Kathy> I am 54 years old and scheduled for RNY on 10/28/02. Is my age putting
me at additional risk? I would also like to know how much protein is a safe
amount to consume per each protein "shake." post-op after "food" can be consumed.
My dr. will not do it lap...should I be concerned? He also will not be doing
the leak test, but uses 8 rows of staples...is that good enough?
<**MODERATOR**> CHERYLW_FROMPISMO YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION FOR OUR GUEST:)
lap ryn
50 - 80 pounds
<**MODERATOR**> KATHY YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION
specifically what vitamins and amounts should be consumed to prevent
hair loss? My surgeon has been doing RNY's since 1970 and still will only do
open. he checks gallbladder at time of surg. does open make it easier to check
gallbladder and other internal "things?" I would like it done lap, but he WILL
NOT.......yet I want him to be surgeon. Is there a safety difference between
proximal and distal? thank you for your answers. I appreciate your help.
You should see a surgeon who specialized in this. I think it
makes a difference. I recommend supplement with Biotin, a good multivitamin
and flax seed oil. I would not recommend a distal RNY - many more complications
possible. Results with the laparoscopic approach are at least as good as open
and probably better.
*MODERATOR**> HOBERTA YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
what are the advantages of RNY over gastric banding? I've heard
banding has a high rate of failure.
At 10 years after surgery, the weight loss after the band is
essentially the same after the RNY. RNY adds the effect of....Dumping for patients
who have difficulty giving up sweets
<**MODERATOR**> JANICE YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
what are the long term effects of bariatric surgery?
There is no way to answer this question effectively in this
forum. My best suggestion is to discuss this with a qualified bariatric surgeon
<**MODERATOR**> PAMELA IN NEW ORLEANS YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
Is it possible to recieve calming drugs prior to surgery?
yes, a mild medication such as ativan or xanax can be taken
for several days prior to surgery
<**MODERATOR**> DAVID YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
i work outside in the elements and consume a great deal of water.
i am concerned about my fluid intake after surgery. Is this a problem?
It can be, especially if you work in a hot environment. I would
not return to work until you are comfortable drinking 2-3 liters of liquid each
day.
<**MODERATOR**> JULES66 YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
What would be the best things I can do to prepare myself for the
lap/rny? my stats are: 5'8/275/bmi,41/sleep apnea, gerd, Rx controlled HighBP,
border diabetes, severe neck & back pain, walking is hard to do for long periods,
edema, and always tired.Thank You.
Start a very gradual exercise program (10-15 mins per day)
and try and loose 7-15 pounds before your surgery. This will be the most helpful
to your surgeon and to your recovery. Start taking a good multivitamin as well.
<**MODERATOR**> ARLY YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION PLEASE:)
ArlyK I am concerned about being able to carry a normal pregnancy after
the operation, my bmi is 46 , im 31 yrs what do you recommend
Avoid pregnancy for at least 2 years. You may want to consider
the Lap-Band as an alternative if you are interested in having children.
arly> Arlyn K Two years , waht benefit of the lap band against tghe others
thanks
the band is adjustable - if you get pregnant, the saline can
be removed so that you can eat more normally and gain an appropriate amount
of weight for your pregnancy
<**MODERATOR**> CATHY 10/29 YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
How long has the RNY been being performed? Is it true that
1 out of 200 people die from this surgery? One more question if I may, what
is the best way to prevent hernias? Thank you for taking your time to help educate
on this subject.
the RNY has been performed for more than 25 years. The death
rate in the US for this surgery is about 1-1.5% The best way to prevent hernias
is to have your procedure done laparoscopically
<**MODERATOR**> CHERYLW_FROM PISMO YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
How much is typical for an active 4-5X/week exercising
DS pt. to lose at 6 months?
starting at what weight?
300
70-100 pounds if you follow the diet and exercise regimen
**MODERATOR**> HOOSIERHELEN YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION PLEASE:)
I am 54 yrs old and scheduled for a LAP RNY in January. My
BMI is abut 42 Any age specific problems for a woman in my age group? Do they
check for healthy liver and gallbladder before surgery?
the preoperative evaluation for someone who is in their 50's
will be more extensive than that for someone who is younger. It should include
tests to make sure you have a healthy liver, heart and digestive tract. In addition,
most doctors want a recent mammogram, pelvic exam/PAP and any other test for
things that you have had problems with in the past. Most doctors check for gallstones
if you have symptoms
<**MODERATOR**> TRACYM YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
I have a history of pulmonary embolism. Would you recommend Coumadin
or Heparin before surgery? And if so, how soon before surgery? My surgery is
scheduled for 12-2.
Patients with a history of PE are definitely at higher risk.
At minimum you should have low molecular weight heparin and pneumatic compression
stockings placed before you enter the OR.
<**MODERATOR**> MARY YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
is there a site that gives negative responses?
My web site has a list of possible complications of surgery
www.hawaiiweightloss.com
<**MODERATOR**> LISA BOSTON YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
Do you think symptoms of IBS or a Spastic Colon would subside
after surgery?
Depends if they are related to the types of foods that you
eat. I wouldn't count on that happening though.
<**MODERATOR**> EGYPT WATSON YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
Can spinal stenosis and mild scoliosis be concidered co morbidities?
no - not related to obesity
<**MODERATOR**> STACY YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
I have Alliance BCBS of Mo, they deny any weight loss meds or surgery,
What should my first step be in getting approval. I'm 28, 5'3" and 305lbs, The
only real problems I have so far is sever kidney stones, 8 removals in 5 years,
but Diabetes runs rampid in my family....I really feel I need this surgery but
I do not know where to begin with insurance....any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Your best bet would be to contact an attorney who specializes
in helping patients fight insurance companies for medical care. This unfortunately
is a difficult problem. One place you could start is www.obesitylaw.com
<**MODERATOR**> ANGELA H YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
I am 300 pounds and am 5'7 am I someone who could possibly get
the surgery that I have been hearing about I have high blood pressure and I
can't do any type of work with out chest pains. I have medicaid, can I do something
about it?
It sounds like you probably qualify for surgery - I would suggest
that you seek a consultation with a Bariatric surgeon and learn more about surgical
options. Your primary care MD can probably help get you started
<**MODERATOR**> DONNAJO YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
i am almost 62 years old is that too old i dont think so[Wed Oct
23 21:52:44 CDT 2002] [] Darlene: peaches
It depends on your state of health. The risks definitely increases
the older you are.
<**MODERATOR**> JULES YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
Does the fact that I've had 2 cesareans (1987&1993) and a lap/gallbladder
removal in 1998 mean that I'm at higer risk for lap/rny; also, I've gained the
last 40 lbs.of my 275 over the past year. Thanks so much for your time.
It doesn't make you higher risk, it just increases the possibility
that your surgery may not be able to be done laparoscopically
<**MODERATOR**> KATHY YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION:)
Can "dumping" repeatedly lead to lethal/serious complications? What
besides sweets and fats can cause it? I am getting pretty nervous about my surgery
on Monday...thanks for your answers!
dumping is usually caused by sugar or carbohydrates, not fats.
It would be highly unusual for the syndrome to cause anything but discomfort
(not life threatening) good luck with your surgery
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