First Attempt Was A Bust...

My WLS was scheduled last Monday, but when I woke from surgery, no bypass had been performed?. Apparently, I had adhesions from a decades-old hysterectomy, and Dr. Yu couldn't access/see what he needed to perform the bypass. He did repair a large hernia, though, so I still get to hurt - whoopee! Now I'm not sure how to proceed: the options he's given me are 1) try doing the sleeve but make it looser so it's not so "high pressure", or 2) to reattempt the bypass, but he will have to open me up. I'm really conflicted because I have MCTD (Sleroderma/Lupus overlap) and any surgery is risky. The reason he can't do the typical sleeve procedure is that my esophagus is relatively rigid from the Sclero, so my ability to swallow is impaired. (Although I've been swallowing food pretty well to get to this size). I'm meeting with my Rheumatologist to get her opinion before making my decision. If anyone here has had a similar experience, I would love to hear from you. Thanks for listening! Janna

My choice would be the open bypass. I would not want the loose sleeve, especially with your swallowing problem.

I'm sorry your surgery didn't go as planned but happy your surgeon was able to fix the hernia and had the wisdom not to proceed.

I think that you're on the right path of talking with your Rheumatologist. You might also consider talking with a GI doctor?

This would be a hard choice - on the one hand you're risking GERD with the sleeve, on the other hand you're risking, you know, death. I don't know enough about your condition to know about the surgery risks, though. So I'm glad it sounds like you have a good team of specialists to consult with!

I'm really sorry that you are in such a tough place. Are those your only two surgical options for WLS? They have several choices. Not all of them are as effective, but they are still a tool that can be used to help you.

How disappointing! I can't believe he didn't just open you up on the table. The hernia repair means that he is getting paid, and if you agree to let him do RNY, he'll get paid twice. Lucky him...unlucky you

My friend had an open bypass 9 years ago and did well with it. She said she was walking more in recovery than her room mate, who had laparoscopic surgery. She didn't have your health concerns, though.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

I can't imagine how disappointed you are Take a few days, recoup from this surgery and then go over your options. I was adament I didn't not want to be opened. 13 years ago I had seen a lot of complications/infections and was so worried. During the surgery I had complications and the only option was to open me up. Dr. Nagle asked my husband what to do and he made the call to open me up. Short term I was so upset and had complications. Long term if saved my life.

Again take your time and we are here for you