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I am 48 yrs. old, Male, 450 lbs., diabetic, high blood pressure, I have Meniere's Disease and have synthroid problems. I am giving you my history because I am tired of being overweight, having physical problems such as a chronic Staph infection in my right leg. I have a "bulge" on my left side of my abdomen that is as big as a basketball. I am not exaggerating in the least. I try to exercise and I get dizzy from the "Meniere's" and either fall or hit something like the wall, chair or someone.I have tried to discuss these problems with my doctor's and they say to quit eating so much. Well, I have put my self on a 2000 calorie a day diet and I still gain weight. I have asked about "Stomach Bypass" and I am told that it is not for me. But, I am offered no substitutes or suggestions. I am on Lasix, Pottasium and musscle for the cramps I get for taking such large doses. I am at my wit's end over this. I am tired of the conflicting reports from my doctors. One tells me to get bed rest and use my oxygen. Another one tells me to exercise, but offers no suggestions as to what exercise to do. I am proverbally drowning and I am throwing a lifeline for any input I can get.Thanks.
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Male Person's Age: 48 Already Tried: I have described in my "question" what I have tried.
Hello,I would recommend you seek out a Bariatric program with a strong multidisciplinary approach to weight loss. Strong nutrition, exercise and emotional support are critical for patients that have a lot of weight to lose. Most Bariatric Centers of Excellence have a program like this, and you can use the tool "find a member" on the ASMBS web page to find a surgeon near you. I think, based on your stated history, that you would be a good candidate for the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. The bulge in your abdomen is suspicious for a hernia of your abdominal wall, which will make a gastric bypass very difficult to complete laparoscopically (video camera, small incisions), but a sleeve gastrectomy would have a higher chance of being completed successfully. With your excess weight, I agree with you that something more is needed for you to successfully lose the weight you need. There have been a lot of people in similar situations to yours that regained their health and life after surgery. The biggest regret most patients of mine have is that they didn't have surgery sooner. www.asmbs.orgGood luck,Dr Dan
Experience: ASMBS Centers of Excellence Bariatric Surgeon