docbree

I am on Enbrel. I thought it was really interesting when I found out that fat tissue produces lots of TNF... I wonder if my surgeon would let me take mobic after 4 weeks - I could definitely handle 4 weeks without NSAIDs if I would let me get my life back. I really hope they clear you after your EGD

I like your description The prescription pain meds I have tried (hydrocodone) just seem to make me tired and itchy. I keep hoping that weight loss will help with the pain because they say that the fat cells cause a lot of inflammation. I am going to ask my rheumatologist for some alternatives, but have never found anything really helpful in the past. I don't want to get hooked on stronger drugs - but I guess that may be what it takes. Good luck with your ankylosing spondylosis and your surgeon - I am rooting for you!

I'm so sorry to hear that so many are in this boat - but I'm glad I'm not in the boat by myself. If by protection, you mean the etra weight - I definitely know what you mean. It's a love/hate relationship.

LOL

Thank you, Angelamarie - that is very sweet of you. I with you all the best, too

Thanks, Laura-Ven - that really does make me feel much better! I would think that losing weight and feeling better about myself would actually help with the depression. You are right, if she didn't think surgery was a possibility, she wouldn't have given me all these assignments. I am going to try to go cold turkey on the Diet Coke tomorrow

Thanks, Mastiff_mama I have RA - and I'm really concerned about not being able to take ibuprofen - the last time I tried that I ended up with a cane and steroid injections. The doctor is concerned about my reflux (she said the surgery is likely to make it worse and I already have moderate esophagitis from it - even with PPIs), and I have pretty bad iron deficiency anemia that the doctors haven't been able to find a cause for. Several other more minor issues - but they involve a possible pre-existing malabsorption issue. I'm not really sure exactly what else she might be concerned about - most of my other issues are co-morbidities. I have also been on Prozac for years, and she said the surgery could trigger worsening depression and that I might not absorb enough of my medications.

Today I had a surgery consultation. I was really impressed with the surgeon and her staff - but I have a feeling she may not clear me. She is concerned about some of my health issues (that could get worse with VGS) and history of depression. I am supposed to go to several doctors to get evaluations on various things, and of course, the psych eval. I feel like this surgery is my only hope for becoming healthy - now it feels like it might be slipping away. I really trust this doctor - and if she says surgery isn't a good idea - I will listen to her. I'm feeling overwhelmed - I need to make appointments with 3 doctors, start a low carb, caffeine free diet, the list goes on... If I can't get the energy together to fulfill these prerequisites, I know don't stand a chance at succeeding in the long term. I'm trying to stay enthusiastic and positive about the process... Thanks in advance for feedback

I'm in the married, therefore celibate group

Congratulations!!!!!!!!

The older I get, the more I realize I don't know much I like to tell my daughter "I sure wish I could be 15 again - then I could know everything, too." Like I said - I live to irritate her

You are welcome!

That's so scary about your little pom! I live in the country and unfortunately, this happens a lot around here (also with coyotes and bobcats). A lot of times a dog's metabolism will go down after getting "fixed," but hypothyroidism is a very common problem, too. I always hope that is the case with overweight pets because it's cheap and easy to remedy. You're right, it's not really a laughing matter when our pets are obese. I know it's only a matter of time until Pooh Bear develops diabetes if I don't get his weight down. He is the household bully - and with 3 cats and 4 dogs there are plenty of opportunities for him to steal food. (He is on prescription weight loss food). Good luck with your little guy, Lisa! You can also try giving him green Beans, carrots, a few cheerios for low-fat, low-cal treats. Just a couple of ideas.

Don't worry - I have a 15 year old daughter, so I'm a pro at eliciting the eye roll. It's kind of a hobby

I'm going to my (second) consultation on Feb 14th. I have a list of questions I plan to ask - please let me know if you think I should add any others: will I be able to take any kind of NSAIDs for my arthritis in the long term will you be able to fix my hiatal hernia at the same time as the sleeve how many incisions will you make how many VGS have you performed proportion of your patients have developed leaks or other serious complications will you be able to prescribe liquid Vitamins, other versions of my many medications while I am healing and unable to swallow large pills post surgery support systems available chances my GERD will actually get worse after surgery will my anemia and low Vitamin B levels get worse after this surgery/injections for these? Feedback appreciated - thanks!

orthodontists have children with crooked teeth, and vets have fat pets

funny! Have you had his thyroid levels checked?

Here is a (hopefully) visible photo of Pooh Bear. He, too, is a Maine Coon - so he is big-boned, but he still needs to lose about 8 pounds.

You two crack me up. This is my 24.5 pound cat - he really needs to be sleeved! Think ill start up a veterinary bariatric clinic. :

Wow - you rock! Keep up the great work.

That's wonderful!!! Hope you are recovering quickly.

Thanks for the tip! HEB just bought a lot a couple of miles from my house.

Wow, Sannah - my heart goes out to you! I'm glad there are people on this site like iggychic who've been through similar circumstances and give such wonderful support and advice. I am rooting for you! (((Hugs)))

I haven't been sleeved yet, but when I went to the consultation appointment the doctor told me I would need 50 grams of protein per day. I am 5'4''... I guess different doctors recommend different amounts.