So, I'm new to this website and am really just looking for advice and support on this start of my potential bariatric journey. A couple months back, I never would have thought about having WLS, even after a nutritionist and doctor both brought it up. Now, I have multiple comorbidities that just recently piled on and am thinking WLS may be a good way for me to jump start my weight loss journey.

I have Tricare (TriWest) and I'm very curious as to how that whole process goes. I have an appointment with my PCP today to start this discussion and am kind of nervous about what she might have to say. I wouldn't be able to have the surgery until the summer since I am a full time student so I have time to do any sort of nutrition counseling that they may want me to do. I'm just very nervous and looking for some guidance.

I'm also not sure about which surgery is right for me. I know with Tricare, they only cover a certain number of surgeries and I am very interested in RNY or Lap Band. Right now, I'm leaning toward RNY but I'm worried because of how invasive it is as well as the fact that we had a family friend have terrible complications with it. What opinions do you guys have?

Thanks so much!

I also now have bilateral pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in my lungs). These really hinder my oxygen intake as well as extreme chest pain. They're also causing pulmonary hypertension.

So sorry to read about your many health issues, and so young too. I'll def keep you in my prayers for the best possible outcomes.

I'm highly concerned for you. Dual pulmonary embolisms is by far the most serious issue you're facing,. Lung bloodclots (as you know having been diagnosed) suddenly dislodge, go straight to the heart & kill. Of all your issues, this is the most life-threatening and normally requires immediate medical intervention.

I'm shocked any surgeon would put you under general anesthesia with dual pulmonary embolisms (which posits a whole other set of risks that are compounded by your voluminous health issues), for another surgery, first.

What' did your doctor say about it? How are you being treated for this ailment? Have you considered a 2nd opinion regarding what should be taken care of first?

Maybe my info is outdated & there's newer treatments for this life-threatening disease that I'm unaware of.

I was diagnosed with the embolisms in the beginning of September and have been on blood thinners since which have reduced the clots 30% though by now, they should have dissolved and have not which is why the pulmonary hypertension is coming into play. My doctor believes that my weight has something to do with this.

Many of my current health issues stem from my being obese which is a side effect of Cushing's. I cannt lose the weight with this disease, at least not the amount I need to be healthy again which is why the adrenalectomy is being talked about. I would not have this surgery until the summer most likely unless my tumor begins to grow exponentially which could cause kidney damage at the least. After the surgery, I will most likely be on blood thinners for another year if not longer. Hopefully by the summer my clots will have dissolved.

The "diagnosis" was given to me by my PCM so he is giving my a referral to an endocrinologist which will basically be a specialized 2nd opinion. I've also done a lot of research and really the only treatment for this is radiation or surgery and I'd much rather have the surgery.

@@paigeh93

Thank your for informing me. I'm glad your lung-clots have already been reduced by 30%. Like you, I hope they're gone by summer so you can have your adrenal-tumor removed.

What an ordeal. Oof! Kudos to you, girl! I know you're going to nail this- one step at a time.

Sounds like you've done your research & have, with your doctors, derived a sound plan for ultimately achieving good health.

That is my sincere wish & prayer for you. The best possible outcomes that will ensure a healthy, happy, long life. <3