What do I ask for?

Hi all. I'm nearly seven years post op and suspect I have some issues with my pouch. The problem is I'm not sure what tests I should be asking to have done. To complicate matters, I live in BC, Canada and getting in to see a Bariatric surgeon is difficult if not damn near impossible. I need to be able to tell my PCP what tests need to be done and what the issues are to check. I have terrible pain when I eat certain things, I seem to have diverticulitis-like symptoms. Plus, I'm pretty darn sure my stoma is stretched. If I know what to ask for, I can get it done and then hopefully get support for further action. Not that anybody in Canada is getting revisions at this point. It's a one shot deal. I can go elsewhere with my mom nformation and self pay for revision though (which I would happily do if recommended). Your responses are appreciated.

Hi!

I hope you get some answers to your questions.

im not sure how it works in bc, but in Ontario, my pcp would consult with a surgeon at the local Bariatric clinic if she was unsure about the best practices or what tests to order. The same way they would with any other type of specialist. if you can't access the services of your Bariatric clinic, your family dr should be able to get the answers.

good luck!

Lots of people on the Ontario board have gotten revisions. I think our system must be very different from the one in BC

Good luck with everything, hopefully you can get the answers and treatment you need asap.

The tests that are used to diagnose any mechanical failure or possible enlargment of the stoma are an EGD and Barium Swallow. It will depend on what your symptoms are as to which procedure they will use to help diagnose your problem. Be very honest with your PCP/Surgeon what you have been eating and what you are experiencing so that they can properly determine if this is a possible mechanical failure that requires testing or if you might just need some nutritional or educational guidance on getting back on track.

Best of luck to you!

Thank you those are th answers to what I was looking for. I have a record of my eating patterns dating right back to surgery. Also, until recent knee replacement, I have been very active. The issue is not new however. In fact, it's because of the knee replacement(s) that I am looking at revision. I'm by no means a failure (100+ lbs lost) but I'm not there yet.

Where did you have your surgery? If it was in BC, then you should go back to your original surgeon. If you had your surgery elsewhere, yes, it is difficult to get to see the five surgeons who do bariatric procedures in this province -- I know my surgeon has said he "doesn't want to clean up other people's messes".

I'd start with requesting a barium swallow and a gastroscopy, but unless the surgeon/doctor doing it is familiar with what to look for, it may all be moot. I'd recommend you push hard for an emergency referral to one of the bariatric surgeons in BC. Even if they won't DO anything, they would have the best information as to how next to proceed.

I had surgery in BC. Dr. Malik did my surgery and my last encounter with him and his nurse/secretary wasn't so kind. I almost lost my job over going to that appointment. As far as he's concerned, I am a success. However, I still am considered morbidly obese though I've lost over 100 pounds. I have also had one knee replaced and am looking at a second knee replacement. It is in my best interests to improve my weight loss further and I believe that revision is the right answer based on what I am experiencing. I haven't gone through all this trouble to still be obese. I don't feel my surgeon was aggressive enough and as a result, I'm still experiencing several health issues (plus skin issues) related to obesity. It's not like I'm 115 lbs and need to lose another pound or two.

Good luck with your tests. Did you have your surgery out of country? I had my lap band in seattle when I lived in BC. I'm in Toronto now and had my revision to rny in Montreal.

also if you still have your gallbladder it may be worthwhile getting that checked out in case that is the issue