Weight loss

[schliep05]

Hello, my husbands doctor has been saying his kidneys are bad but has not gave us a stage or much info just says if he looses weight he will be ok he had a biospy last year and we never really got answers from that it is very frustrating last week I got a call saying we needed to take a class then a few weeks later his dialysis port will be put in and 6 months he will start dialysis 😭 he has been looking into bariatric surgery we have the ball rolling I just was wondering if dialysis and this surgery is ok to do together

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI,

Your post really upset me and I hope I can post something not too emotional. First of all, any doctor that says losing weight will make the kidneys ok is a quack. I would immediately seek a new doctor. Second: the fact that he did not go into an explanation about the kidney condition is seriously something you should not accept. Then.... all of sudden, your hubby needs to go on dialysis? BUT, he doesn't have to start dialysis for six months... what happens in 6 months?

There are so many things wrong here.....

Being overweight does not impact the kidney..... what does impact the kidney is other conditions that may be impacted by weight such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Does your hubby have these issues?

Are you aware of the REAL cause of your husband's kidney decline? What is his level of GFR? Do you know what the stages of CKD are?

Is he in end stage renal failure or does he have some function?

Now about the bariatric surgery. I am very opposed to this surgery for many reasons, but I do know that in some cases it is a life saver. If your doctor has not offered a lifestyle weight management resource and is pushing the surgery, again, I would have some very serious concerns. Has your husband tried to lose weight? I KNOW how hard it is, but the surgery is a band-aid.... a very expensive and can be lethal band-aide if the patient does not change how they eat. I am not going to spend time here explaining but unless the person changes their eating habits, many will gain all the weight back, most will have complications.

My other concern is IF your husband is going to do on dialysis, his diet WILL HAVE TO CHANGE. There are restrictions and a very strict diet that needs to be followed on dialysis. If he has the surgery, he will be so limited on what he can have for that and then trying to deal with the dialysis diet.... I really think you need to see a renal dietician.

Please, spend the time to become educated on what is involved with both bariatric surgery and end stage renal disease. I hope for your husband's sake you both become advocates for his health and make well thought out decisions and not just accept the situation or doctor who does not take the time to explain what is going on. It is your life he is dealing with..

Because I always post supporting documentation with my posts, I had trouble finding information that was not very clinically technical, but here is one just to verify what I am saying.

sages.org/meetings/annual-m...

Here is a good place to start to find about chronic kidney disease or CKD.

kidney.org/atoz/content/abo...

[lowraind]

My reaction to your post is exactly the same as Bassetmommer's. What are your husband's numbers? How did the supreme doctor make a decision regarding dialysis? To say that if hubby looses weight he will be ok is asinine. You desparately need a 2nd opinion and a new doctor. You also need to learn about CKD so that you can ask questions of anyone you go to. Here are some resources:

• DaVita Kidney Disease and Dialysis Forums is well known for their recipes but they also have a forum for patients too.

• Renal Support Network provides many support and advocacy services including a phone support line.

• AAKP is a comprehensive resource focusing on the quality of life for kidney patients through education, advocacy, patient engagement and the fostering of patient communities.

• National Kidney Foundation provides a portal for patients too.

Good luck!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

First thing I would do is find a new doctor! it is so wrong that your doctor won't tell your husband what is going on with his kidneys! And your husband has a right to know what is going on with his health. He has to be his own advocate and stand up for himself and find out results. It is his right to know. Your husband also needs to see a renal dietician to help him lose weight but also to get on a kidney friendly diet! Make sure his BP is under good control and he drinks plenty of water.