Heart disease and the vertical sleeve

[Don 5]

In 2009 I had all of my tests in and visits done and ready to have a Roux en Y in June of 2009. In January I had my usual 3 month lab test done for my diabetes and my bad cholesterol was 75. I was working on weight loss pre-surgery and successfully lost 20 pounds. In late February I had some shoulder blade pain that I attributed to long hours and poor posture while playing the piano and being on the computer, and on a fall I had taken. Early March I had 2 really bad nights with the pain. So I went to work and after work I said maybe I should do something about that pain, so I went to the ER. It was really packed so I put down I had chest pains so I could get done earlier.

The joke was on me. I was in the middle of a cardiac event and left on an ambulance 45 minutes later headed to the nearest cath lab. A day and a half later I had a 3XCABG. After that I lost another 25 pounds and was right on the borderline of the 35 BMI index and in my mind put off the gastric surgery (plus it was way too soon). Here I am 18 months later, 22 pounds heavier, and having problems with lousy diabetes control (as well as sleep apnea, high blood pressure).

I went back to see the Bariatric Surgeon and he suggested the sleeve surgery as our Blue Cross in Michigan recently approved the surgery for people with lower BMI's and because I have to take a daily aspirin.

Are there many people who have had a CABG and then a vertical sleeve or Roux en Y? Is that a recommendation you would make?

I have made a complete recovery from the CABG and had few complications no cognitive impairment, no depression, etc.I was very lucky. I claimed it was that 3 churches were praying for me not to lose their organist/music director.

[tntransplant06 20]

In 2009 I had all of my tests in and visits done and ready to have a Roux en Y in June of 2009. In January I had my usual 3 month lab test done for my diabetes and my bad cholesterol was 75. I was working on weight loss pre-surgery and successfully lost 20 pounds. In late February I had some shoulder blade pain that I attributed to long hours and poor posture while playing the piano and being on the computer, and on a fall I had taken. Early March I had 2 really bad nights with the pain. So I went to work and after work I said maybe I should do something about that pain, so I went to the ER. It was really packed so I put down I had chest pains so I could get done earlier.

The joke was on me. I was in the middle of a cardiac event and left on an ambulance 45 minutes later headed to the nearest cath lab. A day and a half later I had a 3XCABG. After that I lost another 25 pounds and was right on the borderline of the 35 BMI index and in my mind put off the gastric surgery (plus it was way too soon). Here I am 18 months later, 22 pounds heavier, and having problems with lousy diabetes control (as well as sleep apnea, high blood pressure).

I went back to see the Bariatric Surgeon and he suggested the sleeve surgery as our Blue Cross in Michigan recently approved the surgery for people with lower BMI's and because I have to take a daily aspirin.

Are there many people who have had a CABG and then a vertical sleeve or Roux en Y? Is that a recommendation you would make?

I have made a complete recovery from the CABG and had few complications no cognitive impairment, no depression, etc.I was very lucky. I claimed it was that 3 churches were praying for me not to lose their organist/music director.

Well, I am by no means an expert in this field, but if the bariatric surgeon and your primary physician thinks it's a good idea, then give it a go. The sleeve seems to be the best option as there are no issues afterwards w/ malabsorption and all the "crazy stuff" as I call it with the other procedures. I'm having mine on Jan. 20 and am anxious to have it over with. Good luck!

[Brother J 11]

Your cardiologist will have to "clear" you for surgery but with your new plumbing, you are likely better able to tolerate surgery than before you heart attack. I had a heart attack 3 years ago struggled to lose weight and am a diabetic. My cardiologist felt that I was an acceptable risk for surgery and I had my VSG done December 15. I am already benefitting from the procedure. You have had a real interesting journey and, like me, have to work closely with your medical team to chose your next step. Good luck.

[Brother J 11]

Your cardiologist will have to "clear" you for surgery but with your new plumbing, you are likely better able to tolerate surgery than before you heart attack. I had a heart attack 3 years ago struggled to lose weight and am a diabetic. My cardiologist felt that I was an acceptable risk for surgery and I had my VSG done December 15. I am already benefitting from the procedure. You have had a real interesting journey and, like me, have to work closely with your medical team to chose your next step. Good luck.

[Wildorchids 7]

Had heart attack last Dec they couldn't put stints in and had my. Surgery sleeve and doing great!!!

Email me llopezh@aol.com

[feedyoureye 3,087]

No heart attack, but atrial Fibrillation... had to get a letter from my cardiologist to get the surgery. He said it would improve the quality of my life for sure. I have to take an aspirin a day too... this is why my bariatric team recommended the sleeve.