Hello everyone!  I'm hoping that I can make some great connections here with people who understand the journey I'm about to take.

Unlike a lot of people, I was never particularly overweight as a child.  Around 14, gained about 50 lbs or so, but then lost them by age 16 by increasing my activity.  Did fine until about age 31, and after the end of a significant boyfriend, started comforting eating.  Did the same thing when my brother was diagnosed with AIDS and subsequently died; and did again, when my father passed away . . . after a botched gastric bypass.

From what I've been told, that particular surgeon was not very experienced and had a high "injury" rate.  So, for me to even CONSIDER this surgery, shows how desperate I am in getting my health back on track, and regain my life.

I just turned 49 years old.  I'm 5' 3" and weigh about 330 lbs (BMI > 54).  I am what the doctors call "super morbidly obese."  Wonderful. 

I also have MANY co-morbidities including signifcant hypertension (already my brain MRIs are showing evidence of what has been very difficult to control and chronic hypertension); severe joint problems due to cartiledge loss; fibromyalgia; an enlarged heart with a murmur, severe sleep apnea (I DO consistently use my CPAP), and other medical issues.  Diabetes run in my family (my father and two of his three brothers had it).  For now, when I see a new physician and they ask, "Are you diabetic?", I cryptically answer, "Not yet."  I know this is a very real threat and it could happen tomorrow. 

I am terrified that I'm going to die too young if I do not take this drastic step.  After what happened to my father, this is something I've had to work out in my mind and heart.  I've done a lot of research and feel the surgeons who would perform my surgery are very well-qualified.  I just attended my first informational meeting this week.  I haven't even been accepted by the surgeon yet, so I'm worried that maybe he/she will consider me too high risk to do the surgery, but I feel that my medical issues are even MORE high risk.  I simply don't have the time to lose the weight "on my own." 

I have a couple of other medical issues that may disqualify me (I think).  I have a blood-clotting disorder where the actual cause is unknown.  Several ultrasounds were done and no DVTs were found.  I have a history of MULTIPLE pulmonary emboli at two separate times.  I've now been told I should stay on Coumadin for life.  I was taken off the drug for 3 days prior to my gallbladder surgery last year, and then immediately put on Lovenox, Coumadin, etc., to quickly get my INR to a therapuetic level.  Luckily, my gallbladder surgery was done as a lap, and I flew through recovery with NO complications whatsoever.  I'm hoping that's a good sign in terms of qualifying for gastric bypass.

I also have very mild Crohns disease.  I am hoping that this will not prevent my surgery either.

If there is anyone with a similar history as mine, can you please respond?  I also know that my health is the most important factor in doing this surgery, but I must admit, I'm also concerned about the loose skin I'm sure to have, maybe a new relationship and sex life (I have not been in a relationship for more than 15 years due to my obesity), and any other "costs" that may result from having the surgery.  I would think, from a health standpoint, the surgery would outweigh (pun intended!) the risks I could have with my Crohns disease, and maybe even from the blood clotting issues.  

Thanks to anyone who cares to respond to me.  I would appreciate very, very much any advice or shared experiences. 

I'M HAVING TO ROLL UP THE GIRLS MYSELF. WENT FROM A 48 J TO A 42 DD IT'S ALOT OF SKIN THERE. IT'S HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM . ME I LOVE TO LOOK AT MIND AN MY NEW GUY DOSE ALSO . AWAYS LOVE YOURSELF.