The First Steps

Last night I took the first steps on a journey. Since my overall health is starting to get worse and with my doctor's advise I took the first steps to learning about bariatric surgery. Dr. Bateman says that medication has done all it is going to do to control my high blood pressure. Also my blood sugars are high. For the second time in a row my A1c was 7 or higher. My kidneys are starting to pay the price. Most of the level are off the charts for my kidneys and it is only a matter of time before they start to shut down. Dr. Bateman says he thinks I'm a good candidate for bariatric surgery and recommended Dr. Oakley at St Luke's Bariatric Surgery Unit.

Caroline and I went to St. Luke's Meridian last night and attended a seminar on the surgery. Dr. Valentine was the speaker and he was very knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. He discussed and showed videos of the different procedures. He covered the pros and the cons for each and answered any and all questions. I have to admit that I don't like the idea of cutting up and rearranging my stomach and intestines but his explanations did help. We turned in the paperwork for the next step which is checking all the insurances and then getting an appointment to see the surgeon.

While this is for me, Caroline also turned in the paperwork. She is overweight and would benefit from the procedure before she has any big health issues. She does have high cholesterol but so far no other issues that we know of. She really needs to see the doctor for a real physical and blood work. As for me, I need to do something before my kidneys fail or I start to have heart or stroke issues from the high sugars and blood pressures.