New older member

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone,

Having just turned 57, I am one of the " older " members of this group.

I started the WLS process on 8/1/05 and just had my consult Friday

4/7/06.

This is my story. I have been diabetic for 16 years, and developed

high blood pressure (HBP) 1-1/2 years ago. After trying multiple HBP

medications over a 10 month period, plus diet restrictions, and

finally adding exercise to my life (water exercise), but still seeing

no BP improvement, I requested WLS. I figured that massive weight

loss was my best bet at controlling the diabetes, HPB and preventing

other complications.

I had the initial psych and nutrition appts in early September and was

given the O.K. I didn't hear anything for the next four months, but

didn't think too much of it as I had been told that this would be a

long process.

In January, I received the bad news that I had now developed Kidney

Disease. This scared me half to death, as I am at Stage 3 of 5, and

the damage is not reversible. By restricting the amount of protein

and salt in the diet, controlling the HBP, losing weight, etc., the

best to be expected is to slow down the progress of the disease (and

thus the need for dialysis). I immediately made an appt with my PCP

and asked what was happening with the WLS referral, only to find out

that nothing had happened for 4 months as it was waiting to be sent to

SSF. She did so in my presence that day, personally followed up on

it, and the process has been moving along since then.

I was assigned to Fremont and went to Orientation on 2/18/06. At that

time I asked if the Kidney Disease would preclude me from WLS, since

my protein has to be limited, and WLS post-ops usually need a high

amount of protein. I was told I was not necessarily prevented from

having WLS, but that they would have to look at my individual

situation, lab reports, etc. I anxiously awaited the individual

appointment with the surgeon.

I was very excited to have my Consult Appts last Friday. Obviously, I

was concerned that I might not be a candidate for surgery due to the

Kidney Disease + HBP + Diabetes + sleep apnea + leg circulatory

problems, anemia, etc....... but wonderful Dr. Dennen said that I can

have bariatric surgery! Although at higher risk than those without all

these co-morbidities, he said that I also have more to gain health

wise than others by having the surgery. I thought that he might want

to do the Lap-Band, but he said the Roux-N-Y would be more beneficial

for me. I have to have a colonoscopy and echo-cardiogram, which have

already been scheduled by my PCP. Hopefully, there will not be any bad

news from them, or the psych eval in Union City. I only have 12 more

pounds to lose to reach my 10% pre-op goal. Once within 5 pounds of

goal, I can be put on the SURGERY WAITING LIST, which is currently 4

MONTHS LONG, per the nurse coordinator. Nevertheless, I am encouraged

that GBS and better health may become a reality for me.

Rosemarie