[Fluffenstein]

Hey all. I think I have to explain my whole situation first off
I am 20 years old, I have had a undiagnosed late onset form of hydrocephalus
(very similar to Pseudo Tumor Cerebri) since I was about 10. two years ago I became totally disabled from it and october 22nd 2009 I had a VP shunt implanted in my brain, which runs down the front of my body under the skin and ends in the abdomen. I had the brain surgery in an emergency case, I had lost about 80% of my vision and I was in a great deal of pain. Now I was told I had to have weigh loss surgery in order to make my shunt last its best possible life(they fail between 1-18 years after) I was told I would not be able to lose the weight alone for many reasons a main one being that my pituitary gland has a great deal of damage. so I am having surgery. I still have a lot of problems, a lot of pain, unable to much of anything and tons of memory and thinking problems.

I have been on the pre- op diet which my doctor's is sugar and carb free protein shakes, zero calorie clear liquids and some vegetables(no corn, potatoes, peas, or 'carby' vegies) . I take a huge list of medication, for thyroid, Polycystic ovaries, depression, anxiety, ADD... I have been very sick since I started the diet. everyday I nauseous and some days I throw up.
I am very worried about after surgery, if I have this much trouble with it now I can imagine it only gets worse.
I have to be average weight for my shunt, I am scared of being sick/miserable/or not being able to absorb my medication. My doctors staff told me it would not effect medication absorption, but I find that hard to believe because medicines all absorb in different places through the digestive system....

I am also very worried about being depressed afterwards. especially if my anti-depressant stops working.

I would like to hear from other if they have had any problem with medication absorption or post- op depression.

also if there are any others with neurological diseases?

[verycarey]

Wow, you sound like you have been through the ringer, and I am sorry for that. However, to address your meication question, I actually take meds for anxiety/depression and insomnia, and I have not had any problems with them. Sometimes, I actually feel like I absorb it more now, or at least feel the effects of the meds more, but maybe that is just me. I hope all goes well for you and wish you the best of luck.

[SummerBreeze]

First of all , are you taking Whey protien , it made me sick and throw up all the time , I now drink Soy , my preference is atkins chocolate mocha latte, I buy it at walmart....you have alot of problems emotionally and physically , you may find that weight loss will help with some of these...I have anxiety and take xanax , I also think the pills may feel stronger since surgery...for a bit i had to take 2 extra ones cause I was in such a depression over being sick all the time with high anxiety..now I am back to my normal two at night, they tend to help me sleep plus I have them on hand if i need them for anxiety..I must say in all actuality my mind is clearer than its been in a couple yrs since I am on the mend now...I have quit so many of my perscrition drugs it unreal...hang in there , I think you will find life is gonna get much better this year , hugs and good luck..Annie

[Perfesser]

I find that the anti-depressant I take at bedtime works much better at knocking me out now (beneficial side effect!) So well that I have to be sure I'm not going to do anything except climb the stairs and fall into bed after I take it. (I have fallen asleep on my feet and landed hard a couple of times when I wasn't careful!!) My other one works just as well as it ever did.

You will not be able to take controlled-release meds after surgery because there's no stomach for it to hang out in. Some change in formulation may be needed based on what you're on now. Your docs will probably want to review your pain meds, as you will not be able to have NSAIDS any more.

Others here have reported coming off thyroid meds after surgery, although my wife hasn't seen that with hers.

Don't worry about your post-op meds as long as your medical staff is on board with this. What you need to fear is what your short life will be like if you do nothing about your weight and health now. You've already had the preview, but you don't have to stick around for the main show!! This surgery, and the new way you'll be living after it, have the potential to transform your life in ways you cannot now imagine.

Good luck Tuesday. Your friends here will be sending good thoughts and prayers winging your way.

CT

[KarenC]

My heart aches for you for going through so much and being just a baby yourself! In regards to post-surgery life. I have never felt healthier. I can't speak to the medications and where/how they're absorbed but I think there is a lot to say for being physically healthier and how your body will be stronger for your other aliments.

[Suzi-Q]

I had an AVM (Ateriovenous malformation), a birth defect that was undiagnosed until the age of 34. At that time, I had a seizure and it was diagnosed on a CT scan. I underwent a craniotomy. I had three seizures after the surgery. I am on antiseizure medication, and medication for anxiety/depression, and insomnia. I have had no trouble. My RNY surgery was in August. I feel the effects of my Ambien right off the bat! Good luck on Tuesday. You'll be fine.

[Fluffenstein]

thank you all for your replies! I definitely feel very reassured by the fact that so many of you had your medication continue to work and work better for many!
I'm so close to surgery that I'm at that nervous 2nd thinking point.. but I know I need this for not only my health but my life.

First of all , are you taking Whey protien , it made me sick and throw up all the time , I now drink Soy , my preference is atkins chocolate mocha latte, I buy it at walmart....you have alot of problems emotionally and physically , you may find that weight loss will help with some of these

- this is something I have to try. thank you very much summer ^^
maybe its a mild allergy or a digestive problem? who knows. I'm allergic to toothpaste XD so I have to use that all natural stuff. so I always have the weirdest stuff...

I know many people have a great deal of emotional problems after surgery
may I ask those who did, how long before it 'settle down'?

thank you all. this is hard, and life changing and you are all very strong and have helped me feel more secure in this decision.
lots of love!

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.
Congratulations on your date.
Keeping you in my prayers for an uneventful surgern and uncomplicated recovery.
(((((HUGS))))) May your journey go well.

The dosage and formulation (extended release, regular pills, oral dissolvants, nasal sprays etc) will have to be adjusted, but at the same time, you may find that you won't need at least some of the medications once your weight is under control.
The emotional ups and downs varies from person to person, so stay in close touch with your drs and don't hesitate to run anything that you feel out of kilters by them.

[C.Ray]

I am 16 days past my surgery and I have some very dark moods that I am contending with due to the surgery.

I do a little crying, then think about what is down the road and reajust my fellings. I know it will take some time, so I am being patient with myself and the healing process.

I hope you will come through the operation with flying colors, I wish you all the best, good health, joy and a long healthy life.

My medication is absorbed very rapidly, you will do okay in that area.:bl owkiss:


QUOTE=Fluffenstein;234408]thank you all for your replies! I definitely feel very reassured by the fact that so many of you had your medication continue to work and work better for many!
I'm so close to surgery that I'm at that nervous 2nd thinking point.. but I know I need this for not only my health but my life.


- this is something I have to try. thank you very much summer ^^
maybe its a mild allergy or a digestive problem? who knows. I'm allergic to toothpaste XD so I have to use that all natural stuff. so I always have the weirdest stuff...

I know many people have a great deal of emotional problems after surgery
may I ask those who did, how long before it 'settle down'?

thank you all. this is hard, and life changing and you are all very strong and have helped me feel more secure in this decision.
lots of love![/QUOTE]

[Perfesser]

Your fat stores not only energy reserves, but also large amounts of hormones. As the body pulls this fat out of storage and burns it, the hormones are poured into the bloodstream. They then circulate throughout the body and do what hormones do! Stand by for an emotional roller coaster!! It'll ease up somewhat as your rate of fat burn decreases in a few months, but you probably ought to stock up on hankies before then!

CT