Medical program vs. bariatric surgery?

I had an unexpected appointment with the SW today (after her meeting with the surgeons).  I was told that I can have the surgery but they are concerned about medication absorption. I am on many meds...the one's for seizures is of particular concern along with anti-depressants.  They suggested that perhaps i should consider the medical weight loss program...6 months long with 12 weeks of opti-fast.  They didn't have answers about my questions on what the pharmacist says about the absorption or whether I could have the Gastric sleeve instead of the RNY to improve absorption.  They are supposed to be getting back to me (one would think they should of done this stuff before I came in...urghh).   

Meanwhile I have 1 week to decide what to do.  Do I take the risk of medications not working and having no others that work or have the surgery and hope for the best.  I was thinking of possibly trying the medical program and if it doesn't work to go for the surgery...but that means starting all over in the process. The medical program costs about $1600 altogether.

I really don't know what to do.  Anybody have any ideas????

Deeply confused, Sue

 

I'm sorry things aren't going as smoothly as you'd like. That sucks. The answer really lies in you, though. How bad were the seizures, and how often? Same with your anti-depressants...it really depends on how badly you need them. If you think you can cope with both medications not doing their job to the fullest, if that is what they're implying, then do it, IMO. Talk to your GP, too, see what he/she thinks, as well. Their might be suitable medications that would work well post-surgery. In the end, though, the choice is yours. We're all behind you 110% no matter what.

One thing to consider though, and this is only based on my personal experience with my sister, who's epileptic. She needs to take her anti-seizure meds to hold a drivers license, and must get the doctors permission to drive. Don't know if this lies true with you as well, but be sure you and your health team are all on the same page, to avoid problems.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice.  I am going to call my family doctor today to get in for an appointment.  I have also talked about meeting with my own pharmacist..just may not be immediately.  If I don't take my seizure med's I have grand mal seizures...used to have 2-3 a week...not nice.  I don't drive because I still have the occasional seizure and don't want to put anyone at risk....been seizure free for about 2 years.

Seriously contemplating the VSG if they will do it...otherwise I may ask to be sent to Humber...they seem more flexible about that kind of surgery.

Yes you need to be your own advocate so do your research -we already know RNY won't work due to meds so push them for VSG.

It sounds like they are only considering the RNY surgery. What about the VSG where you will still have your pyloric valve and your intestines like normal? No problems with malabsorption. You would still be able to take time released meds. Judy

Hi...asked them about the VSG but she had no answer.  She said they do the RNY on 95% of their patients and it is rare that they do the VSG.  Asked her to look into it and she said she will...I just need her to get back to me ASAP.

Hello... I'm very early pre-op myself but I wanted to recommend that you maybe check for another dr. that has more VSG experience. It seems like your doc may be hesitant in providing it because (s)he doesn't have much experience in it. Already, they aren't sure how to answer your medication problems. You don't want them to earn experience on you. I'm not saying anything bad about your doctor. I'm just saying that maybe you should keep your options open.

Best Wishes!

Shanita

I would ask about the VSG.

Checking it out..hopefully she will get back to me right away. 

I agree about asking for the VSG.  I have a friend who has lupus and takes many medications and they did the VSG for her.  Good luck!

p.s.  I did the opti diet once for 3 months and lost a lot of weight but of course it came back-plus more!