Hello!

I am 32 years old, struggling with chronic obesity my entire life, BMI 60+. Diagnosed with CML in 2014. Was in remission until early 2017. As of today, still reeling from a subsequent genetic mutation which has cause a pretty bad relapse is now looking like ALL, and being aggressively treated as such.

My oncologist wants to proceed with a stem cell transplant, but will not do it until I lose significant weight (200+lbs). You'd think now, more than ever, I'd be motivated to beat this obesity monster once and for all. He's suggested looking into WLS, which I have done in the past and pre-dx. If I were an otherwise "normal" super obese 32 year old, I'd be a perfect candidate for DS.

I've had my consult and the surgeon, wisely, does not want to commit to a procedure with a malabsorption component due to the medication I take and may need to take in the future. He has suggested the gastric sleeve, which is about what I expected. Although, he seemed not very hopeful due to my weight, cautioning me that statistics show people of my size generally are not successful long-term. Basically just wanting me to manage my expectations, and not blame myself if it fails. As an aside, I understand what he's saying, but it just seemed weird?

Alas, am feeling utterly defeated at this time and just generally beaten down by life. I've lost my job after exhausting FMLA and have just become extremely reclusive, hiding away and taking comfort in sugary treats and salty yumyums. Sort of just.. let go. I'm afraid I just don't have it in me anymore to fight alone. Ultimately I know my success is up to me, but I really can't do it without help.

Sorry about the wordiness.. I just want to share as much as I can in case there are ever others in such a position. It's been hard to find support on this subject. Although there are some similar posts around the site, they're all old or very old. Anyone else have/had an issue like this? Would love to hear your stories and hopefully start a narrative. Thank you all.

In 2014 I had a free flap breast reconstruction where they harvested fat from my belly and transplanted it to my "breasts" after removing implants that were just not working (encapsulated). Now I've had WLS and I'm wondering if I'll lose just some, or ALL of this faux breast tissue.

I need to get my body fat off to be healthy, so either way it's worth it, but I really will be sad if they go all the way back to the post mastectomy concave stage.

Thank God you are now cancer free. Your journey has been unbelievably difficult. I hope you continue to enjoy good health as you undergo radiation and reconstruction. 

UPDATE 11/11/16:

Thank you to those OHers that have sent me messages asking about my progress.  I am happy to say that I am doing VERY well!  In fact, I'm doing so well that my radiation oncologist has decided to cut my radiation treatments from 33 to 30.  So, next Friday (11/18) will be my final radiation treatment. Yay!!

I'm still having Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks.  These are no big deal...no side effects from them.  I have to have them for 1 year.  I believe I will be done with the Herceptin infusions sometime in July 2017.

My weight loss is in a plateau status.

After toting around the annoying drains for 7 weeks, they were finally removed today.  I see the radiologist on Wednesday (9/28) and will also have a CT scan for the radiologist.  I'm guessing that my 33 radiation treatments will start next Monday.

Now that I completed my chemo back on July 7th, my appetite has finally returned...with a vengence.  I'm eating mostly dense protein along with some veggies.  My RD said I am doing great with my RNY.  She isn't concerned about my increased appetite, saying that I am handling everything just great.