A Real Mess 3 Years Out

I had my surgery 3 years ago and have had so many medical problems from it.  I developed an Ulcer in March 09 that ruptured and needed immediate surgery.  I had a feeding tube put in at that time.  I had a stent put in that did allow me to eat but then it was removed. I then had a ballon placed inside to help me eat which failed.  The doctor put the stent back in three weeks ago so I am able to eat but the ULCER will not go away as he found that I am producing way too much acid.  He wants to go back in and do another surgery at the end of September to remove the stent and also to close off two ducts.  This is not the surgeon who did the original gastric bypass, it is his partner whom I love.  However, this doctor has never done this type of surgery before and needs "Mr. Wonderful" to assist him.  I do not like this idea as I do not want Mr. W. to ever touch me again but I do not know what to do.  Has anyone else gone through anything like this before and if so, please let me know the outcome.  I know we all need acid in our stomachs to break down the food so if he closes off these 2 ducts - then what? I AM SO SORRY I EVER HAD THIS DARN GASTRIC SURGERY....I have not had one day of happiness only missery in three whole years.  HELP!

I really feel bad for you.  You thought you were doing something to improve yourself.  Then all this nonsense happened. I don't know if I'm out of line, and if I am, please ignore me and what I'm about to say. You might have a malpractice suit on your hands.  And, can you have anything reversed?

Don't think I haven't thought about a malpractice suit.  I am 60 years old though and by the time it would all be said and done I'll probably have croacked! Lol  I am dealing with it the best I can.  I just found out that the last surgery they want to do hasn't been done since the 60's.  Can you believe it!  It hasn't been done because of all the heavy duty antacids on the market but hey what about me.  What about the people who produce way too much acid?? Anyway thanks for your comments and heck no I am not upset.

whats going to happen
will there be any chance of reversal
hope you feel better

No, there will not be a reversal.....that is much too hard to do....it's harder than the actual by-pass surgery so guess I just have to go forward and hope to God they fix me before I drop dead as I am 60 years old.  Thanks for your comments.

Was this done in Hazleton or at Geisinger?  Unfortunately I'v'e heard horror stories more than once from both programs.  Sigh..

I would suggest finding another surgeon.  If you can travel, I would recommend looking into Dr. Greenbaum in New Jersey.  He's taken on some nasty revisions and probably would be worth talking to.

I'm so sorry for all of your troubles. 

Sharon

Unfortunately, so have I. My friend who had it done in Hazleton about 4 years ago has undergone 4 surgeries in Boston to try to correct some of the problems.

I agree that if you have not sought the opinion of a different physician group you should RUN to one right away.....      preferably someone who is well known as a master in this field.  Where do you live and what insurance coverage do you have - if you don't mind my asking...the skill and experience of the surgeon is so critical to your situation and the fact that the guy you like has no experience with what you need and will have to ask the hack for asistance is greatly troubling to me.

All the best - will keep you in my prayers!
Jill

There are a few surgeons across the county who do reversals or revisions and able to take down the GB pouch, reattach to the stomach, etc. and then either leave it like you were before, or revised to a DS. That is what I had done and I couldn't be happier. My doc is in California though. Checking out Dr. Greenbaum as someone else mentioned might be worth a shot for you. Good luck.

This is probably a dumb question but have they tried medication? Protonix?  You just didn't mention that and I was curious.

Kelly