Advice to All Considering WLS - Research Your Surgeon
I am not trying to scare anyone or change anyones mind about seeking or having WLS. But before choosing a surgeon do your research. I had WLS October 10, 2002 with a surgeon here in Charlotte. I stopped losing weight 8 months after my second surgery. My pre-op weight was 284lbs and today I weigh 250lbs. I found out a month ago by another patient of my surgeon, to seek an upper G.I. to see if I still had a pouch. Since I stopped losing weight, I convinced myself that I was just supposed to be fat, I figured I lost some weight, I will just try with all my might to keep it off. After having the upper G.I., I had a series of other xrays and a M.R.I only to find out that I no longer have a pouch. Not only do I not have a pouch, but I have staples in the walls of my full stomach, just sitting there serving no purpose. I have recently seen another bariatric surgeon here in Charlotte, who has corrected about 15 of my original surgeons patients, because the exact thing happened to them. The procedure was performed incorrectly, with the wrong surgical instruments, resulting in the pouch coming apart.
I contacted the office where my original surgeon practices and told them about what I had learned. The offices legal department informed me that I did this to myself by over eating and they are not responsible. This is the same information that was told to the other 15 patients. I do not over eat and have mentally convinced my self that I can't over eat, because when I feel too full, I still vomit. Now I have ulcers, lactose intolerance to all dairy products and horrible acid reflux and my insurance company is fighting me on paying to have the staples removed. I cannot sue the former surgeon because statutes of limitations on surgical malpractice is 3 years and I am over that point. So if my story is read by anyone seekings WLS, PLEASE do your research and ASK QUESTIONS. Good luck to you and remeber no two surgeons are alike.
Hi LaDonna,
So sorry to hear that you've have this unfortunate and sad situation to deal with...After having had such a wonderful experience (so far) with WLS it makes me extremely sad to read about an experience like this. You give very good advice about researching surgeons.
Dr. Melkonian is a skilled and experienced surgeon, and I would recommend the surgery itself to anyone. I haven't had any problems at all, already feel better than I did before having the surgery, and I can't imagine having any at this point that would make me regret my choice in having the surgery or the surgeon who did it. I did research the surgery and surgeons for a year before making a decision.
I wish you the very best and hope that it will all work out in the end.
Jamey
The surgeon I chose is in Charlotte and apparently a large amount of his business is correcting mistakes of other surgeons. I wouldnt be surprised if we are talking about the same guy.
Was your surgery RNY? My understanding of RNY is that the stomach is segmented and the larger portion is permanently separated from the "pouch".
Yes Dr V is my surgeon.
I think about a third of his business is revisions. Maybe more.
I feel better about using him for this surgery because he is so used to fixing others mistakes. Maybe my logic is wrong but I feel that its better to have a surgeon who is experienced with difficult surgeries instead of one who only accepts the best candidates....
I am sorry to hear about your 'lack' of sucess with the surgery. I know it's gotta break your heart knowing you've gone through this and now you need to again.
I hope things work out quickly for you. I'm sure this is devastating for you.
I chose my dr very carefully. I beleive in 2002 this surgery wasn't as popular as it is now, so maybe we have better choice. I know my dr has an awsome sucess rate and is wonderful. Good Luck with Dr V. I've heard good stuff about him. Even if my source is biased.
Jennifer
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