Hope again!

Hi Everyone! I've been waiting to post with some news so here it is. I HAVE HOPE!! I went to see Dr. Reinhold from St. Raphaels Hospital today and he told me so much about myself. First of all, what I am feeling IS NOT NORMAL!! 18 months post op! Like duh, I knew it, but it seemed like no one else did. Bottom line is, I need to gain some weight, and he is doing some tests. An upper GI and a CAT Scan for starters. No one has suggested these tests in the past. This is because he feels there could be something wrong with my mesh, (allergic reaction, rejection) or/and my gallbladder which I never had removed. This is SO much better than just hearing that it's scar tissue and getting steroid shots in my belly. PLEASE do not take this as a slam on Dr. Giles. I love him and respect him. What I feel is that he and I are not only colleages but friends also, more than patient and doctor now. I never want to do anything to jeopordize that relationship and will continue to support him and run his support groups and whatever else I can do to help his patients. I just felt it was time to get a different perspective and that's why I went today. I mean he could be wrong too, who knows? I just know I have been in constant pain since June since I had my tummy tuck which was NOT performed by Dr. Giles but by Dr. Chandawarker whom I do NOT recommend. I hope I am saying all of this right, please if you are a patient of Dr. Giles, continue with him, in my eyes he is the best. And a very dear friend. But no one will take better care of you than you. I have to take care of me. I am trying to eat more often during the day so I can put on a few pounds and hopefully that will work. I still do not eat sugar or carbonation. He said that was fine. I do eat carbs, and probably stuff in that category I shouldn't be. Thank you all for being there for me throughout this ordeal. There are many of you that email me privately and you are my rocks. God bless each one of you angels. If one point rings loud in this post, please let it be, listen to your body, don't brush things off, and keep pursueing for answers until you get them. love and hugs to you all! Cheryl (boy, I REALLY need a new pic)

Cheryl I'm so happy to hear that you are getting some answers to your questions. Your right we are the ones who need to keep up with getting those answers. You did the right thing and are a model of how to take care of that. good luck & god bless, Pam

Cheryl! Good for you that you found some hope and I wish you much love and luck in the future!!!! Please keep us posted. Love, Tammy

Hi Cheryl, Thank you so much for posting this. You are so right, we know our bodies and how we are feeling better than anyone and should be listened to. I went to a certain doctor for nine years and each month he said oh well we'll see how you feel next month ( I was being treated for allergies). Finally I thought enough is enough and went to another doctor and found I had a condition that had nothing to do with allergies. So I've learned my lesson well. All of us absolutely love our doctors, why wouldn't we they've given us our life back, but their is absolutely nothing wrong with a second opinion and it is no reflection on the doctor. After all they are only human. I'm so very glad you have hope that someone can figure out what is going on and I have hope that everything will work out soon. Linda and I were just talking about you this weekend, so I am so glad you posted to let us know how you are doing. Hang in there a little longer and keep the faith. Sending a big hug and lots of prayers, Mary Lou

Hey Cheryl, Great to hear from you. I have been anxious to hear how it went. I am so glad to hear that you got an answer you are happy with. Hopefully you will be feeling better soon! What is the next course of action? What a relief! Prayers were answered! Love, Phyllis

Hi Cheryl Welcome back to our Ct Message board!! There are alot of people here missed you included me !!! I am happy to hear about this and hope that will slove your problem and move on.... True it is important to listen our body than ingornce our body.. Thank you for wishing me good luck for my surgery coming!!! I know it is almost here soon !!! I am looking forward to see you on Nov. 20th and will give you big teddy bear hug!!!! Keep come back in our Ct Message Board! Hugs, Kathy K

Hi Cheryl, I am soooo glad that you posted your update. I had been thinking of you all day on Monday and wondering what happened. You know I just assumed (silly me) that you had your gall bladder out when you had your open so I never even thought of that possibility. That would explain lots of things as would an ulcer etc. Hopefully you will have relief soon . As to your comments on Dr. Giles, its like I was saying at the last support group meeting at Yale. As wonderful as our surgeons are, they specialize in certain things. We can't expect them to know everything about all the rest of the systems in our bodies. We do need to seek other opinions and remember that not everything is related to the WLS. Take care my friend and let me know if you need anything. Hope we do finally get to gether one of these days...... Linda

Good morning! It's always nice to see your posting, that tells me things are looking up for you. You are right, you need to take care of yourself, and it sounds like you are on the right path. Take care of yourself, Girl. You are very important to all of us. Love, -Deb

Hi Cheryl I've missed you - in fact you were on my mind last night, and I was going to email you this morning to see how you were doing. I'm so glad to see that you've posted, and that your meeting with Dr. Reinhold went well. I'll continue to pray for you - and I hope things turn around quickly. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau

AMEN Cheryl! GOod for you for advocating for yourself, since you are the only one who can! You have an excellent attitude. I hope that Dr. Reinhold can help you. He certainly sounds like he wants to get down to the cause. Thank God. You should NOT have to suffer in pain! take care of yourself...I'm so glad that you are headed towards a resolution. Best, Lisa C