Hello! New here, in the research gathering phase, from Fort Worth, Texas.

[jesslla 7]

As my topic title says, I'm new here. So I'll share a bit about me here and in my profile.

I'm 5'7, weigh 282, and have diabetes, high triglycerides, sleep apena, and joint pain. I just spent three days in the hospital with metabolic acidosis, possibly caused by the metformin or trulucity I was on. The hospital doctor took me off those diabetes drugs, and put me on insulin until I can see my PCP.

I have been having trouble with my blood sugar for the last couple days, it's been above 250 and even the insulin didn't bring it down very fast (I'm on a fast-acting one, but it still took several hours - and my sugar was 150 this morning). A friend said she'd had a gastric sleeve done, and it was the best thing she ever did.

So, here I am. I've got a consultation with Dr Kim in Colleyville, Tx in a couple weeks, and I'm here to get as much information as I can about the surgeries, risks, aftercare, precare, and everything else.

I've always been fat, even as a child I was larger than average. This has turned into full on obesity here as an adult. I sucessfully lost 70 pounds with weight watchers, but gained it all back due to depression/bipolar disorder, psych drugs, and not eating right. I have been unsuccessful at losing weight since, despite diet and some exercise. I am mentally stable now, have been on maintance mode with my drugs for several years now.

I will be trawling through threads, reading as much as I can, and learning learning learning as much I can.

My husband is VERY skeptical. I said I was thinking of WLS, and he said flat out no. But, he's going to see Dr Kim (or one of his doctors, I don't know which actually) with me, and may be able to be convinced. If it's the right thing for me to do.

I don't want to lose weight and "be skinny" as much as control my diseases better, even if I still need medications after surgery. The weight loss is, to my way of thinking, a nice potential side effect.

[James Marusek 5,244]

I had RNY surgery 27 months ago. I had diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, GERD (severe acid reflux), problems with frequent urination and profuse sweating. All those conditions went into remission shortly after the operation and remained there.

[imsoglad56 402]

Best of luck to you in your journey! My husband was a type II diabetic on insulin, metformin, victoza, etc. We both had sleeve surgery in North Dallas with Dr. Jayaseelan about a year ago. He hasn't had a single insulin injection since we left the hospital. He hasn't taken any metformin or victoza since the hospital, either. He's off all blood pressure meds and cholesterol meds he was on. He no longer has to get steroid or cortisone injections into his spine like he was getting every 6 weeks. He's lost 102 pounds, reached and passed his goal weight, and is healthier than ever.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Welcome to the forum. As you scan through the posts, you will find that opinions and tact will vary. That's ok. That's how we give each other support and reality checks.

It is understandable that your hubby is skeptical. Taking him with you to information sessions and appointments is the best way to get him educated on the subject of bariatric intervention.

Ultimately your healthcare decisions are for you to decide. Although support of friends and family is a precious commodity, some folks have to plow on through this process on determination alone. It is no secret here that bariatric surgery will expose the raw dynamics of our relationships and instigate power struggles. Just be prepared for anything. It's a wild ride.

Since being sleeved in December of 2013, I have been taken off of seven on my nine medications. I was told that I may be on blood pressure meds forever since I had a stroke in 2010.

The first med to go was Metformin, and that was immediately post-op. No regrets here.

[wantingabetterlife 364]

Welcome!! You will find so much information and support on this site. I also had hypertension, high cholesterol, GERD, shortness of breath, and type II diabetes prior to surgery. I was immediately taken off Metformin after my surgery and my A1C has been perfect. After a few months, my blood pressure and cholesterol were in check too. The only medication (aside from my vitamins) I still take is Nexium, which I only take every couple of days. My health has improved so much and I feel better now than I ever have in my life. Please take the time and research, research, research. Learn about the pros and cons, benefits, complications, lifestyle changes, etc. that come with any WLS. Your husband can even join here as there is a forum for "family and friends". I wish you the best on your journey!

[jesslla 7]

Hey thanks everyone! I've been reading and learning so much. I'm getting excited about my consult in two weeks.

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@jesslla

I just wanted to say welcome and congratulations for taking steps to get healthy!

I had a lot of comorbitities when I had my surgery last Sept. I had type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, severe acid reflux, sleep apnea and stage 3 kidney disease.

I was removed from diabetes meds before I left the hospital. Within 4 weeks post surgery I no longer had high blood pressure, acid reflux, diabetes. Within 60 days my stage 3 kidney disease was in remission and my cholesterols were normal.

I chose bypass specifically because I had severe reflux and the sleeve can make that disease worse. I was already taking the strongest reflux meds at the maximum dose of twice per day. Had I had the sleeve and had trouble there would be no way to treat it other that to revise to a bypass. I chose to have WLS one time only.

I wish you the best on your research journey. Make sure to be thorough and reach out if you have questions.

This group is amazing and very supportive.

I am excited for you!

[scstxrn 213]

If you are taking Latuda, be aware that the sleeve will alter your ability to eat that 350 calorie meal and therefore may knock your meds off balance.. otherwise, best of luck. My only regret is that I didn't get it sooner.

[jesslla 7]

I can't tolerate Latuda. It always made me throw up, and I just quit taking it. I don't really enjoy throwing up, so I like to find meds that don't make me.

I'm on cymbalta and abilify with few side effects.

I am so impressed at the drastic way diseases have been treated, just through surgery. Getting off my diabetes medications is a goal of mine. If my diabetes would go into remission, it might be worth it. Right now I'm frustrated with my sugars and my insulin.