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Topic: RE: 22 years since I "reversed" my WLS.
I had a BPD, very drastic. They couldn't totally reverse it. I lost most of my stomach and 2ft of small bowel. They dismantled as much as they could so I absorbed more nutrients. This was performed after I almost died.
Despite all of the above, I do believe in WLS, but only after a very strict protocol is followed. It should be used only in cases when people are in danger of dying from their morbid obesity and only when people have exhausted other weight loss modalities inc. Overeaters Anonymous (if they are true overeaters) psychotherapy, nutritional coaching, etc.
Despite all of the above, I do believe in WLS, but only after a very strict protocol is followed. It should be used only in cases when people are in danger of dying from their morbid obesity and only when people have exhausted other weight loss modalities inc. Overeaters Anonymous (if they are true overeaters) psychotherapy, nutritional coaching, etc.
Topic: RE: Sleeve???
Hey Jennifer,
We've already talked & you know I love my band. I have a few friends who have done the bypass and a few who have done the sleeve. Only one of us regrets our surgery and that was one of the bypass people. In all fairness, she regrets it because she has not lost as much weight as she and her doctor expected. BUT, she's been drinking a lot of alcohol (liquid fat calories for any WLS patient) and not exercising.
When I was making my decision, I really did not know much about the sleeve. My decision was between the bypass that my insurance would pay for (but only at their one approved hospital whose surgeons did not have great stats at that time), or doing a selfpay surgery. My husband was amazingly supportive (after he was done blowing a gasket) in agreeing we'd save up enough money to do the band. Making the decision was really tough. Looking back, I would have to say it came down to surgeons. I trust my surgeon Rajan Nair with my life literally. I just did not have faith in the ones doing the bypass at the time for our insured hospital.
So that is my story. I know a few people now who have had the sleeve, and my surgeon is going to start doing it soon as well. If I had the available cash and Dr Nair was doing the sleeve a year and a half ago? I think I would have gone for that one. PM me (private message). I will check with my friend on OH who has had the sleeve & see if she would mind answering any questions you may have about it.
Like the band (or any of the surgeries), it is a tool. My friend is doing phenominal with her sleeve. Looks and feels amazing & she's only 11 mos out.
Ultimately, just remember, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Eat right, exercise, and enjoy your new life - no matter which surgery you choose.
Amy (p.s. If you can afford it, there are some great books on amazon and at your local book store that break down all of the surgeries. there's even a Weight Loss Surgeries for Dummies book!)
We've already talked & you know I love my band. I have a few friends who have done the bypass and a few who have done the sleeve. Only one of us regrets our surgery and that was one of the bypass people. In all fairness, she regrets it because she has not lost as much weight as she and her doctor expected. BUT, she's been drinking a lot of alcohol (liquid fat calories for any WLS patient) and not exercising.
When I was making my decision, I really did not know much about the sleeve. My decision was between the bypass that my insurance would pay for (but only at their one approved hospital whose surgeons did not have great stats at that time), or doing a selfpay surgery. My husband was amazingly supportive (after he was done blowing a gasket) in agreeing we'd save up enough money to do the band. Making the decision was really tough. Looking back, I would have to say it came down to surgeons. I trust my surgeon Rajan Nair with my life literally. I just did not have faith in the ones doing the bypass at the time for our insured hospital.
So that is my story. I know a few people now who have had the sleeve, and my surgeon is going to start doing it soon as well. If I had the available cash and Dr Nair was doing the sleeve a year and a half ago? I think I would have gone for that one. PM me (private message). I will check with my friend on OH who has had the sleeve & see if she would mind answering any questions you may have about it.
Like the band (or any of the surgeries), it is a tool. My friend is doing phenominal with her sleeve. Looks and feels amazing & she's only 11 mos out.
Ultimately, just remember, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Eat right, exercise, and enjoy your new life - no matter which surgery you choose.
Amy (p.s. If you can afford it, there are some great books on amazon and at your local book store that break down all of the surgeries. there's even a Weight Loss Surgeries for Dummies book!)
Highest 298; Pre-op: 279; PreOp BMI 41. CW: 188 & Current BMI: 30!!!!! 
Thank you Lord for Dr Nair!!!
1st Goal 248; 2nd Goal 230 met!!!! 7/2010; 3rd Goal 215 - met 9/18/10!!!; 4th Goal 200 - 12/20/2010... Surgeons goal met - I'd like to lose a litte more.
Thank you Lord for Dr Nair!!!1st Goal 248; 2nd Goal 230 met!!!! 7/2010; 3rd Goal 215 - met 9/18/10!!!; 4th Goal 200 - 12/20/2010... Surgeons goal met - I'd like to lose a litte more.
Topic: Sleeve???
OK anyone here have any complications with the sleeve and or major issues? Thinking of getting it instead of the band?? Any suggestions?
Thanks Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer
Topic: RE: 22 years since I "reversed" my WLS.
ok im new havent had surgery yet... I was gun ho for the band but now thinking of doing the sleeve! What type of surgery did you do and how did they undo it??
Jennifer
Jennifer
Topic: A new update
First, I hope this post finds you all well, or at least on the road to strength and wellness. Many of us had the WLS to improve our lives and health, who would have thought these problems would endure. Whether it is due to unforseen complications or bad doctoring, in the end, getting back to full health is still the goal and finding good friends to support us along the way, especially ones that can understand what we are going through, can make all the difference.
I think the last time I left off, I had my spinal cord stimulator re-implanted at Cleveland Clinic. I started having some really bad mid/lower back pain, not like I hurt my back or pulled something, but sharp, pinching pain. I can't see anything myself back by my incision, so I was running my hand along my incision and I could feel a raised area that felt like a wire popping up! I ended up taking that midnight train to Cleveland, and heading right to the ER there. I spoke with the neurosurgeon's PA, let him know what was going on and that I was going to the ER. The ER doc was fabulous, they were very busy, but I swear he was in my room 10 times to check on me. They did some tests, imaging, and the neurosurgeon came down to the ER to check it out. I was in terrible pain, but my veins are so terrible at this point that they couldn't get an IV started...you know your veins are bad when they can't start an IV at Cleveland Clinic ER!! Let me just say that an IM injection of pain med was almost more painful than the pain itself...eeeek! So, after evaluation, they realized that one of the wires from the lead to my spinal cord stimulator is popping up and being pinched between the lead and the skin, it's like being pinched from the inside according to the doctor, and I can say it is true, that's what it feels like. The wires have lost their anchor, stimulator still works, but I am still having zinging moments with movement, and I wonder if it has to do with this wire popping loose. Here is the ironic part, there's always irony, right?...the only way to solve the problem is to go back in surgically and re-bury the wire under the muscle because I don't have enough FAT to anchor it too. I have to say, when the surgeon said this, I was at a loss for words...there aren't any times in my life, pre-WLS, that I was ever told I didn't have enough fat. As you can imagine, the surgery is invasive, and extra painful because they would be cutting muscle, and has all the fun parts of surgery for me (anesthesia anxiety, etc...) So, for now I am holding off to see how long I can withstand the pain before pushing the surgery button. I am also having a hard time using the device because of the variances in where it is "buzzing" me and the sudden changes in intensity that are happening with movements.
I also went back to Cleveland and had another EGD, I was still having trouble swallowing and feeling like food was stuck. My GI in Cleveland did the EGD, a normal esophagus should be around 20mm, mine was narrowed down to 9mm. He dilated the esophagus to 14mm, and I am going back in October for him to open it up the rest of the way. When it is that narrow, it would be dangerous and risk perforation/bleeding to try and go from 9mm to 20mm in one EGD; so that's why I am going back for the second time.
I have had several more ER/hospital stays...always a fun-fest. My primary is at St. Alexius in Hoffman Estates, a bit of a drive to go to the ER (25 mins), but knowing that my doctor is there is comforting to me. I did have one really nasty ER visit, the nurse was awesome (she has taken care of me before, so she understood what was going on), the doctor on the other hand was ridiculously bad. I'll make a long story short...she didn't listen at all, assumed that since it was my second ER visit in 3 months that I was nuts AND a drug-seeker, fabulous! I just want to put this out there for any healthcare providers that may read these blogs/posts (keep in mind I am a healthcare provider myself): As a provider/care-taker, you must treat each patient as a person, not a disease, not a symptom. Consider what a patient is saying, really listen; don't put a label on a patient because you are jaded. I think for every 100 patients you see, maybe 1-2 have bad intentions, so please don't punish the rest, better yet, don't punish any of your patients, they don't deserve it and you are there to care for and treat your patients, not judge them. As a final word of advice for ER docs, especially new grads; if you come out of medical school with blinders on and tunnel vision, the ER is probably the LAST place you should spend your career. I'm getting off my soapbox now; but those of you that are suffering, you've probably been there and felt this, so I just feel like it's worth saying and putting it out there as an awareness. I know there are a lot of healthcare providers on here as patients, and I think it's time to speak up for our patients and stop being scared, and most importantly, speak for ourselves and advocate for ourselves.
I think the last time I left off, I had my spinal cord stimulator re-implanted at Cleveland Clinic. I started having some really bad mid/lower back pain, not like I hurt my back or pulled something, but sharp, pinching pain. I can't see anything myself back by my incision, so I was running my hand along my incision and I could feel a raised area that felt like a wire popping up! I ended up taking that midnight train to Cleveland, and heading right to the ER there. I spoke with the neurosurgeon's PA, let him know what was going on and that I was going to the ER. The ER doc was fabulous, they were very busy, but I swear he was in my room 10 times to check on me. They did some tests, imaging, and the neurosurgeon came down to the ER to check it out. I was in terrible pain, but my veins are so terrible at this point that they couldn't get an IV started...you know your veins are bad when they can't start an IV at Cleveland Clinic ER!! Let me just say that an IM injection of pain med was almost more painful than the pain itself...eeeek! So, after evaluation, they realized that one of the wires from the lead to my spinal cord stimulator is popping up and being pinched between the lead and the skin, it's like being pinched from the inside according to the doctor, and I can say it is true, that's what it feels like. The wires have lost their anchor, stimulator still works, but I am still having zinging moments with movement, and I wonder if it has to do with this wire popping loose. Here is the ironic part, there's always irony, right?...the only way to solve the problem is to go back in surgically and re-bury the wire under the muscle because I don't have enough FAT to anchor it too. I have to say, when the surgeon said this, I was at a loss for words...there aren't any times in my life, pre-WLS, that I was ever told I didn't have enough fat. As you can imagine, the surgery is invasive, and extra painful because they would be cutting muscle, and has all the fun parts of surgery for me (anesthesia anxiety, etc...) So, for now I am holding off to see how long I can withstand the pain before pushing the surgery button. I am also having a hard time using the device because of the variances in where it is "buzzing" me and the sudden changes in intensity that are happening with movements.
I also went back to Cleveland and had another EGD, I was still having trouble swallowing and feeling like food was stuck. My GI in Cleveland did the EGD, a normal esophagus should be around 20mm, mine was narrowed down to 9mm. He dilated the esophagus to 14mm, and I am going back in October for him to open it up the rest of the way. When it is that narrow, it would be dangerous and risk perforation/bleeding to try and go from 9mm to 20mm in one EGD; so that's why I am going back for the second time.
I have had several more ER/hospital stays...always a fun-fest. My primary is at St. Alexius in Hoffman Estates, a bit of a drive to go to the ER (25 mins), but knowing that my doctor is there is comforting to me. I did have one really nasty ER visit, the nurse was awesome (she has taken care of me before, so she understood what was going on), the doctor on the other hand was ridiculously bad. I'll make a long story short...she didn't listen at all, assumed that since it was my second ER visit in 3 months that I was nuts AND a drug-seeker, fabulous! I just want to put this out there for any healthcare providers that may read these blogs/posts (keep in mind I am a healthcare provider myself): As a provider/care-taker, you must treat each patient as a person, not a disease, not a symptom. Consider what a patient is saying, really listen; don't put a label on a patient because you are jaded. I think for every 100 patients you see, maybe 1-2 have bad intentions, so please don't punish the rest, better yet, don't punish any of your patients, they don't deserve it and you are there to care for and treat your patients, not judge them. As a final word of advice for ER docs, especially new grads; if you come out of medical school with blinders on and tunnel vision, the ER is probably the LAST place you should spend your career. I'm getting off my soapbox now; but those of you that are suffering, you've probably been there and felt this, so I just feel like it's worth saying and putting it out there as an awareness. I know there are a lot of healthcare providers on here as patients, and I think it's time to speak up for our patients and stop being scared, and most importantly, speak for ourselves and advocate for ourselves.
Jules RNY 10/30/2007
Topic: RE: I had my RNY Reversed!!!!!
I too have had to go down the reversal, and more reversal to try and save my life...nausea/adominal pain are still a constant, but I don't think I will die of malnutrition now. I wish more people shared these experiences, not to scare anyone, but I think at support groups it is all hearts and flowers, I don't think many people talk about the issues, the serious ones...my experience at support group is that it became one rolling commercial and devotional to the surgeon and less and less about the patients. I'm sorry that you both have had these struggles, you are not alone. Feel free to read my story/blog, and my story continues. Be brave and fight for yourselves!! :)
Jules RNY 10/30/2007
Topic: RE: Side effects following WLS reversal
Thanks Jules,
Boy, you've been through it too...
I'm seeing docs at UCLA and Cedars Sinai. I just had a DBE (Double Balloon Enteroscopy). Think garden hose length. They found a flat lesion but forgot to biopsy it! At least the doc self flagellated and apologized. I think I'm cursed... I work in the med field and know CC's rep but I have HMO ins. I had to fight to get the out of network referral to Cedars. So, we'll see.
What is causing your abdominal pain? I've had several pts with infected, spinal cord stim. implants. Hope you feel better.
DocJ
Boy, you've been through it too...
I'm seeing docs at UCLA and Cedars Sinai. I just had a DBE (Double Balloon Enteroscopy). Think garden hose length. They found a flat lesion but forgot to biopsy it! At least the doc self flagellated and apologized. I think I'm cursed... I work in the med field and know CC's rep but I have HMO ins. I had to fight to get the out of network referral to Cedars. So, we'll see.
What is causing your abdominal pain? I've had several pts with infected, spinal cord stim. implants. Hope you feel better.
DocJ
Topic: RE: Anyone have revision from proximal to distal gb?
Thank you. I sent vitalady a message & I am awaiting her reply. I see she had excellent results. Only one other person wrote to me. She told me not to have the distal & to find someone to do the DS. This is a lot easier said than done. I don't want to go through the whole process again & risk getting denied through my insurance. My surgery is 2 weeks away. I can't force my doctor to do the DS. He didn't give me an optoin. I just feel from listening to everyone that I would have better results with the riskier operation. It would be worth it to me. I am a fast healer & I have a high tolerance to pain. I just wish I felt more comfortable. I feel comfortable with my doctor, just not his choice of operation. Not sure what to do.
Topic: RE: Side effects following WLS reversal
Hi,
Feel free to check out my page/blog on here...I have had two reversals, and still suffer long term complications. I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering, each person I see suffering from this makes me ill :( Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good luck, and I have two words for you: Cleveland Clinic
Feel free to check out my page/blog on here...I have had two reversals, and still suffer long term complications. I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering, each person I see suffering from this makes me ill :( Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good luck, and I have two words for you: Cleveland Clinic
Jules RNY 10/30/2007
Topic: RE: Anyone have revision from proximal to distal gb?
Thanks for asking Randy. I'm recovering well. Just getting back to feeling like myself again. I don't tolerate pain well at all. So I went into the ER twice after surgery. Nothing was wrong, I just can't stand PAIN!
The side effects takes something getting used to. You move your bowels more often like 3 to 4 times a day, and it smells something awful. Plus your bowels are loose. Your gas also stinks!
I'm losing weight nicely. My surgery weight was 207.5lbs and now I'm somewhere between 194-190lbs. I saw Dr. G on August 30th for follow-up nd my weight was 194, I feel like I lost weight since then. So I have lost approximately 15lbs since surgery on August 15th.
Dr. Greenbaum is wonderful, not the best bedside manner, but I felt like I trusted him and I was in good hands. My surgery last for 1hr and a half. Because he did a distal rny, he didnt have to operate on my stomach.
My nursing staff was amazing! They really took good care of me. Anytime I needed something they would walk in my room with a smile. You also have your own room if you are on the Morbid Obesity floor. I believe its the 4th floor.
I have to start doing my vitamin regimen. I have a liquid multi-vit and a liquid calcium by Reviva, and sublingual B-12.
Im supposed to be drinking 4-5 protein shakes a day. I dont know how anyone can drink that much. I barely drink one a day!
Also this is my 3rd surgery. I had the Lap Band done for a revision, but it didnt work for me. He left the band in, but he deflated it. The band gives me some restriction since my stoma is dilated. I didnt want to lose all of my restriction. Im not having anymor eproblems with eating and drinking like I did with the band.
I will keep you posted, and anyone else that is considering this type of surgery.
The side effects takes something getting used to. You move your bowels more often like 3 to 4 times a day, and it smells something awful. Plus your bowels are loose. Your gas also stinks!
I'm losing weight nicely. My surgery weight was 207.5lbs and now I'm somewhere between 194-190lbs. I saw Dr. G on August 30th for follow-up nd my weight was 194, I feel like I lost weight since then. So I have lost approximately 15lbs since surgery on August 15th.
Dr. Greenbaum is wonderful, not the best bedside manner, but I felt like I trusted him and I was in good hands. My surgery last for 1hr and a half. Because he did a distal rny, he didnt have to operate on my stomach.
My nursing staff was amazing! They really took good care of me. Anytime I needed something they would walk in my room with a smile. You also have your own room if you are on the Morbid Obesity floor. I believe its the 4th floor.
I have to start doing my vitamin regimen. I have a liquid multi-vit and a liquid calcium by Reviva, and sublingual B-12.
Im supposed to be drinking 4-5 protein shakes a day. I dont know how anyone can drink that much. I barely drink one a day!
Also this is my 3rd surgery. I had the Lap Band done for a revision, but it didnt work for me. He left the band in, but he deflated it. The band gives me some restriction since my stoma is dilated. I didnt want to lose all of my restriction. Im not having anymor eproblems with eating and drinking like I did with the band.
I will keep you posted, and anyone else that is considering this type of surgery.
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