Here goes...

I know I haven't posted on here in a LOOOONNG time...and thats because I've been really bummed out about the progress of my "weight loss journey" In February I decided to go see Dr. Ryder for lap band procedure.  Everything sounded and looked like I made the right decision.   I got the approval letter in the mail about 2 weeks later... YAY!   I had ALL my testing done by about the first week of April...(sleep study, PFTs, x-rays, upper GI, esopahgeal manometry)I was feeling higher than a kite...I had lost 5 pounds with the nutritionist... Then I got the phone call...the dreading freaking phone call. Dr. Ryder explained that I couldn't have the lap band OR gastric bypass because my esophagus spasms too much.  She said that I qualify for a more risky, more intense procedure called biliopancreatic diversion (BPD).  I told her that I would have to think about it and get back to her.  Well visits with a general surgeon, my PCP and my gastroenterologist said NO WAY to that procedure.  They still think the lap band is perfect for me.  SOOOO today I went and had another appointment with Dr. Ryder (after more testing!) to find out that she is not comfortable doing it and that she discussed my case with Dr. Harrington and Dr. Roye as well and they recommended no lap band.   So now, as Dr. Ryder and my gastroenterologist suggested, I'm supposed to be seeing Dr. Pohl for a second opinion for lap band or some other type of surgery.... Sigh... I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and what was the outcome?   If your still reading...thanks...I know I sound like a whiny baby, but I really need to vent this out as I feel so frustrated and nobody else at home seems to understand my frustration.  *Gina*

Dear Gina,

Sorry, tough break.  Go on the consult & have lots of questions.  I'd also continue looking into the BPD.  Your health is basically your responsibility and you know what's best for you.   Good luck!  Keep us all updated.  Perhaps they could give you the name of someone else who has had this surgery. Islander.

 

Hello Gina,    I'm so sorry you are going through such matters. Maybe these people here can help you out. They are people that have been through the billiopancreatic diversion. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS Hope this helps! Best of Luck! ~Dawn

Well, what exactly is a BPD.  Why don't you want it.  I would get all the opinions you can and make your decisions from there.  You need to make sure you are safe and your body can handle it.  I am sure they would not refuse the surgery if you truly could get it. Jen

You don't sound whiney at all.  Keep your chin up, maybe Dr Pohl or Dr Giovanni will be able to do the procedure for you.   Good luck!!!

you are not being whiny at all- but I really hope this doesn't sound preachy either... I know you had your heart set on a particular procedure, and the testing outcome wasn't what you wanted to hear, but they really do those tests for good reasons (other than torture and making us wait forever).  I personally- I think- as it really is easy to sit on the sidelines and "know" what I would do- I would step back and really hear what those 3 Dr's have to say.  The risks can be huge with this surgery and I would err on the side of caution.   ok- stepping off the soapbox- and I am again really sorry if I sounded preachy, but honestly, this surgery scares me enough- but to think of what could happen if something went wrong....I really worry

Thanks for the encouragement, info and point of views LOL It is easy to sit on the side lines and know what you would do...until your in the situation.. If I read what I posted, I'd be like.... "if you want to lose the weight bad enough, and you have the option of ANY surgery, just do what physicians recommend...that they wouldn't recommend it if they didn't think you could handle it" But coming from MY point of view...this is a HUGE procedure and Dr. Ryder has NOT performed many at all.  She said she would have to have Dr. Roye assist her.  I have confidence in her that she can do it, I'm just wondering if I can handle it - I CAN BE SUCH A WHIMP at times.  I'll keep everyone updated as to what Dr. Pohl had to say.  I'm hoping there is a happy medium between a lap band and BPD.  She did mention a gastric sleeve, but none of the physicians in her office perform these. We'll see.  Thanks again,  G

You are so not being whiny!! Dr Pohl is a great surgeon, I think it a wonderful idea getting another opinion. Dr Pohl has been doing the lap band surgery alot longer than the other doctor in RI so he might be able to do it.