I May Not Get Approval For Surgery

I've had issues with my heart for about 13 years - mostly an irregular heartbeat. Saw specialists in London & it was determined that nothing needed to be done (pacemaker, etc.) unless it worsened. Every few years I wear a 48 hr holter monitor to track my heart's activity. Last year, my cardiologist noted that my heart was a bit enlarged - likely due to my high blood pressure & excess weight but  it was still okay. Well, I had a chest Xray 2 weeks ago & my family doctor sent me to see my cardiologist again. He told me today that my heart is more enlarged than it was and that he's worried that I might have heart failure during surgery. He stated that the surgeon may refuse to operate on me until I lose some weight on my own and decrease the size of my heart. (Geez, if I could lose the weight on my own, I wouldn't be trying to have WLS). I'm having a "BNP" blood test tomorrow. The level of BNP in my blood will give a more accurate diagnosis as to how serious my heart condition is. 

I totally understand that this is in my best interest and I certainly don't want any surprises on the operating table either. But still,  I can't help feeling so sad to think that I may not be able to have WLS - I have been focusing on this as my "ticket" to finally being able to lose my excess weight and get healthy. I just feel like someone ha*****hed me in the stomach and I feel like crying. It's like "what next?". So, I'll have the blood test tomorrow, then I have to see my cardiologist again next Monday for a cardiac ultrasound. I wonder if he'll have the results of the blood test by then. Please keep your fingers crossed for me? Thanks for letting me vent to all of you.............

Deb

Oh Deb I am so sorry to hear this news. You are right though, it is in your best interest to not have surgery if the docs think it's not a good idea. Regardless of what happens, we will always be here to support you on your path of healthy living. Please keep us posted :)

Hey Deb,

Sorry to hear that.  I am there with you, though.  I was told at my last appointment that I have a murmur and low bp.  I am having an ultrasound on my heart on the 24th and then I'm seeing my surgeon right after.  I don't know how serious the murmur is or what its from but its very disheartening (no pun intended)  to know you've come so far only to find out that something else is, or may, prevent us from having the surgery. 

I'm doing my best to drop weight before surgery as well.  But like you said, if I were able to do that then I wouldn't be signing myself up for wls surgery!

Keep us posted!

 

Hi Emmie, I appreciate your support. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you on the 24th and hoping that you get positive results from your own ultrasound. I guess we both have to just hang in there.

Deb

Thanks - I appreciate your words. I just have to "pull up my big girl pants" and deal with it, if it comes to that. I WILL lose weight and I will have the WLS eventually. Thanks goodness for the support here!

Deb

Deb, I am sorry to hear this. Keep hoping for the best. I will keep my fingers crossed that all goes well with the blood test. Maybe you could try the Optifast Diet at your local weight management clini****il you are able to have the operation. Think positive. We are all here to help you.

Thanks, Cinderella, for keeping your fingers crossed for me. What the heck - can't hurt, right? I'm pretty sure that you can only get Optifast from your surgeon when you're having WLS, but I'm thinking that I may be able to substitute regular protein shakes instead, along with vitamins and a healthy eating plan. Thanks for your support!

Deb

In Ottawa you you can go to the WMC to work with the doctors, dieticians, etc to improve your eating habits and lose weight without surgery. I think they prescribe Optifast for that diet as well (I could be wrong). I don't know about other centers.

That's interesting that Ottawa prescribes it for a diet program. I'll talk with the dietician or internist here to see if it can be done as part of a local weight loss program, if it turns out that I can't have my surgery. Thanks for giving me that suggestion!

Deb

I can only imagine how disappointed you must feel right now.  Hopefully the results of the blood test will give your cardiologist a better idea of what you're dealing with and what steps to take so that you are safe for surgery.  I know it's hard - hang in there. xo