I'm back!!

Hi all...

I am back from my adventures in revisions... turns out it was much worse than Dr. R had thought.  I had a blind-end that was so large that's where all my food was going (my pouch is incredibly small, about the size of a clementine after over 6 yrs - probably from not getting hardly any use) he removed it like it should have been done the 1st time, he had to add staples to my staple line bc he said that there were too few (not done right the 1st time - imagine that!), I had a twisted bowel that required him to remove MORE of my intestines and around that twist was a hiatial hernia what needed to be repaired. I also had a crap of scar tissue that needed to be removed.  Dr. R was shocked at what my insides looked like and was amazed that my original OR notes only was one page (and not even a full page).  My surgery was almost 5 hrs. 

I'm doing ok but having issues with nausea.  I no longer look 5 months pregnant when I eat, although so far I am still on mushy foods (yogurt & cottage cheese).  I am terrified to eat because I don't want my symptoms to return.

Funny story - I found out that freedom of speech does not exist on Obesityhelp and especially when my former doctor has people trolling for posts by me, mickey's and others who have had issues with his work and he is having them removed.  There is more to that story but seeing as I don't want this post pulled email me and I will tell you what I gotin the mail 4 days after I got home from the hospital after I needed to have a revision because of poor care the 1st time around.

I am no longer angry - I am now focused.  I know that I am not alone and after years of being told that my symptoms were "in my head" I have proof that there WAS, in fact, major problems.

Jessica

Wow, Jessica...I'm glad that Dr R found out what's been wrong all along.

What's a "blind end"?  Is that your old stomach?  I've never heard of that before.  Please explain it if you can.

Glad you're focused and now maybe you'll get some justice!

paula

Hey Paula,

I also have a "Blind end" that isn't suppose to be there.. however Dr. R at this time is choosing not to remove it due to him focusing on SOOO many other issues I had.  Like Jess my surgery was intense with 6 hours on the table.

It's basically a "stump" that isn't suppose to be there that causes back up of food/liquid & is EXTREMELY painful (as Jess also can concure) because there is no place for it to go to.. until it makes it way to the pouch & hole to flow out.  Sometimes it's HOURS/DAYS before I can physically feel what I eat/drink move.

Whan I drink I can physically feel the liquid "move over" to the blind end it's an unpleasant & uncomfortable feeling.

Our pouches are suppose to be a "straight shoot" down.  It's almost like having a 2nd pouch that is useless.  (best way to describe it.)

I'm going in Friday for a C-scan & upper/lower GI series to see if the blind end is causing my regurgitation, naseau, & pain still.  (Symptoms are simular prior to my new Dr fixing what he has so far.)  

Hope this helps.. Jess can probably explain it a little better also.
Mickey

Paula,

Mickey explained it just the way that I would have.  Before when I could actually eat solid foods, the food would back up in there and my upper abdomen would swell and I would look like I was 4 months pregnant.  Not what I had signed up for... but at least I wasn't the only one that had this ... it shows a pattern.

Jessica

Funny story - I found out that freedom of speech does not exist on Obesityhelp

OMG I wasn't aware that there was censorship on this site.  That's interesting no 5th amendement.

HMMM.  It's unfortunate.. However I'm glad to hear & see you again Jess on the boards you've been missed!

Hugs,
Mickey 

Jess and Mickey,
I just wanted to say I keep you in my prayers daily. I do feel bad to hear what you both and others have gone through following their gastric surgery. I'm glad you are being treated by a very competent Dr. (I am a patient of Dr. R. as well)  I don't think he will rest until he hears you feel great and have no further problems.
keep us informed of the progress.
I hope you both to be feeling better soon. Kathy

Jessica and Mickey,
I am glad to hear that things are getting better. It is a shame that these "issues" were avoidable if the initial surgery was done correctly. Thank goodness you have found a surgeon that will correct the errors of others.

Thanks to Mickey, I am meeting with Dr. R's team in Feb after switching from another surgeon in CT... Thank you ....thank you....thank you....

Mimi

 Jessica, welcome back to the boards. I am so glad that progress has been made on cleaning up your mess. Stay focused and keep up the good work. If you need any help or support please feel free to reach out to me.

Take care.

Nancy

You know...the more I think about it the madder I get!!  This is America for crying out loud and if people on forum want to voice their opinion that Dr. Carlos Barba is nicknamed "Butcher Barba" this is their right!!  Now, I wonder if this post will get pulled.  If you want to respong to this just click quote so that others know what your response is in reference to.

I think I saw an ad for this Dr. B in the Hartford Courant. If so --how come? If Dr.B did the work that your Dr. R has fixed why is Dr. B still around? delphy