Persephone2015
Member
Hi all! I am almost 41 years old, weigh 371 pounds and stand 4' 11", making my BMI around 75-ish. I have been researching and thinking about the lifestyle changes required for WLS since 2012. I was scheduled in latter 2012 to beginning 2013 for gastric bypass and gallbladder removal (gallstones) but the anesthesiologist would not touch me due to my high BMI and a history of sleep apnea. In January 2015, I go to a sleep clinic to be evaluated for sleep apnea again. Then, in February, I go to the bariatric clinic for evaluation. I have some health issues: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, vitamin D deficiency (taking 50,000 iu twice per week for a month then maintain), pernicious anemia (sublingual B12 daily), asthma, chronic venous insufficiency resulting in lymphedema in both legs, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Oh and bipolar disorder. I am taking medication for everything but the cholesterol and CVI.
I believe WLS could literally save my life (my mom is coming to same conclusion) but I am scared of worsening of the vitamin deficiencies and absorption of my psychiatric meds after surgery. At this point, I am considering the DS and the gastric bypass. I was thinking of the sleeve but the reflux stopped me thinking about that one.
If I choose the DS, I worry about finding a surgeon and the distance to get to them. I am disabled and on a fixed income. I do have Medicaid but I am not sure if they will consider DS in my state of New Mexico since I have looked online and the closest DS surgeon is in Colorado and then Mexico.
I hope to keep searching for the information needed to make an educated decision - one not dictated by $$ by insurance. I plan on surfing through the forums and reading the posts, and possibly ask some questions. I am going in with a clear but open mind as to my options.
Take care and Happy Holidays!
I believe WLS could literally save my life (my mom is coming to same conclusion) but I am scared of worsening of the vitamin deficiencies and absorption of my psychiatric meds after surgery. At this point, I am considering the DS and the gastric bypass. I was thinking of the sleeve but the reflux stopped me thinking about that one.
If I choose the DS, I worry about finding a surgeon and the distance to get to them. I am disabled and on a fixed income. I do have Medicaid but I am not sure if they will consider DS in my state of New Mexico since I have looked online and the closest DS surgeon is in Colorado and then Mexico.
I hope to keep searching for the information needed to make an educated decision - one not dictated by $$ by insurance. I plan on surfing through the forums and reading the posts, and possibly ask some questions. I am going in with a clear but open mind as to my options.
Take care and Happy Holidays!