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I found him to be very nice; I went with my friend when she had her revision. He's more reserved than Dr. Bell was (who was my surgeon), but he was very well informed and sat down and talked to me after her surgery and asked about my surgery/success, and we did discuss Dr. V and how he is NOT a good doctor. I would give him a chance; he can help you.
JA
JA, is Dr. Duffy's bedside manner as bad as the reviews claim? I honestly don't care if he will help me but I was curious. I'm sure he will yell at me for gaining weight back too 
Thank you, JA. While I did lose weight initially because I couldn't eat solid food comfortably for months, it came back on for a myriad of reasons. People want to assume (on this board included) that I ate through my surgery and it's just not what happened. My diet is not perfect. I indulge in the occasional sweet, but I barely eat carbs and eat mostly protein. I hate having to explain myself. Sorry to vent to you but I hate being in this position. I've been told no by 2 doctors now. I will definitely call that office. Thank you for your kind words.
Dr. Valin is a horrible doctor. He did a horrible surgery on my friend (old style sleeve) and she was only ever able to eat sweets, lost nothing and vomited constantly and she NEVER saw him again after the surgery; he offered no assistance. Dr. Andrew Duffy at Yale was able to revise her. Dr. Duffy is a very good surgeon; he joined Yale's practice while Dr. Robert Bell was there (he did my surgery 11 yrs ago). It's worth a try. Good luck...
JA
I had gastric bypass with Dr Valin in 2001 and have gained back all of my weight. He told me there is no option for revision but I have heard of so many others who have had it done. I saw Dr Aranow who said "he won't touch me" because of the way Dr. Valin does his surgery. Idk what to do but I am experiencing so many weight related health problems.
Thank you for the encouragement . I don't think my ins would cover it but I will look into the center and see if I swing it myself. I was hoping to find a support group just never had a clue where to start looking . I look into the Yale one .. Again thank you
I think Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital (two separate employers) cover it through their insurance. Other than that, it's up to the employer not the insurance company to cover the procedure.
Good luck.
Hi there,
congrats on your success. You can go to support groups - they are free. Yale has one the first Tues of each month. I am 11 yrs out and have struggled from time to time with a gain. Doing total low carb gets me back on track. Does your insurance coverage include a nutritionist? There is a great lady in Guilford who works with bariatric patients. It's called JMM Wellness google it. Jackie is great for helping get you back on track. Don't give up...keep plugging along...you can do this!!
JA
this wee****lebrated my 5yr WL anniversary .I am not feeling very good lately I've been feeling scared that I'm going to gain all my weight back..I am up 20 lbs from my goal weight. I'm not sure where to start I no longer have medical coverage that woul cover my visits to any weight loss Dr. My primary has been helpful but my lack of family support has been the difficult part for me to overcome. I just feel so lost and would appreciate any help or support anyone can extend. I'm a very private person and asking for help is hard for me. I received a Happy Anniversary email from OH at the right time for sure..
I'm sorry that this note is so late although I check often on O H I always forget to check my home state. I am so glad that you had people respond to you and be so supportive. I know that if you just start taking little steps you will be on the road to success real soon...prob by the time you even read this. Everyone gave you awesome advice. I am 4 and 1/2 years out from my surgery and attend a weekly support group which helps a lot and I have made very supportive friends there. We meet for walks and talk often between groups. I hope you will be gentler with yourself and go on from here...Good luck!!
