Hi all,
My name is James. I'm 51, 483 pounds and 6'1". That puts my BMI at 63.7. Yikes! I had my stomach stapled 21 years ago. I lost weight then, and then I put it back on. I've lost and gained several times over the years.
Over the past 5 years, several negative health issues have occurred. In 2013, I had to have my right kidney removed due to Renal Cell Carcinoma. I had post-surgical complications and live in constant pain ever since. Exercise has become near impossible, but since I'm going to be brutally honest, I could have done more, I just let depression win. I can't work as I also suffer from severe vertigo and accompanying migraines. I've become so sedentary. Then in February of last year, I was diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. My heart is failing due to my DNA and not to the lack of self care most would expect. Also, I've been diagnosed with type II diabetes. I'm also on blood thinners for life.
So, realizing recently I don't want to be dead just yet, I've decided to look into getting the DS. I think it's my best bet for a long term solution to keeping this weight off. Just so we're clear, I don't think this surgery is a magic bullet, and I realize I am going to have to work it every day. The research that I've done thus far, is pointing me to seek out the doctors at the University of Chicago for the surgery. I'm afraid that I will be too high of a risk for even these doctors, but I'm hoping they will give me a chance. I have Aetna Advantage and Medicare for insurance.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate any thoughts, pointers, advice, ect that you all have to give. I'd love to know if you think they'll give me a shot or if I'm too far gone.
Thank you again,
James
My name is James. I'm 51, 483 pounds and 6'1". That puts my BMI at 63.7. Yikes! I had my stomach stapled 21 years ago. I lost weight then, and then I put it back on. I've lost and gained several times over the years.
Over the past 5 years, several negative health issues have occurred. In 2013, I had to have my right kidney removed due to Renal Cell Carcinoma. I had post-surgical complications and live in constant pain ever since. Exercise has become near impossible, but since I'm going to be brutally honest, I could have done more, I just let depression win. I can't work as I also suffer from severe vertigo and accompanying migraines. I've become so sedentary. Then in February of last year, I was diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. My heart is failing due to my DNA and not to the lack of self care most would expect. Also, I've been diagnosed with type II diabetes. I'm also on blood thinners for life.
So, realizing recently I don't want to be dead just yet, I've decided to look into getting the DS. I think it's my best bet for a long term solution to keeping this weight off. Just so we're clear, I don't think this surgery is a magic bullet, and I realize I am going to have to work it every day. The research that I've done thus far, is pointing me to seek out the doctors at the University of Chicago for the surgery. I'm afraid that I will be too high of a risk for even these doctors, but I'm hoping they will give me a chance. I have Aetna Advantage and Medicare for insurance.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate any thoughts, pointers, advice, ect that you all have to give. I'd love to know if you think they'll give me a shot or if I'm too far gone.
Thank you again,
James