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Topic: RE: Surgery Opinions
Hi - Thanks all for sharing. This is a rough topic to deal with - I have a few more questions about how to get started.
I filled out an informational request thing on St. Francis website - they called back and said that I had to wait until February because of a pre-existing condition clause. A friend of mine had the RNY procedure long ago and she had some advice that I get recomended for surgrey by my PCP - but I don't really have a PCP - insurance doesn't really require one - though I do have a doctor that I see for minnor things like colds or allergies - I guess he'd be my PCP - but i'm wanting a new doctor I think.
Also she mentioned having documented history of attempts - I never kept a journal I guess what do they need as "documented history?"
Thanks
I filled out an informational request thing on St. Francis website - they called back and said that I had to wait until February because of a pre-existing condition clause. A friend of mine had the RNY procedure long ago and she had some advice that I get recomended for surgrey by my PCP - but I don't really have a PCP - insurance doesn't really require one - though I do have a doctor that I see for minnor things like colds or allergies - I guess he'd be my PCP - but i'm wanting a new doctor I think.
Also she mentioned having documented history of attempts - I never kept a journal I guess what do they need as "documented history?"
Thanks
Topic: RE: Surgery Opinions
http://www.youtube.com/karasjourney
Welcome to the boards! I'm 26 also, I had my surgery this Jan 25, 2011 with Dr. Evanson at IU/Clarion Bariatrics. I went from 355 lbs to 200 lbs & I'm not even to 10 months post op. I will say that I have had only 1 complication from surgery & hopefully no more, but it was gout. Its vary rare, but due to by body breaking down fat & the toxic junk that was in my body it caused the gout, I am on medicine to control it, but once my weight is stablized I will be able to get off of it. Also, I've always had horrible back pain, once the weight started to come off I was rarely in pain, but now since i've lost 155 lbs the lower back pain has started again due to the extra apron style hanging skin thats pulling on my lower back, which that will be resolved once I have reconstructive surgery to remove the excess skin. So that has been my experience & I wouldn't change my decision at all, I have a life now that I can actually live & I can finally say that I am truly happy.
On another note, I have a good friend who is about 5 years post op who went from over 500 lbs to under 200 lbs, had the reconstructive surgery to remove extra skin, but has had at least 4 surgeries due to bowel obstructions, BUT I will say this that I do believe the reason for his issues are due to not following the "rules" of gastric bypass & excess alcohol consumption. Now I do have another dear friend who is 3 years post op went from 360 to 145 who has had no issues until this past Thursday she unfortunatly had a bowel obstruction & they had to open her up completely to repair & she had followed the "rules". So it can happen, there are risks as with ALL surgeries, just make sure you are fully informed & know the risks involved. It's a surgery where some risks will stay with you for the rest of your life, not to try to scare you, because I know I would do it again & EARLIER than i did & I also know that both people whom have had follow up surgeries would do it again too. I know that had I NOT had my surgery I would have been dead right now, RNY gave me another chance at life & if I have to (god forbid) have follow up surgeries due to unforseen complications they will be worth it.
On another note, I have a good friend who is about 5 years post op who went from over 500 lbs to under 200 lbs, had the reconstructive surgery to remove extra skin, but has had at least 4 surgeries due to bowel obstructions, BUT I will say this that I do believe the reason for his issues are due to not following the "rules" of gastric bypass & excess alcohol consumption. Now I do have another dear friend who is 3 years post op went from 360 to 145 who has had no issues until this past Thursday she unfortunatly had a bowel obstruction & they had to open her up completely to repair & she had followed the "rules". So it can happen, there are risks as with ALL surgeries, just make sure you are fully informed & know the risks involved. It's a surgery where some risks will stay with you for the rest of your life, not to try to scare you, because I know I would do it again & EARLIER than i did & I also know that both people whom have had follow up surgeries would do it again too. I know that had I NOT had my surgery I would have been dead right now, RNY gave me another chance at life & if I have to (god forbid) have follow up surgeries due to unforseen complications they will be worth it.
http://www.youtube.com/karasjourney
Topic: RE: Surgery Opinions
There can be complications with any surgery, most weight loss surgeries have no more complications than any other major surgery if preformed by a vetted surgeon. With a BMI that high I would look at the DS surgery. We have a wonderful Surgeon in Indiana who does them. What ever surgery that you choose get yourself as informed as you can!
Good Luck, Butch
Good Luck, Butch
Switched 9/21/2011 By Dr. Inman
HW 368
SW 328
CW 180
GW 180 (or less to get to a normal BMI)
Topic: RE: Dr. Inman's Office/Scheduling
I think that I got the call the following week. For revisions I wouldn't know, I think that she only does one a week?
Switched 9/21/2011 By Dr. Inman
HW 368
SW 328
CW 180
GW 180 (or less to get to a normal BMI)
Topic: RE: Surgery Opinions
I am the first one to say there can be complications! I have had my fair share, but I wake up every morning and thank God I am alive because had I not had the surgery, I don't know that I would be! I had my RNY at the age of 29. My only regret is that I did not do it sooner. Like I said, I have had my fair share of complications, but I would do it over in a heart beat. Only 2% of people at that time had post-op leaks, I had one two different times by two different, highly qualified surgeons. I have had numerous operations as a result of complications. Here is my list:
12/27/02 Laprascopic RNY
12/28/02 Open RNY to repair bowel leak
6/03 Laparoscope to look for cause of chronic abdominal pain
12/18/03 Hernia repair/lysis of adhesions
12/19/03 Repair of bowel leak/appendectomy/more lysis of adhesions
5/19/04 Bowel obstruction
7/30/04 Bowel obstruction
1/05 Placement of permanent IV
3/08 Removal of permanent IV
8/10 Resection of one foot of small bowel
5/11 Placement of permanent IV
This doesn't include the twenty plus endoscopies that I have had, nor the enteroclysis or colonoscopies. I'm not writing to scare you, just to inform you that they can happen. But like I said earlier, I would do it all again!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Wishing you the best of luck!
Stephanie E
12/27/02 Laprascopic RNY
12/28/02 Open RNY to repair bowel leak
6/03 Laparoscope to look for cause of chronic abdominal pain
12/18/03 Hernia repair/lysis of adhesions
12/19/03 Repair of bowel leak/appendectomy/more lysis of adhesions
5/19/04 Bowel obstruction
7/30/04 Bowel obstruction
1/05 Placement of permanent IV
3/08 Removal of permanent IV
8/10 Resection of one foot of small bowel
5/11 Placement of permanent IV
This doesn't include the twenty plus endoscopies that I have had, nor the enteroclysis or colonoscopies. I'm not writing to scare you, just to inform you that they can happen. But like I said earlier, I would do it all again!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Wishing you the best of luck!
Stephanie E
Topic: Surgery Opinions
Hi all -
I'm a 26 year old obese male - I am about 345lbs w/ a BMI of roughly 48. I have been "heavy" my entire life and I have not really seen it as a "problem" until about 5 or 6 years ago. I go on a diet - work on it - lose 10-15lbs and then "something" always happens to change my routine and things get messed up again. I am a consultant so I travel quite a bit which does not help. My schedule changes a lot - sometimes hour by hour....more excuses I know.
Regardless, I sadly think after trying for so many yearrs I can not do this on my own and I need additional help - perhaps surgrey. My knee's are bad - heck I can't even walk up and down the stairs w/o clicking and pain.
I am considering the surgrey option - my only fear is I had a friend go through this a few yearrs ago and she had nothing but problems. My friend and family also discourage the surgrey option stating medical options. I always get the same thing - "diet and exercise" - and you can it....
I've been reading through the message boards for a while and there seem to be more sucess stories than failures or complications. The sucess stories are fantastic but I was wondering if someone could tell me about complications they had and if they would do it again.
Also perhaps recommend hospitals/surgeons to see and how to get the process started. I have talked to St. Francis but insurance pre-existing conditions does not expire until feb.
Thanks in advanced!
I'm a 26 year old obese male - I am about 345lbs w/ a BMI of roughly 48. I have been "heavy" my entire life and I have not really seen it as a "problem" until about 5 or 6 years ago. I go on a diet - work on it - lose 10-15lbs and then "something" always happens to change my routine and things get messed up again. I am a consultant so I travel quite a bit which does not help. My schedule changes a lot - sometimes hour by hour....more excuses I know.
Regardless, I sadly think after trying for so many yearrs I can not do this on my own and I need additional help - perhaps surgrey. My knee's are bad - heck I can't even walk up and down the stairs w/o clicking and pain.
I am considering the surgrey option - my only fear is I had a friend go through this a few yearrs ago and she had nothing but problems. My friend and family also discourage the surgrey option stating medical options. I always get the same thing - "diet and exercise" - and you can it....
I've been reading through the message boards for a while and there seem to be more sucess stories than failures or complications. The sucess stories are fantastic but I was wondering if someone could tell me about complications they had and if they would do it again.
Also perhaps recommend hospitals/surgeons to see and how to get the process started. I have talked to St. Francis but insurance pre-existing conditions does not expire until feb.
Thanks in advanced!
Topic: RE: Liver Reduction Diet Ideas
Hi
I am having my surgery on Nov 22.... any words or suggestions. I will find out on othe 8th when i start the pre op diet.
Andrea
I am having my surgery on Nov 22.... any words or suggestions. I will find out on othe 8th when i start the pre op diet.
Andrea
Topic: Dr. Inman's Office/Scheduling
Hi all! I just found out that I have been approved for a revision with Dr. Inman. My question is, how long does it take for Heather (scheduling) to call you to give you the date for your surgery? Thanks for your help!
~~Me ~~ 
Topic: Indianapolis DS Events in November
The Indianapolis Duodenal Switch Group is an active support group which meets twice a month. We are a very friendly bunch and everyone - those curious, pre-op, newly post-op, and vets -- is welcome! If you don't know about the duodenal switch surgery, check out dsfacts.com for more info. Feel free to message me with any questions as well.
Dinner
Tuesday, November 8th, 6pm
Maxines Chicken and Waffles
online info
That's right - we are going to one of our favorite places - MAXINES! Of course there is chicken and waffles, but don't forget about the catfish, fried tomatoes, collard greens, and peach butter! Brok's dad is opening the restaurant for us to have a private party so we have to have at least 10 people come to meet the minimum. If you plan to be there, please post a note on the DS board or email me so we can plan accordingly.
Support Group
Tuesday, November 22nd, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
St. Vincent Carmel, Bariatric Center, Entrance 4
Map of location
The support group meeting, lead by a St Vincent nurse or dietitian, is open to all pre- and post-op Duodenal Switch patients regardless if they had surgery at St Vincents. We often grab a bite to eat afterward.
Upcoming Events
Indy DS group has an annual Christmas party in December in place of their dinner. Please mark your calendars on Saturday, December 3rd for a party at my house! Details will be forthcoming.
The St Vincent program cancels all support group meetings in December. This year they also decided to not have the holiday party.
For future dates and locations, check the calendar in my sig line.
Dinner
Tuesday, November 8th, 6pm
Maxines Chicken and Waffles
online info
That's right - we are going to one of our favorite places - MAXINES! Of course there is chicken and waffles, but don't forget about the catfish, fried tomatoes, collard greens, and peach butter! Brok's dad is opening the restaurant for us to have a private party so we have to have at least 10 people come to meet the minimum. If you plan to be there, please post a note on the DS board or email me so we can plan accordingly.
Support Group
Tuesday, November 22nd, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
St. Vincent Carmel, Bariatric Center, Entrance 4
Map of location
The support group meeting, lead by a St Vincent nurse or dietitian, is open to all pre- and post-op Duodenal Switch patients regardless if they had surgery at St Vincents. We often grab a bite to eat afterward.
Upcoming Events
Indy DS group has an annual Christmas party in December in place of their dinner. Please mark your calendars on Saturday, December 3rd for a party at my house! Details will be forthcoming.
The St Vincent program cancels all support group meetings in December. This year they also decided to not have the holiday party.
For future dates and locations, check the calendar in my sig line.
~Jessica SW 271/ CW 131 / GW 145
Come hang out with the Indianapolis DS group -- calendar of events now online!
Come hang out with the Indianapolis DS group -- calendar of events now online!
Topic: scope on tuesday
so sick..i cant eat anything..so there goin to do a scope on me to see if there r blockages at the top of the stomach and at the out let...hopin for good news...
biggybaby2004
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