EGD Today showed that my fistula is huge and I will require surgery:(

I am completely devestated. No stricture or ulcer, so for those of you that are having troubles eating dense protein (meats), I think we just have to wait it out and keep chewing and trying. As for me, I was self-pay (my parents) and now don't think that my revision surgery will be covered The EGD showed that I had the largest fistula that my GI Dr had ever seen and he said it was a wonder I had lost any weight at all, because I couldn't be staying full, which has been my biggest complaint. I am so sad tonight. I think this will have to be an open surgery and I know my surgeon wants me to lose more weight before I have it. That is getting harder b/c I am getting more and more hungry. Thanks for letting me vent. Roni 240/188/140

Hey Roni I am sorry and I feel kind of silly but what exactly is a fistula? Seems to me like you are doing awesome, you are down 50 pounds. Isn't there a way the dr can deem it medically necessary so that inusrance would cover it? I am so sorry you are going through this. This should be such a great time for you. I checked out your profile, by the way, you look great! Keep us posted. I will say a prayer for you tonite. Tina

I fistula is a channel that occurs between two "sources" and causes an unwantd connection. Mine is between my pouch and my old stomach. So, some of what I eat goes through the surgical way and other stuff leaks right into my old stomach which works, but doesn't allow me the satiety, malabsorption etc. I knew I had it after my complication when having my drain pulled, but I tried to lead myself to believe that it had healed since I was losing weight and feeling some fullness. I had the EGD b/c of food/meat intolerance but I also wasn't feeling full eating the softer foods and all of the low-carb high protein snacks on the market. Well, it was just upsetting to hear my GI Dr say "Holy Sh*t" when he saw it. I did end up emailing my surgeon tonight and we wrote back a bit. He doesn't think the surgery is that necessary now and he wants to see how I will do. I am praying that my insurance will pay and that my surgeon will work with me in getting them to help. Thanks for the compliments. I feel like I lost a lot in the beginning b/c of the complication and having to stay on a liquid diet longer, but it has been much slower since then. I think this last month I only lost 11lbs. I am not complaining that much but I think my "stats" will catch up as I slow down, if that makes sense. I am hoping that my "tool" is still working somewhat since I have lost weight, but I just wi**** were working at 100% since it wasn't an insurance company that paid. Thanks for taking the time to reply! Roni 240/188/140

Roni, I am so sorry you are going through all of this.... it must be driving you crazy. I can't imagine how you are going to tell your parents. I do have one concern for you.... have you talked to both your nephrologist and your surgeon about your kidney issues. Are they on the same page??? I am just a little concerned that you may be putting additional strain on kidneys that have already been damaged with all the protein we are required to eat post surgery (perhaps the vomiting of dense protein may be related to this). (This issue came up with me since I have lupus). I say this with all love and sympathy.... perhaps the fistula may turn out to be the best thing for you?? - it allows you some bypass but without the strain on the kidneys that a total RNY would do??? Good luck.... I wish you all the best.... and hopefully financially you will be able to choose your best option. B

I thought the new pouch was totally disconected from the old stomach? I'm so sorry you're going through this and I pray it is repaired without much pain/trouble. Donna

Oh Roni, I just emailed you. I had been wondering what was up. I'm so sorry to hear about the fistula. I do believe you are doing awesome with your weight loss. 10-11 lbs a month is great. In six months at that rate you'd be at goal. I like the way Sphynxy One looks at the situation. I'm sure your parents will still think they did the best thing for you. Talk to you soon!! Your Oh friend, Summer

I am so very sorry! It is one of the things that can happen and there is always a chance for any of us. I can only tell you that I wish you the best and will pray for you, that everything will be fine. Keep us updated. Sincerely, Laura