RN's ... PLEASE HELP!

Question

My father is way overweight & hes turning for surgery to help him. Hes getting a gastroplasty.

I did some reshearch but Im still not sure about it. He has a BMI(Body Mass Index) of 76 & he has high blood pressure. Im really happy that he wants to loose weight but Im not sure about going under the knife for it.

I am a nurse & usually I don't worry about things like this but its my father, and he has high blood pressure. And the thing is, Im going to be his nurse when he gets out of surgery. I can't stand seeing my family being hurt but my father is the closest to me... Im just really worried about what the outcome of this will be...

Is there any help for me to stay calmed down? Has any other nurses went through this?

Answer 1

Well, as a nurse I'd be concerned about him too.  Have you spoken to his surgeon about these concerns?  I guess he has to weigh the risk of surgery vs. the risk of his extreme obesity.   As nurses it is always worse on us, I think, when a loved one goes in to the hospital (we know too much).

Just curious - but what do you mean you are going to be his nurse after surgery.  Please tell me you are not going to be his nurse in the hospital (but maybe when he comes home you'll help to care for him).    As your father, you need to be there for him while he is hospitalized as his DAUGHTER and only his daughter and advocate.  YOU should not be his nurse, there's plenty of nurses out their but he only has you for his daugther.  You'll be a wonderful advocate to him I'm sure, but as his nurse that could be dangerous.   Hopefully I just read that wrong.

Answer 2

There was a interview on 60 Minutes not long ago about positive side effects from gastric bypass.  I hope it could be informative and comforting to you.  http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/...

Best wishes.