I want to thank everyone for your support and prayers

I need all the prayers I can get right now. Mainly prayers for my spirit to be lifted and feel more positive. I'm not a pessimistic person... all the time anyway. I think it just threw me for a loop to be two hours away from home unexpectedly. My poor baby was left home w/out his mommy and daddy. Granted, I have a wonderful older daughter (she's 22) who stepped right in. But Sissy is not the same as Mommy. I've done a lot of crying, worrying and praying today. Then I did some research. After an article I read, I feel much better. The ulcer is a rare complication, but not one that is really as serious as some others. The last thing I'm praying for is confidence in my surgeon. I don't know when I lost confidence in Dr. Barnes. Logically, it makes no sense. Everything I've read and heard about him has been wonderful. He is the only doctor I know that you can call the answering service and get passed through to the doctor anytime you need. Seriously, I called him at 7am on July 4! Everything I've read about treatments go hand-in-hand with what Dr. Barnes has done. I DO NOT WANT ANYONE WHO HAS HAD HIM AS A SURGEON OR CONSIDERING HIM TO DOUBT HIM. I just need to figure out where my confidence in him faltered and get it back. On my next appointment that's something I'm going to address. This is long. I just had a lot to say. This board has been invaluable to me. Thank you so much for your prayers.

Lin, you have been through so much. I agree with you on your next appointment just sit down and have good one on one talk with him. I think you will feel so much better after talking with him. I really pray that this is all behind you and you will have a speedy recovery and be on your way to a healthy you. Hugs, Jodi

I think the world of my surgeon. After my 4th or 5th surgery with the same guy, my family and friends couldn't believe I wasn't ready to head for the hills. I truly believe that he's as unlucky as I am, but I don't doubt that he's done everything to get me and keep me well. I understanding your doubt right now. Not because Dr. Barnes isn't great, but because it's just been traumatic for you. I felt so alone at times and even if I saw my husband and doctor everyday, I couldn't shake the fact that I thought my baby suffered because I wanted a better life. I think Dr. Barnes will understand. You are in my prayers. Frances

Lin, I am so glad you are doing better. I realize you probably don't feel it yet, but I can tell by what you are saying you are on the upswing. The thoughts and fears you have are perfectly normal. I had a quick little scare after my surgery and it made me doubt my decision to have wls and my surgeon. I realize now it was just the fear that made me have so much doubt. You are a strong woman and will be just find. I will continue to keep you in my prayers Darla

Lin, I read your trip through the medical system last night and I couldn't believe that some of the bull you had to go through to get the help you needed. I am so glad that your doc, like mine, takes his patients care as a priority, and stepped right up and cared for you the way you needed most. I can understand your fear about the complications coming back again to haunt you. I had complications and after I finally got home, I was also afraid that something else would come up. I really don't remember alot about my time in the hospital, like you do, just dribs and drabs, but my hubby, like yours was with me and that made such a difference. I tell myself that I have chosen this road and now I have to go down it, and 20 months after surgery, I can tell you without even so much as a flutter that, knowing what I know now and what my kids and husband had to go through, I WOULD DO IT AGAIN ALL OVER AGAIN. I bet that you will feel the same way. Talk to your doc. They also say that when you start losing weight, the fat cells release estrogen and that it can cause depression. Also, it could be some type of post traumatic stress disorder, considering what you went through before they could get you to Shreveport and take care of you. Discuss all of this with your doc, I am sure that he will help. Maybe you need an antidepressant for just a short amount of time, to help you put the bad moments behind you. Don't be ashamed to ask for help with the emotional issues concerning this surgery and change of life. Take care and I am praying for you. God Bless and congratulations on moving forward. And tell your hubby that I, for one, would like to thank him for standing beside you and taking care of you. Debbie

This is one of the sweetest, most sincere boards I've ever been on. I think everyone on here is so wonderful. Thank you for the kind thoughts and prayers. Day by day I feel better about the whole situation. I still have my fears, but now they're not as strong. Luckily, I am on an anti-depressant already. I also started counselling right after the surgery, so I know that will help. I also took the step to actually report the ER doctor. I understand not all doctors understand gastric bypass 100% but to ****** physician and not know some of the basics of a surgery that is quickly becoming more and more routine just seems wrong. The more I think about the rough (and ultimately unnecessary) rectal exam, the more I became upset about it. I figured rather than sit and stew about it, I'd file a complaint. He is a civilian contractor at the military hospital here. I know that as a contractor if he receives too many complaints his contract is not renewed. I remember this same doctor from a trip my son had last year to the ER after a bump on the head. The doctor was just as surly and rude. I feel better after filing the complaint. I have an appointment with Dr. Barnes soon. I'm just going to be as open as possible. I'm sure he's had people have the same fears. He's heard everything, he's assured me. I know he's a great surgeon and I know my confidence in him will come back. I was (and am) still just a tad shaken up over the ordeal. Again, thank you everyone!

Lin, FWIW, I think you're absolutely doing the right thing! I don't think I'd even be as benevolent if I were in your shoes. Get well soon!

Oh Honey, you have had a hard enough time to get "anyone" down. Just know that the "emotions" go along with the physical and as the physical issues get better so will the emotions. You will still have ups and downs as there are new "issues" to deal with all the time, but things should start looking up for you soon. Don't feel bad about "doubting" your surgeon either. I'm sure that MANY people have those same feelings... I do think that it is a good idea to talk to him about your feelings, and I think it was a GREAT idea to report the ER Dr. I don't care who a doctor is, they should know "something" about Gastric Bypass, or they should NOT be practicing!!! I'm also REALLY big on "bedside" manner. The LAST thing you need when you are really sick is to be treated like a "dog" by the medical team!! Keep us posted on your progress. Hugs, Pam