Sleevers with lymphedema and/or 400+ start weight

[irockedthe80s 11]

I'm fairly new to this site and hope I'm posting this in the right place... I have a surgery date of February 6 and am feeling pretty nervous. I have lymphedema and wondering if there are others that have this that have been sleeved?? I take a diuretic now but don't think I'll be able to post-sleeve and am worried about Fluid building up on my legs. Also have starting weight around 460...another thing to be nervous about. Help??

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I didn't have lymphedema, but I did have swelling. I took a mild diuretic, was off of it for a while, but as soon as my calories got up around 800, the swelling returned. I went back to the diuretic, no problems. I am thinking I might be able to get off of it again as I lose more weight, and you might, too. Even if you can't, you can take diuretics.

[irockedthe80s 11]

Good to know, thanks so much!

[mistysj 1,939]

I have mild lymphedema even after losing over 70 pounds. It doesn't bother my surgeon and doesn't cause me trouble. For instance I run 20+ km every week. I don't take a diuretic. Hope that helps!

[irockedthe80s 11]

Thank you!

[Gina1010 86]

My startiing weight was around the same now I am down over 175 pounds. Nothing to be nervous about just follow the instructions pay attention to your body.

[irockedthe80s 11]

Thank you, Gina! When was your surgery?

[Gina1010 86]

My surgery was 10/10/12

[irockedthe80s 11]

That's awesome!! Way to go!! I'm sure it hasn't always been easy, but I hope it has been worth it. Thanks for the encouragement....I think I get more nervous every day You give me hope

[CrazyJaney 775]

I have bilateral, lower leg lymph edema that is pretty severe. I need surgery for my varicose veins but want to wait until I get to a normal weight. I take a diuretic every day. I'm preop and wondering how all this will effect my legs. I'm very pear shaped. I'm I always interested to hear what others with lymph edema have experienced. How I wish this would be a cure for that!!!!

[irockedthe80s 11]

Same here, Jen!! I'm worried about not taking the diuretic, even short term, but am very hopeful that losing weight will help. It makes sense to me that the less weight I have, the better my circulation will be. Praying for great results! Do you have a date?

[CrazyJaney 775]

Not yet. I have Aetna in TN and am required a 3 month supervised diet. I will have my last apt on 2/14, then submit to insurance and hopefully get a date. I try not to get my hopes up about my legs but I would do just about anything to make them normal. Let's keep our fingers crossed! Do you have a date yet?

[irockedthe80s 11]

February 6...so soon!! I start 2 week liquid pre-op next Thursday.