First Appointment on Tuesday (finally)

[carrielee 87]

Hi all.

My name is Carrielee. I am 33 years old and have been on the fence about WLS for the last few years. I have struggled with obesity since I was quite young and the weight keeps piling on. I am 5 foot 1 and just hit 325 pounds. I now have a BMI of 61.4.

I have uncontrolled Hypertension on multiple meds, uncontrolled Type II Diabetes, fatty liver disease and high cholesterol, sleep apnea, severe arthritis, IIH, angina, past history of PE. I can barely walk and have been told if I don’t lose the weight I likely won’t live to see 40.

I’ve backed out of this so many times but now that I’ve surpassed the 300 pound mark I know I have to do this. I’ve ended up in the ER twice in this last week with abnormal EKGs and the idea of having a cardiac event before 40 terrifies me.

Edited April 22, 2024 by carrielee

[BabySpoons 632]

Don't put off WLS any longer out of fear. Nowadays the procedure is at the same risk level as gallbladder surgery. Very low. The last thing you want is to wait to the point of not being medically cleared to have it at all.

Good luck. You can do this!

[carrielee 87]

15 hours ago, BabySpoons said:

Don't put off WLS any longer out of fear. Nowadays the procedure is at the same risk level as gallbladder surgery. Very low. The last thing you want is to wait to the point of not being medically cleared to have it at all.

Good luck. You can do this!

I fear that is happening. I’m back in the ER right now with cardiac symptoms. I’m scared.

[BabySpoons 632]

I had an abnormal heart ultrasound preop and feared the same for myself. My bariatric surgeon told me they wouldn't cancel my surgery, just postpone it if I needed heart surgery. Fortunately, I didn't need it, so my WLS went forward.

I'm not sure at what point a doctor would refuse to do WLS due to medical risk but have heard one say he had to with a few of his patients.

I'm hoping the best for you!!!

[carrielee 87]

On 4/23/2024 at 11:06 PM, BabySpoons said:

I had an abnormal heart ultrasound preop and feared the same for myself. My bariatric surgeon told me they wouldn't cancel my surgery, just postpone it if I needed heart surgery. Fortunately, I didn't need it, so my WLS went forward.

I'm not sure at what point a doctor would refuse to do WLS due to medical risk but have heard one say he had to with a few of his patients.

I'm hoping the best for you!!!

I am waiting for my first appointment with the surgeon as I am typing this out. Scared out of my mind but I know I have to do this to live. No more putting this off. It has to happen. I’ll update after the appointment.

[BabySpoons 632]

It's normal to be fearful but I would be more afraid to do nothing.

All the pre-op testing is done for good reason. When approved, you can be confident that the doctors are confident you will be OK, or they wouldn't schedule the WLS.

Trust the process. You will come out the other side and wonder why you waited so long. GL {{hugs}}