post-op lifestyle.

For me it was "damn the complications, full speed ahead". I have two hernia's on my left side that give me grief every now and again, but so far, that's my only complication and I can life with that until I have my surgery to repair it (cosmetic, I hope).

But in all seriousness, YOU are the one living in YOUR body and it's YOUR decision. Suggestions can be made and a option or options presented to you (like RNY vs. the Sleeve), but you have to decide what is best for you, surgery or no surgery.

Today, if the Sleeve was offered to me, with what I know, I'd probably choose the Sleeve over RNY. I'm just grateful to have had what I have had and to have had a journey with support and love from so many who want to see me succeed. I've been successful in so many areas of my life, but never with my weight AND my weight has always caused me to think that I'm a failure. Well -- no longer.

Congratulations on starting your journey. Do all the research you can. Go to your support group meetings. Decide to MAKE a Change, and to make it count. Learn from your Nutritionist and from your supporters. Don't just be around for your kids, be a healthy and active 'around' mom for your kids.

I wish you all the best,

Highlandlass · 10-29-2009, 11:58 AM

Hi Mrs. Lane - welcome to T.T. I agree with everything Marella said to you. Its your choice and people have all sorts of opinions which they will give you on this and every subject. Only you know whether you can live a normal life at nearly 300lbs or whether you can lose the extra pounds on your own or whether you want the WLS. I am 5 months post-op and am very happy with my weight loss and my healthier self. Lots of people take vitamins daily, and I don't feel its a difficult thing to do - I'm in the habit now of just taking my multi-vitamin and calcium along with my prescribed meds. I am hoping that soon my prescribed meds will be decreased or finished completely.
About prescribed meds - you really must take the B.P. meds to lower it. In February of this year I had a ministroke caused by the high B.P. and would not wish that on you or anyone. It was bloody scary! Make sure you fill your script and take it daily as prescribed.
Please do your research about WLS carefully and know that we are a wonderful group who offer you support and advice and are here for you. We've all been where you are today! Keep in touch with us.