Need your advice - to do or not to, considering my comorbidities

[vensa 3]

I've just joined the community today and have gone through most of the discussions. But stating this obvious question once again to gain some comfort in deciding to go under the knife. I desperately need your wisdom to help me decide.

I’m obese, type-2 diabetic for the past 9 years (I’m 40 yrs now) with uncontrollable blood sugar levels all this while. This summer my tests had traces of Microalbumin and a follow-up test in autumn confirmed Microalbuminuria (Incipient Diabetic Nephropathy, early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease). It was like a bolt from the blue! If I do not take control, I could progress the stages of CKD and also risk having other complications (like hypertension, heart disease and eye diseases).

I've consulted an Obesetologist and a Bariatric Surgeon to understand the bariatric surgery options for BMI 36.0 and my comorbidities. They've advised me Gastric Bypass Surgery. I can fund my surgery if Insurance declines.

While engaging the doctors and follow-up tests I've also started to follow strict low-carb diet and follow a good exercise regime. In the last 3 months, I dropped weight and now at BMI 28.5 and blood sugar level is at normal levels for a month now.

Here is where the confusion is - I know the risks of the chronic disease like Diabetes and Nephropathy + others. I'm only 40 and need to strictly follow the diet and exercise without getting a burn-out for the rest of my life and not let the diseases take over my life. On the other hand, Bariatric Surgery is promising with limited set of post surgery complications/risks. If I weigh the risks of not having surgery and having surgery done, on paper Surgery WINS hands down.

I just need someone to tell me to go ahead with the surgery, so that I can focus on preparing myself. Thanks a lot...this advice will change my life and my family's.

Edited November 30, 2014 by vensa

[lexa2014 7]

Go for it! I had the same fear is not easy but definitely worth it! I wake up every day with no regrets my health is almost 100% better and I'm not even 2 months post op. My sister have diabetes and is 18 yr old... she is going for it. Good luck!

[tamg26k 479]

No one will be able to make this decision for you. We are all different. You have to do what is right for you with the guidance of your doctors. All we can do is share our experience with surgery.

For me, I was really heavy. Ironically though, that was my only problem - my blood sugar and cholesterol were perfect. I had a slightly elevated blood pressure, on the very high side of the normal range. I chose surgery because I didn't want to have any problems in the future. The surgery has been a tool in a lifestyle change that I've made over the last 4 months. I am so glad I chose to have it. You have to be willing to put in the work, if you do, it can be life changing

The actual surgery and recovery itself went really smoothly for me. I know from reading other posts that is not always the case. It should not be a decision to make lightly. If I had to go back, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. It has been a life changing experience for me.

Best of luck! Keep us posted.

[Djmohr 6,965]

Hi there!

It is ironic for me it was a diagnosis of stage 3 kidney disease that pushed me to make my decision. I too am a type 2 diabetic however mine was very controlled. My kidney disease was actually caused from medications used to treat my Migraines and psoriatic arthritis. A combination of too much cyclosporine (I had severe psoriasis that put me in the hospital). Anyway, years of taking these meds wacked my kidneys to the point that I have full blown CKD stage 3.

It was my Nephrologist who suggested WLS. I am grateful every second of every day that he did! I started the process last December and had my surgery on Sept. 29th.

I am off all Diabetes meds, high cholesterol meds, high blood pressure meds. My kidney function has improved within a month of surgery. Most importantly I feel fantastic! I walk faster and better. I have lost 4 sizes in clothing!

Best decision I ever made. I know that having surgery can be scary but in the case of getting healthy vs. continuing on a unhealthy path, for me it was a no brainier.

Good luck and keep us posted on your decision!

[mi75 1,235]

while we must each walk this very personal journey in our own shoes, HANDS DOWN i would do it again, and again, and again.

i had multiple co-morbidities pre op, and the day before my surgery i took 13 pills. today i took ONE! and that was only a PPI pill for reflux prevention.

we can't tell you to do it or not, although i think most people here would heartily cheer you on, but the decision is yours to make. I wish you luck, peace, and a clear thought process.

it took me 2 years from the first time i considered surgery to actually decide, so I understand your hesitation.

one thing that may help you is if you go to "Google scholar" and search gastric bypass and RNY. according to the AMA, bariatric surgery is considered the ONLY cure for type II diabetes...

[feedyoureye 3,087]

Your chances of maintaining your weight loss is improved with surgery. You do still have to work at it every day... but you will have a tool that makes it just that much easier. Best of luck to you!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

on paper Surgery WINS hands down.

@@vensa

welcome, welcome, welcome and welcome

warning, warning - sorry i am long winded

takes me forever to answer even the most simple question

if you asked me what day today is - within 30 minutes i will have finally made it clear that today is sunday

sounds like you are properly doing intense research, good for you

docs have given their thoughts that you should go ahead with surgery

you sound like a smart cookie since you are even thinking about having surgery

whether you choose the gastric bypass, sleeve or anything else

you must make that important decision by yourself

docs have already advised you

@@tamg26k is correct when she said.........

"No one will be able to make this decision for you.

you will find us all supportive, knowledgeable - and very smart (especially me )

but...............the decision to forge ahead with surgery is very serious

you are experiencing early stages of kidney disease, other problems possibly to follow

having surgery does improve or get rid of different problems

diabetes/insulin, high blood pressure, CPAP and other physical issues

knees feeling better

able to be physically involved with kids/family

you are doing great by taking the bull by the horn and exercising, eating better

that in itself is good for you and early prep to improve your life and maybe have surgery

you said......

"Bariatric Surgery is promising with limited set of post surgery complications/risks"

This is true

I (others) had no issues/total success/no problems during or after surgery

there are typical side effects post op like gas that are normal

but - be sure to have your eyes open to the fact that "all surgeries have their risks"

that being said.............my decision to have surgery was wonderful

the "sleeve" or having bypass or another surgery

"assists" you in making the weight loss easier,quicker

easier to maintain the weight loss

but - you have lots of work to do post surgery

you must continue to eat well

small portions

plenty of Water

so many other rules that you will learn and MUST follow for the rest of your life

this is imperative to maintain your weight loss and continue to be healthy

good luck

kathy

Edited November 30, 2014 by proudgrammy

[haleytrim 244]

Before surgery I was on 7 different pills and insulin. I now take 3 different

pills and will soon be off of those if things continue as they are. I am 14 days post-op and even with some recent nausea and some weakness, I still say it was so

worth it.

[Miss Mac 6,261]

Where do you think your level of health could be in five years if you have the surgery?

Do you think you will be here in five years if you don't have the surgery?

Serious stuff. I wish you good lick and good health.

[Bandista 7,466]

The decision to have weight loss surgery is an act of choosing yourself and your healthy future. You are worth doing whatever needs to be done, that's the way I looked at it. And that change in thinking along with the changes in my relationship with food have made me so much happier. Apparently I could not do it without surgery. So glad I opted in.

[James Marusek 5,244]

I had a gastric bypass RNY surgery 18 months ago. Almost right after surgery, my comorbidities seemed to melt away and disappear. My Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and others went into remission and stayed there.

Prior to surgery, I lost about 20 pounds. As a result of dieting, I was able to cut my diabetes medication in half prior to surgery. It seemed like you experienced something similar. That is a good sign for this type of surgery because it shows you have enough control to make this surgery work for you and for your body to react positively.

[vensa 3]

Thank you all so much! I cannot express how grateful I'm to your consoling and kind words. I've decided to go ahead with the surgery - Gastric Bypass as per my surgeon's advice.

Since I've started a strict diet and exercise regime, I'm confident I'll be in a better position to continue the routine post-surgery.

I shall remain in touch with you and seek further inputs as I embark on the bariatric journey / adventure

[Djmohr 6,965]

Good luck to you! Keep us posted on your progress. I am excited for you!

[kyrickchick64 468]

When I was 40 I didn't have comorbidities I do now even tho my weight hasn't gone up much since then. The pressure on my knees started and then everything just went to hell. My bp is horrible without meds. My knees have been replaced, I'm teetering on the edge of diabetes and I just feel lousy. Surgery can not come soon enough for me. I'm waiting on approval and have to continue my psych till it's done. Only you can make the decision but I wouldn't wait for the trouble to begin if you can avoid it

[ai1992 53]

You should have the surgery. My father had it done about 3 months ago and is down around 45 lbs. He Was diabetic, and a few months prior to surgery he had a stroke- and luckily he ended up being okay. He was on all kinds of meds and he had slowly gotten off of them the past few months. His blood sugar levels are now all back to normal and he isn't really even considered "diabetic" anymore. He's in his 50s. He has tried dieting the majority of his adult life. But after the stroke, he knew he had to have this surgery. Don't wait. Get the surgery done and get your health back; you won't regret it.