Dr. Offerend me Stomach Surgery ACK!!!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2004
Dr. Offerend me Stomach Surgery ACK!!!!!
10
Wed, 05-30-2007 - 5:10pm

Well today was about the 3rd time this month that I woke up in the morning with chest pain. I find it to be both embarrassing and frightening at the same time! People thinking "Huh, no wonder she has chest pain, just look at the size of her"!!! My little girl just turned 18 months yesterday and while sweating the pain out in the chair with her in my arms I couldn't help but just feel so helpless. I NEED to be around for her. Over and over again I had promised myself, God and others that I would lose the weight for health and of course, self esteem too. But now most importantly for my little girl.

I called in sick to work and got myself to the doctors. She said that this episode didn't sound cardiac, but my other ones might have been. So she is booking me in for a treadmill stress test, bloodwork and an ECG. I told her that I really wanted to lose weight etc etc but just haven't been able to do anything about it. Then she offered me stomach surgery!! Stomach surgery??? Don't REALLY fat people have that done??? That is when it really hit me. I NEED to do something now! Surgery would be a last resort for me.

Well, today I am 320 and 5'9" 1/2 tall. I am so embarrassed to go have these tests done(mainly the treadmill). The doctor that sometimes monitors it told me that I should be ashamed of myself(my weight) last time I saw him for another issue. Can't wait to have him watch me sweat.

Ladies, if any of you can give me any advice....share anything....anything. I need this so much. Life isn't worth living if I can't get my butt in gear NOW!!!!!!!!!! This has gone on way too long. How did I ever let this happen? I want to have another baby too and I am almost 41. So much to do, so little time.

Thanks for listening if you are still here.

Laurie

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2006
Wed, 05-30-2007 - 8:54pm

Laurie,
Do not let anyone make you feel badly about where you are right now in your life. Whatever choices you've made to get you to this point had valid reasons, and it isn't where we are or where we've been, it's where we are going that matters.

Surgery is a big decision, but it is the right choice for a lot of people-but whether you commit to have the surgery and change your way of life, or just change your way of life, then you can make every day a little better than the day before.

If some medical person is mean/rude/nasty/condescending/uncompassionate/or just a jerk-speak up. You want to get help, not be belittled. You deserve to be well treated and get the support and help you need.

This journey is very very hard no matter what path you choose, but if it is what you really want to do, you can make it happen.

Best wishes
SJ
225-167-135

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-24-2007
Thu, 05-31-2007 - 3:52pm

Laurie, I can't help but hear a lot of fear in your post. Stress can cause some pretty scary chest pain but it never hurts to get checked out. As for medical professionals that have NO clue what we are going through just pass it off as they have a problem not you. If a person can't see the caring, loving, giving, warm woman that you are then they are blind. I have had this experience with most doctors I see but I have to wonder with the death rate being one out of 200 with this surgery do they REALLY care about me? I am wondering being I am new to the board--What other options have your tried? Gastro bypass like every other diet doesn't have a long term success rate. If you study the cases long term efforts most people gain back the weight plus more because they did not deal with the main issues as to why they eat. Most people overeat due to inner issues and emotional reasons. Our emotions make us uncomfortable so we go to suppress/repress with food because the chemical in the food make us relax. If I may make a suggestion, when you want to binge ask yourself two questions--What am I feeling--and Why am I feeling it? Journalize to find the root cause of the emotions that is driving you to eat. Funny thing is as you work this process and you defuse the emotions by finding the root cause you don't eat over that issue anymore. If I can help in any way email me ok

Annie

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-23-2006
Thu, 05-31-2007 - 4:52pm

Okay with the doctor, I would suggest asking for a different doctor if you are uncomfortable. My bil's suggestion with hospitals and doctors is to treat it like you are at a 5 star hotel, you are the customer and they are suppost to make you happy.


His example is when he took his wife to the doctor to get something done while she was pregnant

 


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Thu, 05-31-2007 - 8:37pm

First off, calm down or you will have a panic attack. Second DEMAND another dr for this test. Any dr who says you must be ashamed of yourself is no dr in my opinion. What ever happened to the hypocratic oath for christ's sake. That does extend to mental health and comments like that cause harm!!!


DEMAND a different dr. Tell your primary you have issues with this dr and CAN NOT deal with going to him, that the test results would be skewed to do the intense anxiety he will cause in you.


Third Best of luck to you in finding the cause of your pains.


 

Angela

image

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2006
Thu, 05-31-2007 - 10:17pm

Angela,
I do LOVE you!!!

If I ever need someone to fight for me, I am putting you at the top of my list because you are definitely a 'stand to the end, take no prisoners' kind of woman!!!

Us northern girls always think you southern girls are so sweet...yet somehow, you just make me long to be a southern belle!

You Rock!

SJ
225-167-135

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Fri, 06-01-2007 - 9:37am

Awwwwwwwww shucks. SJ you just made my day. Thanks hon, but really I just don't like seeing folks get hurt, and I REALLY don't like what the medical field has become. Just anotehr reason I had to get the heck out. LOL


But you are such a sweetie pie to make me feel so good. THANKS alot I really needed that lift this morning too.


 

Angela

image

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 4:19am
Laurie, I just saw your post now (was away and now trying to catch up on the board). Did you do the stress test yet? How did it go? Do you have the results in yet? Please update us

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2004
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 2:14pm

Hi,

No, I didn't do the stress test yet, in fact I haven't even heard from the doctor's office about a booking. I know that I should be calling to find out, but I am a procrastinator. I will most likely call by the end of the week if I don't hear anything. I promise to update as soon as I hear anything. Thanks for following up with me : )

Laurie

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2007
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 11:45pm

Laurie,

I had gastric bypass surgery on Dec. 2005. I weighed 330 lbs. I am 5'4 1/2" tall. My BMI was at a very dangerous 56. I was having aches & pains EVERYWHERE especially my knees, ankles and hips. It took 7 months of tests and doctors visits, but it was the BEST thing that I ever did for myself & my health. I have lost over 100 pounds so far...I weigh 227 right now. My 1st goal is to get to 199 lbs. I was 131 pounds away...now I am so close 28 pounds. I have had no complications. I would do it again in a heart beat. I had the open due to my size. I now play tennis 3 times a week and am in 2 dance classes. No more problems with my ankles, knees or hips. Do you have any questions? My BMI is now at 39....My final goal is 143 with a BMI of 24. have your tests and I will be here to answer your questions...Good luck!!

:0)

Dancer Chic 143
330-227-143

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2007
Wed, 06-06-2007 - 12:02am

Hey Laurie,

I'm new here too, but these women have already inspired me.

You know for awhile I had what I thought was chest pains also. Now I think they were gas pains from the crap I was putting in my body, but it scared me enough to examine my food. That's not to say that I don't eat regular food now, but I started to make note of the food I was eating when these pains came about. Then I decided to just get up and move for 5 minutes at a time. It helped! It helped the pains in my chest and in my knees and in my ankles. My workouts got more rigorous and I felt better.

I'm so glad I read your post. You have reminded me that I was doing well. I have fallen off for the past few weeks, but tonight I walked for 30 minutes. It wasn't fast and I didn't sweat, but I did it. And I feel better for doing it.

Why don't you take your beautiful baby outside and show her what's what. Even if it's for a few minutes. You will build on that. I'm not trying to sound preachy or anything, I just remember how I felt when I was in your position. BTW, I'm going to be 43 in two months and you've given me hope about having another baby. My baby is turning 20 tomorrow, and I would love to have another. Chin up girl. I'm here if you need me.

Jacki