Surgically Removed Fat

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-30-2004
Surgically Removed Fat
2
Fri, 07-30-2004 - 6:07am
Is this the right way to go? In Michigan there have been at least two deaths and one person confined to a nursing home for life directly due to surgical intervention. Because of this a study group got together about a year ago and the Michigan Institute for Health, a foundation, was the result. Their attitude to weight loss is it should be achieved by a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. Their main emphasis is on treating patients with cancer or heart conditions, whilst maintaining an interest in other areas. They have a website at www.miteam.org which sets out their ideas and policy which emphasise surgery is absolutely the last resort.

I am very overweight, the result of steroid based drugs taken to combat breast cancer. I'm coming to the end of 5 years of successful remission, during which my weight has almost doubled, and my debate is whether I continue to take the drugs after next September(I have only half of one breast likely to be contaminated) or stop. The choice is between perhaps contracting cancer again, or not being able to walk because in the past month I have been diagnosed with under active thyroid and chronic osteo arthritis. Both of the latter, I'm convinced, are also side effects of Tamoxifen which I took for 3 years and Arimidex.The arthritis has been listed as a side effect, but I don't know if thyroid problems has.

I think it is very sad people who are obese are targetted with derision. So many, especially the older ones and those in the same situation as myself often have bad health which manifestly contributes to the condition. We don't live on a diet of junk food, or gorge ourselves on 'sensible' foods and wouldn't want to.

But is obesity a medical condition? Surely this is only so when medical factors come into play. My feeling is that until we know far more about human metabolism, it's impossible to say whether it's caused by some genetic imbalance and thus a disease.

PS. I didn't get up at the crack of dawn to write this - I live in UK

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2004
Fri, 07-30-2004 - 9:55am
Wow, this is a hard situation!

 

  Shawna

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-20-2004
Fri, 07-30-2004 - 3:31pm


I agree with Shawna. You must be a very strong woman to have gone through what you have. There are many risks associated with various treatments. Some treatments involve more risk than others. Ultimately, you have a very serious decision to make. It sounds like you have done research and are very knowledgable about which options are available to you. I would definitely talk to your doctor before you make your decision. Everyone...no matter what size, shape, age, or color deserves to enjoy a good quality of life. I'm hoping that you will receive better health as a result of your decision. Know that I will be thinking of you and hoping that you will be on the road to better health soon. And congratulations on being in remission, sweetie.

****GIANT hugs****

Keeyah