too high risk

So, I made the 300 mile trip from Wyoming to Salt Lake City to confer with Dr. Steven Simper about revising my RNY to DS.  He is one of the handful of vetted revision surgeons, and was the closest to my home.  When I first sent my medical records to his office, I got a call from his nurse saying that he had said he would "probably not" want to do surgery on me due to my history of several abdominal surgeries, small bowel obstructions, severe adhesions, and a colostomy (not related to WLS).  I was disappointed to say the least, but I began researching into what my next step would be.

 

Then a couple of weeks later, I got a call to schedule my appointment.  When I told the nurse that it was doubtful he would do my surgery, she said she didn't know who could have made that call (I did not get the name, unfortunately), and that he WOULD most likely be willing.  So, we made the trip, involving 3 nights in hotels and much driving, and attended the appointment.  It turned out to be a group of about 6 other patients to attend a detailed "informed consent" class, and a lecture by Dr. Simper, then we would be called one by one for an exam.  We (the group) were told "you'll be given your surgery date today".

I  was so excited!   Wow, insurance approved?  Yay!!  The surgery date?  Wow!  Then, the exam.  Evidently there had been a miscommunication.  Dr. Simper reviewed my surgical records, and said that with all of my surgeries, and the adhesions, he would really be reluctant to do the surgery.   He estimated that I had a 90% chance of complications.  He was very kind, and I could tell that he regretted having to give me bad news.  He said that he could go in and have a look, but if it looked too bad, he would close me up and not change anything.  I could not see the sense of having surgery just to confirm that I couldn't have surgery.  He recommended that I get a second opinion, and recommended the surgeon in southern California (who I also was familiar with from the vetted surgeon list).

Needless to say, I was crushed, at being so near, and yet so far, from getting surgery.   Everyone else was seen one by one and got their surgery date..........and I went back to the hotel room, packed my clothes, and had a long and sad drive home.

 

Despite my disappointment, I do respect Dr. Simper for the care he took in reviewing my case, and for being honest and up front with me about the risks.  I believe that for any other people (who don't have a train wreck situation with their intestines) that he would be a wonderful choice as surgeon.  

 

So, now I have made copies of my previous surgical notes and enclosed them with a letter to Dr. Ara Kershishian detailing my situation.  Basically, I am asking him to look at my records and tell me if I am automatically disqualified as a surgical candidate.   I know that he can't say, sight unseen, that he COULD do the surgery on me.  I am asking if just looking at my history means he would NOT be willing to operate.  I do know that the physical exam, the GI studies, and the EGD are required to definitively say whether or not I have surgery.  I just want to make sure, before I spend a couple thousand dollars on the travel, that it is not a wasted trip due to a foregone conclusion.  

 

Please, wish me luck.

I'm sorry you've gone through so much! Im definitely wishing you luck and keeping you in my prayers! I'm thankful that Dr. Simper was professional enough to be honest with you, that's a blessing! Dr. Keshishian is my surgeon, I'm scheduled for sept. 10. I look forward to an update once he reviews your case. Stay positive!

I am so sorry to hear of your disappointment. It is so hard to have your hopes dashed.. However, I am relieved to hear that a surgeon of this caliber was honest with you about the risks and outcomes. I really respect it when someone says, wow, this is outside of my capabilities.



That said, I'd like to offer you info on my surgeon. He is a world class specialist and is the reference in Bariactric lap surgery for almost 20 years. I don't know your personal situation, if it is even feasible for you to travel etc. but I know he also works in new York. He is the Professeur Guy-Bernard Cadiere and he is Head of digestive surgery at St. Pierre hospital in Brussels. He is also the creator and head of the Brussels Weightloss Center ( www.bwlc.be) . He speaks fluent English. He might be up for the challenges your situation presents. Can't hurt to inquire. I'm happy to offer support if I can, send me a friend request and I'll share more my experiences with him and his center ..

I wish you all thebest - Ashley

He is not a RNY to DS revision surgeon.  THAT is on a whole other caliber.

Get a second opinion with Keshishian in CA.  He is the most experienced RNY to DS revision surgeon in the US.  

I was looking into Dr. K or Rabkin this morning. Unfortunately financially they are not options for me!!! 

Dr. Inman in Indiana has been performing Bariatric surgery since 1997 including revision to DS. Her practice in also  a Center for Excellence which many insurance companies are requiring now.

My SRVG was an open surgery and my revision to RNY will be lap as of now.

What is an SRVG, and why are you revising to an RNY?

Silastic Ring Vertical Gastroplasty.

It is a stomach stapling and ring procedure where an egg size pouch is created.

I have GERD, ulcers, strictures in ring and diabetes. Surgeon stated RNY was my only option at this point.

She was my original surgeon from 1997 and is a revision specialist at our Bariatric Center of Excellence so I trust she knows exactly what procedure is best for me.

Ah, I see. That one *is* a toughie. I hope all goes well for you!