Quick Update

My original surgeons office finally called me back today. (I had asked about a possible enlarged stoma.) The nurse said the surgeon says that the tests they already did show there isn't any distention of the pouch and that I need to see a nutritionist. I hung up with them and called (Sherry Weber will be proud of me...) Dr. Hardy's office in Ames. I see them Nov. 1st at 4pm. I will tell more then when I know something. Elizabeth P.S. Jeri, (and anyone else) I don't think I look any different, but I have a snapshot that I can email if anyone wants to see it. It is from a few months ago, but I haven't lost any in about 5 mo. now. It is NOT one I want posted on my profile. LOL

Elizabeth, nice to see you on and letting us know how you are doing....keep us posted....miss chatting with you......lynda

Elizabeth, So happy to see you posted Miss seeing you! Proud you called the Dr. You Go Girl! Keep us posted on what is going on & drop by just to say hi once in a while ok? Yes, would love to see your pic! [email protected] when you get a chance. Carolyn

Maybe you should chat with Kari A on the main boards......She seems to be going through the exact same thing! They say she doesn't have a SLD or anything like that, but she stopped losing weight too, and she can eat a lot.....She is at her witts end! I for one would love to see your updated pic, my email address is jesinjay@mchsi . com Good luck with the new Doctor!!! Take Care and have a Great Day Jesi

Good for you Elizabeth! I hope you get some answers, sometimes this is what it takes, just don't stop til you do! Let us know how things go ok! Take care, Janet S

Elizabeth- I'd love to see your picture! I stopped losing at about 5-6 months out for about 6 weeks, then it started back up again, but ever so slowly. I don't really dump any more, and can eat everything but milk with sugar **** cream). If I keep my carb count down around 35-50 grams, I seem to lose faster, but still only a few pounds a month. Good luck on your doctor's visit- keep us posted on what he says! XXXOOO Jeri [email protected]

Hey I would like to see a snapshot too, I'll have to get new pictures on too. Take it easy Lisa Young

oops, forgot, [email protected] Talk to ya later Lisa Young

Hi Elizabeth! Sorry that I didn't reply sooner...I started working third shift the beginning of this month and I have not been on the boards much. I am VERY proud of you!! Dr. Hardy is a wonderful surgeon and his nurse, Jean, is fabulous, too. I don't know if he does revisions...but, I DO know that he will do everything possible to help you find out what is going on. Have you actually been scoped? Otherwise, there is no way they (your original surgeon) could possibly know if you do or do not have an enlarged stoma...and, even then, it can be difficult to determine. If it is an enlarged stoma, that should be 'fixed' easily enough...I think that they would put a silastic band around it to 'tighten' the stoma. Were you transected? Do not go by being told that you were...demand to see your surgical notes...it is your right as a patient to see them in 'black & white' and your surgeon's obligation to provide them when demanded. Use a certified letter if you have to (which you probably will. ) On a side-note, do not be surprised if you do not know how to 'take' Dr. Hardy. He is very professional, business-like and has a VERY dry sense of humor. If he shows teeth when he smiles, he is having a 'wunnerful' day; and, if he actually laughs at something, he is 'giddy'. On the other hand (IMHO), he is a brilliant, honest, up-front AND experienced surgeon. When you have an appointment with him, you have his full attention; he does not rush anyone in & out of their sessions with him; when you ask him a question, be prepared for a direct, honest and detailed answer. And, usually, you do not have to wait very long at all in the waiting room for your appointment (even though it is usually full); he does not like to keep people waiting, so he spaces his appointments out. Most importantly (to me), he strongly advocates follow-up care...actually gets a little miffed with you if you cancel an appointment without setting another one (know that from experience Not, because of the money either, since all of my follow-up care for the first year was included with the charges to my insurance company at the time of surgery.) He actually cares about his patients...something rare these days...Sorry to go on and on; just wanted to give you a little idea of what to expect at your appointment (even though your avenue is different than mine at this time). And, of course you better e-mail me that picture GF...you already have my e-mail addy. (((Hugs))) Sherry Open RNY 02/04/04 (Proximal-75 cm) 294.5/172/150 -122.5#