Hi Everyone,

Well, I FINALLY had the revision surgery on Friday, the 18th at Brigham & Women's in Boston, with Dr. Lautz.  After 2 cancellations in the same week, I am glad to say it is finally behind me.

Dr. Lautz closed up the fistula that had formed in my pouch, and reduced the size of my stoma opening (which was huge). Then, to help to prevent me from getting another fistula (a common reoccurrence), he removed part of my unused stomach.  The surgery took about 3 1/2 hours to complete.  He was also prepared to "redo" the connection, or move down the connection, but it was in great shape (thanks to Dr. Bell) and nothing needed to be fixed from the original surgery.

I think I'm already down 10 lbs due to only taking in fluids.  It is harder the 2nd time around - I really want to be able to eat this time, I'm not hungry, just desire, first time through, I could care less about food.  However, that being said, I DO have restriction again YAHOO , and I plan to use this tool for as long as it allows me too!  Its another chance on a healthy life, and I'm very grateful.

I did have some complications - I was EXTREMELY difficult to intibate, it took 3 different approaches, and they were keeping me breathing manually with a bag!  They wrote me a letter and told me to get a medical alert bracelet.  Then, I had either pneumonia or a small area of lung collapsed - they were not sure which, but I was also running a fever, so they kept me in a few extra days - went home VERY late Tuesday evening - got out about 8:00 p.m., and then drove 2 hours home - but made a stop at the pharmacy first!  They did 2 cat scans to be SURE that the infection was not due to a leak in my stomach, and that it was because of the lungs - and everything seems to be ok now.  They are VERY thorough at Brighams & Womens, I was impressed.

I'll run for now.

God Bless to all, and thanks for all who have been praying - I needed the prayers!

Kathy Bilodeau
 

I am so glad to hear that your surgery finally happened, sorry you had a few complications, but you came through it all and now you can begin again to use your tool and be successful in this journey to weight loss and improved health and vitality.

I pray you will heal completely and reach all your goals.

All my best

Sher

Thank you - for all of the prayers - they mean alot .

God Bless
Kathy
 

Hi Kathy

I am so glad you made it through your surgery and are okay...what a trooper you are!!

You will definitely be in my prayers for continued good health and success...

Katie

Happy Healing.

This is wonderful news! I am glad it worked out and I am hoping for a speedy weght loss and recovery
chrissy 

I was just thinking about you the other day. Glad everything got done and you are doing better. Like T said Happy Healing.

Hi Kathy,

I'm SO glad to hear your revision is over and that you're home and on the mend!  I pray that the infection leaves your body soon and that you can get on with the new restriction and lose more weight.

I have to make my yearly w/ Dr Aranow this week and am going to talk to him about my not feeling any restriction at all anymore and how I can eat a LARGE amount of food now.  Maybe I have something going on in there, too.

Hang in there and rest...walk when you can to get that anesthesia out of your body and keep hydrated...it's hot out!

Paula

[email protected] is you need to email me directly

Hey Kathy,
Welcome home and welcome back!  Glad to hear it worked!  Sorry about your complications, but they're worth the final results!

God Bless! WHOOO HOOO you're on the way again!

JA

Thanks to everyone who has been so kind, and who have been praying - I really have needed that!

It is very hard just having liquids -- I can't wait till Saturday, I can have soft/chopped food - it will feel like a feast!

God Bless you all.

Kathy