Anxious about surgery-high risk patient

Am waiting for date and after today's exam by the pulmonologist he was just so negative that I am really nervous about surviving this. Has anyone else out htere been a high risk patient?

Janet, I was also high risk. I have asthma and a heart arrythmia. And guess what.....I am here to tell the tale! I survived my surgery, which was 8 hours long. You can do it. I know it's scary, but I the surgeons are used to working on high risk patients. I did wake up on a ventilator but was kept on it for a short while. Talk to your surgeon and meet with the anesthesiologist beforehand, that will help ease your mind. Good luck Shar

Hi Shar! How you doing? I've been so busy with work and things at home. I haven't had a chance to talk with you. I was at an all day seminar today and have one tomorrow too. This weekend is packed with family get togethers! I wish we had more hours in a day. How's the eating going? Are you still on pureed? I know that I had a hard time with pureed. I got so tired of having to blend my food - so little and making a mess with the blender everytime. A pureed egg - yukky! Soft was a bit better - I couldn't wait to be able to have salads and fruits. Take it easy! You're probably still getting tired during the day. That is normal! Hugs, Lucy

Oh, I see you have the same doctor that did my DH's WLS and I know which pulmo that you went to. Do not let that man get you down, he did the same thing to my husband!! My husband had to practically beg him to let him have WLS but he had it eventually. He had to jump through a few more hoops that being having a sleep study and being on a c-pap for a month but went onto having RNY. He has successfully lost 180+#. Chris

Chris- I got my cardio clearance today and she is 150% behind me. She immediately sent the Pulmo a letter clearing me and politely telling him to get off his butt and get me done! My regular pulmo guy is in his group at CDH and I had my regular visit w/him and he says I'll do just fine. His partner is just "overly cautious" and wants me to be fully aware of the risk involved. That's fine, but not to the point where you terrify the patient. I'm a little sensitive right now! I get my nutrition session tomorrow and Tues. I see Dr. Rantis and will probably have a date within the week! In the mean time I have St Jude on overtime. Hope your soiree is a great success and thanks for the positve spin-Janet

Hi Janet, To some degree anyone who had WLS was high risk just because of our weight. Your surgeon will require a battery of testing to ensure that you are able to withstand surgery. With each test I had, I began to imagine one of them would be the one that found something to prevent my surgery. I have asthma as well as apnea and the pulmonologist that I saw was so very supportive of me having the surgery. Have faith in your surgeon and if you are not happy with that pulminary doctor ask for a referral to another. Just like lay people many doctors are negative about WLS and the benefits to patients. Hang in there though there is risk involved with any surgery, there is also risk carrying extra weight. Someone I know was quick to remind me of the risks and I told them each day I drive the Kennedy to work, there is risk. Again, it is you that must have the comfort level once you have been medically cleared to proceed. Best Wishes, Mary