Patients of Kenneth Weber Ballard Swedish

Hello,

I had the VBG in 2005, Dr. Weber was my surgeon and retired in 2008.  Did any of  the patients of Dr. Weber receive information on who to see once he retired?  I have not seen a WLS since 2006 and have a few concerns popping up over the last couple of years.  Bremerton does not have any doctors that have experience with the VBG.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I am having lots of heartburn and reflux no matter what foods I eat or drink and food tolerance issues.

Thanks for your help

Jody

I'm from Belfair, and my Doctor is in Federal Way. He's not the closest, but I know he picked up a lot of patients from Kitsap. Anyway, hope you get it worked out,  it does not sound pleasant. I'm sorry this is happening.

I can't help you with the doctor, but I had VBG in 1986 and was revised to RNY in 2010.  I had SEVERE reflux for 25 years and ended up with Barrett's Esophagus, six tumors, and multiple other complications.  I vomited almost every meal I ate.  I learned to live on high calorie liquids, causing some re-gain.  

Run, don't walk, to another surgeon.  VBG was one of the worst weight loss surgeries ever done.  I went to six specialist, and nobody would touch me.  I ended up at Mayo Clinic and Dr Sarr saved my life...literally.  Mayo clinic no longer performs the VBG because of the high rate of complications.  You will likely need a revision due to mechanical failure of your VBG.

My revision to RNY cured my GERD and gave me my life back.  I have not vomited in 4 1/2 years.  I can finally eat solid foods with very few food intolerances. I do have lactose intolerance and I dump on sugar, but I have learned how to feed my body and I have been 15 pounds below my goal weight for almost 5 years.  Life is GOOD!

Dr. Srikanth in Federal Way is open to seeing patients who started with someone else. I have also heard good things about Dr. Hunter in Federal Way. 

You could always go back to Swedi**** still has a vigorous bariatric program.

I second Dr. Srikanth, with the caveat that 99% of the time you'll see an assistant post-op.   It sounds like you might need a different surgery eventually and I would trust him with my life. (Actually I guess I did!).

My "RnY" wasn't a true "RnY" and he had to do a lot of extra stuff once he got in there.  In spite of all of that and his taking out my gall bladder while he was at it he was able to do the whole surgery laproscopically (sp?).  I had had previous abdominal surgeries so he warned that there was a good chance it would be an "open" procedure but fortunately he was able to avoid that. He even called me at home at night a couple of different times when I had pre-op questions.

The worst part of the surgery was the nurses behavior in the hospital post-op.  I personally will never go back to St.Francis Hospital EVER.  But my surgery was seven years ago - hopefully that situation has improved. 

Good Luck - hope you find someplace where you are comfortable.  =)

I second the Dr.Hunter recommendation. The NP and PA's I have seen there are also excellent.

I've had a lot of health problems in my life. What I've learned about doctors is that when you have a problem with the muffler you need to see the muffler doctor not the battery doctor. I highly recommend seeing a WLS medical doctor or PA soon.

Deb