Conclusion II: Gonna just say "Hmmm?" for a few weeks

After getting just about every opening in my body (but one!) shoved into by a hose, tube or some other instrument of torture, it is concluded that I have some GYN disfunction that no doctor wants to handle and some level of Lap Band failure or at least the darn thing is tired of all my other crappy ills. The band looks good on film, but acts whacky in reality. My doctor mentioned taking it out again today and I just basically went "hmmm? .... gotta run to the daycare!" The harsh truth remains: I had weight loss surgery because some piece a crap of a gynecologist didn't have the balls (figuratively) to fix her mistakes so she said "all will be well if you have weight loss surgery". Four years later, I have an ailing weight loss surgery tool and *still* have critical GYN issues. When I'm not saying 'Hmmmmm?" I'm saying things that would never pass the profanity filter on OH. I was sold a sack of smelly stuff and it really didn't matter which weight loss surgery tool chosen -- I was being distracted from fixing crap that needed fixing. I'm no expert on weight loss surgery, but I do write about it quite a bit. Compared to what I knew when I made my original decision, I'm a Phi Beta Kappa. Life is full of decisions and turns and tools. Frances is going to start listening to facts, and people and give the doctors a break in solving my life's puzzles. It's not that I don't trust (all of) them, it's just that I've decided to become a student of my health and figure out where I went wrong in my trust of modern medicine. I think I will cancel that colonoscopy next -- cause when that puppy comes back unremarkable, I'll be ready to take some SOB out. You have given me loads to think about it has helped me tremendously as I take control of this ship. So, as long as I don't get dehydrated or even further anemic, I'll just be sitting back and saying "Hmmm?" for a little while. Thanks, ???Frances???

But the colonoscopy is so much fun! And if you do go ahead and have it - please tell the doctor to do a thorough exam - because studies have shown that doctors who spend just a few minutes more time will find abnormalities FOUR times as often as docs who spend less time. The difference from 6 to 10 minutes in examination during the withdrawal of the tubing can save a life. Frances, it just sux that a doctor used your previous weight as an excuse not to do the right thing. And the scary part is - too many docs out there would make the same decision. It frustrates me that there is still so much bigotry toward obesity in this day and age. I also think you are making the wise choice. You are one smart cookie, and you can do the research and make some good decisions. Do whatever it takes, sweetie, because we love you! Drink tha****er, move daily. Send your chocolate to me to keep from being tempted. Chelle

Oh you poor dear.. If your travels ever make your way up to Boston, we have some great teaching hospitals and OB-GYN's up here that I can hook you up with who aren't afraid of dealing with difficult cases. They consider them "challenges" and fodder for their future journal articles. See if you can ask one of your doctors for access to uptodate. It's a great resource for the latest medical research. I want a happy ending to your saga.

I admire your ability to deal with everything that's being tossed your way. The 'hmmmm' sounds good if you need a break, but we need you to be healthy. I saw a colonoscopy twice on TV and both times the patients said it was much less invasive (OK, that's a stretch....it's invasive...but you're sedated) but it wasn't as bad as they expected and they were happy to have had it. You've been through a lot. Maybe a little breather is in order. Teaching hospitals are really good choices (well, most of them anyway). Hope you get some good news soon. - Ann

Frances...I am so sorry to hear that things are still not going well for you... YOU deserve the best...and I wish for you that the dr. that is doing you so wrong...well let's just say I hope he gets life and understands that YOU are one of the best and deserve much Better....drs. like that should be exposed to the masses...it really upsets me when they make us think that they are doing things FOR us...when really they are only working for themselves.... Love ya Girl...I wish I could help

I truly wish that I had something profound to say that would make a difference. I am sick and tired of doctors that do not treat problems of obese people and instead just say lose weight or have surgery to lose weight. How about treating the problems that you went there for. I hope that you find a "real" gyn that can take care of you properly. Lots of love, Marcia

I guess I'll never complain again. Thanx for the perspective. I dont deserve my band if it went by personality and how I would handle your situation.....

Frances... First, I have to say, you have a way with words. I know someone that had to get WLS before removing a CANCEROUS GYN organ. It didn't spread yet... but hopefully when she gets enough weight off, it will still be contained. It is so sick to put off a necessary surgery based on weight. If I were you, I would really look into experts to help your GYN matters out. I know you are in a different state, but I can ask my mentor for some names (or he can ask GYN doctors for expert names). Somebody has to be able to help you! I feel so horrible for you! Bad things like this should not afflict good people like you. It is so sad! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you! If you want to look into experts, You can contact the Mayo Clinic in Florida. http://www.mayoclinic.org/gynecology/ I just hope you find someone to help you! ~Alyssa

Frances, I am at a total loss as to what to say (not like me, that!!). Just sending you my love and best wishes, Your little tart green fruit of a friend, Kate

Frances, I have already shared my issues and out of frustration I had every test scheduled also, because I have throbbing abdominal pain that would wake me with the fear that an artery was ready to explode... I had a CAT scan, of course that was "unremarkable", they thought I had diveticulitus and was going for a colonoscopy, I also had a hysterectomy schedule for late May 07, once the band came out, all that pain was gone, now I did have the ablasion (sp) done in 06 but was having some small cysts that came and went on my ovaries... because I was running in all directions for someone to diagnose my pain I was getting a fist full of answers... everyone was guessing. Once that band came off, all the pain was absolutely gone, I know your GYN issues are remarkable, but just maybe some of you discomfort would depart. I called to ask the day before my date "why am I having this hysterectomy?"... they reply, because you are in pain.... CXLD!!!! I was willing to have a 4 hr procedure because of the pain, it renders you helpless (and brainless) at times... Everything was supposed to be better with WL says the damn skinny doctors! I just want to hear about the bike riding Frances again!!! God Bless you honey. {hugs}