Frustrated...

Hi all. This is my first post, though I have read some of the others and I think the site is great and the support is awesome!! My story...I had VBG i***** Dr. Margolis. At that time there was no structured plan. One pre-op visit with the surgeon, surgery and standard follow up. The only meeting with a dietition was a 15 minute post-op visit in the hospital. There were no support groups at that time either. Needless to say, I have gained back 80 of the 150 lbs that I lost. My PCP referred me to Dr. Clough in Bangor a coupleof years ago. I had done lots of research about VBG failure and the frequent need for a revision to an RNY. I was excited and began the process, went to a clinic meeting and attended a support group meeting and had a barium swallow as required by Dr. Clough. However, after he received the results of the barium swallow...I received an email saying that I was not a candidate. I was not even given the opportunity to meet with the doctor and was given no reason for his refusal. Recently a physican in Aroostook County began doing WLS and my PCP referred me to him last year. He was great and, again, I have gone through the entire process (dietition, psych, EGD, etc.) to prepare for revision surgery. Dr. Jiminez told me that I would need to lose weight to prove to him that I was serious about having the surgery. So I lost weight (about #15) and then he decided that since I was losing weight...I didn't need the surgery!! I have always been able to lose weight for the short-term....but I am not able to sustain it. I changed PCP's and haven't been to see Dr. Jiminez for the past 3 months because I didn't have referral from my new PCP until recently. I now have an appointment to see him again on 11/20. I know he is going to be disappointed because I have already gained back some of the weight I lost. Dr. Jiminez is very new to WLS and doesn't have much experience with the type of revision surgery I need. My new PCP is very supportive of my having the surgery and told me I need to be assertive with Dr. Jiminez and tell him that if he doesn't feel comfortable doing the surgery....he needs to refer me to someone else. I don't know if a referral from a surgeon will make a difference to Dr. Clough or if I will need to be referred to Portland and Dr. Cobean. Regardless, it is frustrating that I have already done all the pre-op stuff here and if I am wondering if I will have to do it all again if I am referred to another surgeon? Also, I wonder if Dr. Clough or Dr. Cobean do my surgery, will I be able to have my follow up done here with my own surgeon. I don't mind the travel, but it is a bit of a pain. I know this is an extremely long post...but if anyone has any information or if they have been in a similar situation...I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

Hi Kim, I don't have any experience with your situation, but I can sympathize with your frustration. The process is time consuming and our hopes soar with each step. I hope you will be able to find a surgeon who can preform the surgery you need. Alot of doctors shy away from revisions because of the increased complications, but there ARE doctors who will do it. Have you tried calling the offices of the other GBP surgeons to ask if they do revisions? Some may tell you that they don't and if so, at least you won't be wasting your hopes and time on them and can focus on a search for a surgeon who does. I'm not sure I would push for a surgeon who has denied me previously, to do a revision now. I think my comfort level with them would be affected by the prior denial. You ARE due an explanation for their refusal however. If they referred you for the tests, then there are medical records which you can request a copy of if they are not forthcoming with an explanation. Be pro-active. As for losing weight pre-op....although it's not required by every surgeon, you CAN do it!! Have faith in yourself and make a plan. Increase your exercise, even if it's just walking. Be strict with yourself if you need to be.... Get the unhealthy goodies OUT of the house!! Keep the faith and keep believing! Good Luck with your search and please keep us posted on your progress. Blessings, Yvonne