Scared!!!!

Members, I'm scared out of my mind!!!  My date is Feb. 19.  I hear so much about the strictures, bowel obstructions, you name it.  The doc spoke with my husband (who also is a doc) and said the lapband is not good to have for a hiatal hernia and has a 20% failure rate.  I feel like he is giving me the best advice.  Help me.  I'm such so scared of getting the metabolic bone problems and when you have problems with the nutrients you can have a whole new set of problems.  I do have a class that I must attend along with the pre-op.  I would like some questions answered, if you have the time.  Calicum,  iron (makes me constipated).  Give me your best advice.  Thanks a millon.  Jhk

It is normal to be nervous but the surgery is so worth it.  I had lap RNY 9/29/04 and have had no complications except low iron and low Vit A levels.  I would highly recommend getting copies of all your lab test results starting with the one before surgery. Put the results in an excel spreadsheet and watch your own levels.  If a level drops, you can increase that vitamin.  Most doctors don't worry about a lab result until the result is below the normal range.  I worry if it just drops within the normal range.  There are things you can do if you have to take iron and you get constipated.  I take magnesium 3 times a day for my constipation.  Good luck, you will be fine.

Thanks Lynn.  Lavin is also doing mine!!  I heard he is good and several physicians recommended him.  I wi**** were over. 

I think Dr. Lavin is the best in Louisiana.  He is such a great surgeon.  You are in good hands with him.  Don't you love Chris, the NP?  Are you having your surgery on the Northshore or in Metairie?  Let me know if you have any questions.  Take care.

Yes, he appears to be a good surgeon from everything I've heard and read.  Chris is great too.  Is that where we go for aftercare  (met)??  I'm having surgery at Southern Surgical in Slidell.  What are the strictures that people are talking about.  Also, are some of things preventable by just following directions.  Did you have dumping?

If you live on the south shore, then you would probably go to Omega for aftercare.  But if you live on the Northshore, you would go to his Northshore office for aftercare.  I live in the River Ridge area so I go to Omega for my yearly checkups. I never had a stricture but I really think my stoma is too small.  But I have never told the doctor because I do not want an egd to stretch the stoma.  I like having a small stoma.  I am 3 years out and still have to take small sips of water because my stoma is so small.  Also my pouch is still small. I have never dumped because I have never had real sugar since surgery.  I have never had any soft drinks, not even diet.  I don't want to regain so I don't have cookies, candy, cake, etc.  I am very compliant out of fear. Have you asked Dr. Lavin how much intestine he is bypassing?  I was bypassed 150 cm and I would not want less than that.  I would have preferred more bypassed but Dr. Lavin told me that was all he did.  He might have changed in 3 years. Are you going to drink protein shakes?  I still drink 3 every day and I really think they keep me from regaining. Good luck and take care!

I think he told me that he was bypasing 20 feet, he said that was a small amount? I dont know.  I didnt know enough to ask that particular question. Is it because I need to lose around 100 or less?? Can you explain further.  J

I think you might have heard the doctor wrong because 150cm is about 5 ft and my BMI was over 50.  You don't have much to lose so you might be bypassed less than 150cm.  Usually doctors bypass 75, 100, 150, or 200cm.

I had RNY a little over two years ago and prior to I was scared too.  Normal emotions... I have had -0- problems.  My labs are all great, with an exception to my B12.  It is within the normal range he just wants it a little higher.  I see my PCP the end of the month and we will recheck it and then determine if I should do shots.  He did have me increase the amount I was taking.  But overall my labs are great.   I have not had any other problems with an exception (and this could happen to anyone) I did have a problem where I dehydrated and ended up in the ER.  Remember we live in LA, it was 105 out and I had been out in the sun from early morning to about 3pm when I got sick.  It was also very humid.  You know how it is in August!!!  I was told when I know I am going to be outside for extended periods of time in the heat to increase my water a day or so prior to being out... I have nothing but 100% good things to say and I feel like a million bucks since.... Good luck in your journey. 

You look great!!  I'm hoping that I will have this great luck of yours.