ObesityHelp

This is my story.  I have terrible gastric reflux.  Not heart burn per say but alot of regurg.  some esophageal immotility. Asthma form the reflux. bronchial spasms from all the reflux irritation. I have severe sleep apnea. Cannot even take a little nap without stopping  breathing and gasping for air. Wearing the cpap has improved some of the symptoms of reflux. I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis mostly in my hands. Big family history of Diabetes.   Anyhow, I saw a surgeon back in September because I was thinking about having Gastric banding.  I cannot have it due to the bad reflux. RNY was his answer. Or fundoplication (anti reflux surgery) .  I didn't feel it.  I researched and thought hard and long and said to myself.  You don't need surgery to lose weight. you can do this.  I was nervous about the malabsorption stuff. Losing my hair etc etc etc.  Months went by.  Didn't go to weight watchers, didn't lose any weight. actually have gained.  So then I thought "Sleeve".  Well, sleeve is contraindicated in people with Reflux and the whole insurance issue of it being experimental.  I have a very good insurance I refuse to pay out of pocket. Iam I guess what they call a light weight. 100pounds over weight.

SOooooooooo. I went to see my gastroenterologist.  Told him what I want to do. He too said RNY is the cure for reflux but wants me to talk to this old time surgeon. Head of Surgery at Temple university in Philadelphia.  Wants him to suggest what would be best for my condition.  DS, gastrojejunostomy or RNY.  So I wait until May 8th for this appointment.  Until then I want to learn as much as I can about  all the surgeries. 

One big question... Does insurance cover DS without too mcuh fuss??

This is my first time to Rant.  So hold on to your seats here goes. I have a lot to say.

I have been on this board for 9 months reading reading and reading.  I am sooooo nervous. I need to make some kind of decision about weight loss and oh heck, I don't know.  Every one of you are an inspiration to me.  I say to myself, Am I Strong enough for this whole journey.  Do I want to have buyers remorse.  I already have such terrible depression especially PMS depression so will RNY make it much worse???However,.....

 I have 100 pounds to lose
I have sleep apnea
I have bad reflux, slow stomach emptying, poor esophageal motility

I have osteoarthritis in my hands and feet
Food is my crutch
back pain
swelling
high bp
Strong family history of Diabetes
Depression
Anxiety

I am out of my mind. Look at all these things I have, I could be dead in 10 years. Or a bigger fatty really not able to function.  Please Help.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK so, today I go to the Gastroenterologist for his opinion on all this and his recommendation.

Then tomorrow I go to see a new surgeon at Temple. Dr.Sorano.  I saw Dr. Meihlain about 6 months ago I really did not like him. However he is an Outstanding surgeon.  Shari that's your guy.  Then.... here is the biggest RANT   My mother is so against having any type of surgery.  She however has been fat , thin, average, fat, fat, fatter and now fattest.  She is 70 and now having trouble getting around, has bad heart and stuff.  I do not want to follow this pattern and I am so much like her that it is scary.  I know if I do not get this done, I will just get fatter.  I am very good at Weight Watchers but like everyone else I will gain it all back and many more.  Sooooo

Thanks everyone for listening I really needed this outlet. Glad I finally wrote something.

Like I said before, each one of you that reads this, you are all a inspiration and I applaud you for the risks you have taken and your sucesses. 

i am a hemodialyis  nurse and I love what I do.  I want to continue to be able to do this for many more years. so please pray for me and  that's all for now. thank you thank you thank you

Donna