I have a blood problem that makes me have crazy high cholestrol, my Tri's are killer high too. I take many meds to keep them in check. They cause all sorts of problems with side effects. I guess that my question is had anyone else been there? I will be getting banded on the 3-18-05 and am ready for the trip but my Primary Care Doctor is telling me that I should rethink my decision. He is the picture of health too, so there are always comments from the peanut gallery.

Hey, I guess my question is why did your PCP give as reasons for you to not have this done. Also, my cholesterol was in the upper 250's and my trig were high as well. Now after surgery and losing the weight my cholesterol is 188 and trig are normal range. So, not sure what he was giving as reasons.

Will, doesn't your dr. know that losing weight, eating healthy foods, and exercising will lower your triglycerides and bad cholesterol? And this will allow you to take less (or possibly stop) the medications and eliminate their current side effects?

My cholesterol was 309 when I decided to be banded. I take 40mg of Zocor everyday. My family has a bad hereditary cholesterol problem, but mine is now 161. My doctor and I are going to try a lesser dosage to see if the actual weight loss/exercise/diet change will manage the lower number or if I truly need the higher dose. I can sure see no good reason why NOT to have the band so that you can get that down to a healthier level.

I also take blood thinners due to blood clotting issues in the past and various other meds for GERD, Depression etc. My band has in no way caused a problem with any of that.

He is just one of those people that think that there is another way. Maybe he thinks that I did try all those diets and workout programs. He would rather throw a pill at the problem than deal with alternative methods. I take over 10 meds to deal with the problem and the side effects. I have been told by more than one Doc that I am going to have to be on meds for the rest of my life. I am out to prove them wrong!