Long story - advice would be appreciated!

I am a lurker - having read this board on and off for 4 years.  I need some advice from "experts" who have been through similar situations that I have. I was scheduled for a DS in 5/04 but due to complications ended up with a sleeve gastrectomy (issues with my intestine being adhesed, etc.) and no chance of any further updates to what I already have.  I weighed 410 at that time.  Dr. Alverdy at Univ of Chicago did the surgery. A year later, weighing 312 lbs. I had a huge ventral hernia appeared and as Univ of Chicago was no longer in my insurance network I had to have the work done at Palos Hospital..  A year later the hernia reappeared and I ended up having a tummy tuck and a hernia repair performed by Dr. Zachery at Weiss Hospital.  Then, bingo, 8 months later the hernia was back again - and Dr. Zachery performed another hernia repair for me on 8/10/07. I am sitting here, 30 days post op at 335 lbs. with what looks to me like the same swelling in my mid-section (I look about 9 months pregnant!!).  My tummy, which was flat is now puffy - which I think is because my mid-section is so swollen. Has anyone else been through anything like this?  Am I a rarety?  I cannot find posts from anyone else who has had these many problems.  I follow post surgical instructions to a T.  I wear my binder every day -all day (even though I HATE IT!).  I am going to see Dr. Zachery this morning but would love some advice from anyone who has been there themselves.   I am overly frustrated - 3 surgerys since   WLS and I am still considered morbidly obese!  I eat what I am supposed to - cheat  rarely - but since I never was able to have any plumbing work done on my intestine everything I do eat acts just like a non-WLS patient's system reacts. Thanks for any help or advice and sorry for such a long post. Karyl

Hi Karyl - I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time.  I really can't relate with all the issues you are going thru but did want to give you a (((BIG HUG))).  

I will keep you in my prayers.  BTW, stop lurking and come join us each day for "Roll Call".  We are all in this together so don't be shy, just pop in and introduce yourself. Christina

 

I have had 3 ventral hernia repairs.  They can re-occur.  Did your surgeon put in mesh to help stabilize it?  Hang in there and don't be a stranger-we don't bite-Good luck-I'll keep you in my prayers-Janet k

I haven't had surgery yet, so I am no help there, but please don't lurk, come and join us!  I will keep you in my prayers that everyone works out!!