MD as a patient

[GastroMD 1]

Well, the day is almost here-June 13th-...I decided several months ago to do something about my excess weight- yes I tried diets, Slim 4 Life, and lost about 35 lbs and felt better but went backup to 228- I am on the low BMI side for the VSG at 35 but have had a host of medical issues relating to my obesity. I researched the data and chose the VSG. I had thought about going to Mexico but when I thought about all the unforeseen issues that have arisen in patients I have seen here in the US, I decided to stick with the US medical system. For example, if an artery was nicked , do I really want to get blood from the Mexican blood bank system and get Hep C or HIV ? Doubt it !

I am nervous as it is tomorrow-as a gastro MD, I see patients who are what I would describe as a gastric cripple - from gastric surgery's that were performed for all the right reasons but have had terrible complications...I don't want that from a purely elective procedure . My eating habits will change--no doubt..smaller portions mainly. My plan is to keep this up to give an MD's perspective of the surgery and to answer any questions. I live alone and the meal preparation and my hectic schedule will be an issue. I bought a Magic Bullet that I hope will make things easier- planning ahead is the key. I'll keep you posted and wish me good luck !

[JustFluffy 122]

Good luck! I had LapBand three years ago and loved loved loved my Magic Bullet - for WLS it is a godsend. I am looking forward to getting an MD's perspective on the Sleeve as a patient. I am having revision surgery on July 1st - my doctor wants to remove the band and I'm waiting on insurance approval for Sleeve. Looking forward to your posts and getting to know you...

Leslie

[imawhodat 3]

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow! My surgery is June 16. I too worry about having complications. My surgery will be in the U.S. I have a very enlarged fatty liver. I know the liver itself can't feel pain, but in the past the area around the liver would ache. I'm PRAYING this pre-op diet will shrink my liver sufficently. Back in 08 I had gallbladder surgery that took an excessively long amount of time because according to the surgeon "your liver gave me fits". I guess it was too big and he had trouble. I don't want a repeat situation with this surgery. I'm doing the Protein shakes and a very low carb heathly dinner then on Wednesday I'll go to clears only. My starting weight is 257 and I'm 5'5". At the pre-op appt. I asked the surgeon how much he wanted me to loose before surgery. He said "5 or 10 pounds....just don't gain any." I was prepared to have to loose about 20lbs....not sure if this is a good thing to not have to loose that much weight.

My fear is I'll get in the OR...and he will have to stop surgery because of my liver. I'm a self pay so I need this to work the first time Do you have any suggestions other than what I'm doing to get this liver ready?

I wish you the best tomorrow and PLEASE keep us posted.

Well, the day is almost here-June 13th-...I decided several months ago to do something about my excess weight- yes I tried diets, Slim 4 Life, and lost about 35 lbs and felt better but went backup to 228- I am on the low BMI side for the VSG at 35 but have had a host of medical issues relating to my obesity. I researched the data and chose the VSG. I had thought about going to Mexico but when I thought about all the unforeseen issues that have arisen in patients I have seen here in the US, I decided to stick with the US medical system. For example, if an artery was nicked , do I really want to get blood from the Mexican blood bank system and get Hep C or HIV ? Doubt it !

I am nervous as it is tomorrow-as a gastro MD, I see patients who are what I would describe as a gastric cripple - from gastric surgery's that were performed for all the right reasons but have had terrible complications...I don't want that from a purely elective procedure . My eating habits will change--no doubt..smaller portions mainly. My plan is to keep this up to give an MD's perspective of the surgery and to answer any questions. I live alone and the meal preparation and my hectic schedule will be an issue. I bought a Magic Bullet that I hope will make things easier- planning ahead is the key. I'll keep you posted and wish me good luck !

[AutumnLily 77]

Welcome to the group!

[GastroMD 1]

Fatty Liver is a big issue for overweight patients- mainly because there is no good treatment other than weight loss- NASH ( non alcoholic steatohepatitis ) , a subgroup of fatty liver that may lead to cirrhosis, so if you have this the surgery is a good thing to do...My liver function studies are elevated and hopefully they will return to normal with weight loss---.I will keep you posted-

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow! My surgery is June 16. I too worry about having complications. My surgery will be in the U.S. I have a very enlarged fatty liver. I know the liver itself can't feel pain, but in the past the area around the liver would ache. I'm PRAYING this pre-op diet will shrink my liver sufficently. Back in 08 I had gallbladder surgery that took an excessively long amount of time because according to the surgeon "your liver gave me fits". I guess it was too big and he had trouble. I don't want a repeat situation with this surgery. I'm doing the Protein shakes and a very low carb heathly dinner then on Wednesday I'll go to clears only. My starting weight is 257 and I'm 5'5". At the pre-op appt. I asked the surgeon how much he wanted me to loose before surgery. He said "5 or 10 pounds....just don't gain any." I was prepared to have to loose about 20lbs....not sure if this is a good thing to not have to loose that much weight.

My fear is I'll get in the OR...and he will have to stop surgery because of my liver. I'm a self pay so I need this to work the first time Do you have any suggestions other than what I'm doing to get this liver ready?

I wish you the best tomorrow and PLEASE keep us posted.

[KellyL 173]

:welcome:

Congrats on your decision to be sleeved. I hope your surgery goes easy and complication-free.

[Beadingnurse 116]

It is not always a benefit to have your amount of medical knowledge going in as you know all the bad stuff that can happen...a little ignorance IS bliss! But on the other hand you know the right things to do after surgery. I was out of bed walking 2 hours after I got to my room and started hitting the incentive spirometer right after that because I KNOW how important it is to get moving and to breath deeply.

Good luck with your surgery...I will send healing thoughts your way tomorrow! Think what a great source of inspiration and information you will be to you patients after this. You are truly walking the walk.

[bookleen 5]

Best of Good Luck tomorrow, and in the coming weeks too.

[Penpen 28]

Congrats and you will be in my thought tomorrow. I'll be right behind you on June 23.

[Neoteric Verve 65]

Well, the day is almost here-June 13th-...I decided several months ago to do something about my excess weight- yes I tried diets, Slim 4 Life, and lost about 35 lbs and felt better but went backup to 228- I am on the low BMI side for the VSG at 35 but have had a host of medical issues relating to my obesity. I researched the data and chose the VSG. I had thought about going to Mexico but when I thought about all the unforeseen issues that have arisen in patients I have seen here in the US, I decided to stick with the US medical system. For example, if an artery was nicked , do I really want to get blood from the Mexican blood bank system and get Hep C or HIV ? Doubt it !

I am nervous as it is tomorrow-as a gastro MD, I see patients who are what I would describe as a gastric cripple - from gastric surgery's that were performed for all the right reasons but have had terrible complications...I don't want that from a purely elective procedure . My eating habits will change--no doubt..smaller portions mainly. My plan is to keep this up to give an MD's perspective of the surgery and to answer any questions. I live alone and the meal preparation and my hectic schedule will be an issue. I bought a Magic Bullet that I hope will make things easier- planning ahead is the key. I'll keep you posted and wish me good luck !

Good luck, Doc!! You'll be just fine!!

[Raine 170]

You know, I think its fantastic that you are here. I also think its great that as a doc you understand and know the benefits to what this will do for you. Congratulations on your decision and good luck to a speedy, and complication free recovery!

[Nancy Rivers 24]

Good luck with the surgery tomorrow. I look forward to reading your posts!

[gonnagetthere 2]

Good luck. I'm getting sleeved on Tuesday so we are almost twins! What pre-op diet are you doing?

[Jane_J 117]

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow! My surgery is June 16. I too worry about having complications. My surgery will be in the U.S. I have a very enlarged fatty liver. I know the liver itself can't feel pain, but in the past the area around the liver would ache. I'm PRAYING this pre-op diet will shrink my liver sufficently. Back in 08 I had gallbladder surgery that took an excessively long amount of time because according to the surgeon "your liver gave me fits". I guess it was too big and he had trouble. I don't want a repeat situation with this surgery. I'm doing the Protein shakes and a very low carb heathly dinner then on Wednesday I'll go to clears only. My starting weight is 257 and I'm 5'5". At the pre-op appt. I asked the surgeon how much he wanted me to loose before surgery. He said "5 or 10 pounds....just don't gain any." I was prepared to have to loose about 20lbs....not sure if this is a good thing to not have to loose that much weight.

My fear is I'll get in the OR...and he will have to stop surgery because of my liver. I'm a self pay so I need this to work the first time Do you have any suggestions other than what I'm doing to get this liver ready?

I wish you the best tomorrow and PLEASE keep us posted.

Try Milk Thistle, it contains silymarin which helps the liver. My surgeon in the Czech Republic recommended it so my liver reduction phase and I have continued taking it ever since as I like a few drinks at the weekend these days!!

Jane x

[GastroMD 1]

Vitamin E 800 IU is recommended for all fatty liver patients - Milk Thistle is OK but not a proven help....it won't hurt !

Try Milk Thistle, it contains silymarin which helps the liver. My surgeon in the Czech Republic recommended it so my liver reduction phase and I have continued taking it ever since as I like a few drinks at the weekend these days!!

Jane x