Concerns About Going Forward

As of now, I am awaiting approval from my insurance, but I am apprehensive about going forward. I read about other's complications and it worries me. My surgeon(Dr. Barbara at Barix) reassured me at my consult that he would do everything possible to take care of any complications should they arise. He said they check for leaks after the procedure is performed and also the next day. If any are detected, I would face another surgery to fix that (heaven forbid). I am more worried about infection. I had 2 c-sections and after the first, got a bad staph infestion that had me back in the hospital for 10 days. After the second c-section, I developed a fever and was given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. I "think" I can handle the pain. I have had the 2 c-sections, a D&C, had my knee cut open from a fall and had my ankle ripped open in a motorcycle accident (the ankle also developed an staph infection while healing and I had to take antibiotics over a period of time as it healed). So with my history of infections, I hope that I will be given antibiotics as a precaution so I can aviod that complication. Any advice? Should I demand it considering my history of infections?

Hi Paulette, I went through the same concerns because of high temps and infections after c-section and gallbladder/hernia surgeries. Currently I was really concerned because of all of my comorbities but, my surgeon has carefully planned my surgery and has taken every possible precautionary measure there is to avoid complications. He also has a plan B for everything and this along with peace of mind through prayer I'm assured that I will do well. Talk to your surgeon again and ask detailed questions concerning what actions will be taken in the results of complications and express to him your concerns. As for myself my brain was flooded with thoughts of what if's and fear began to set in. I had to stop myself , re-group and think on the positive beneifits that WLS will have on the rest of my life. 13th here I come I pray that things get better for you. Georgeann

Ms. Mann: Preoperative antibiotics are a standard procedure to prevent or lessen the chance of wound infections. Postoperative antibiotics given without a defined infection is not routinely done or recommended, despite your history of previous infections. As surgeons we would like to treat infections with the antibiotic that works best for only known infections. If you have a unique cir****tance, I'm sure your surgeon will address it. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great. Sincerely, Calvin Selwyn, M.D. Assistant of Prof of Surgery UC Center for Surgical Weightloss

Hi Pauletta, I read your post and just wanted to say that I am thinking of you during this time of big decisions. Like Sister Georgie said, asking your doctor all your "what if" questions is a very good idea. The doctor needs to know about the history anyway, so you might as well get his/her thoughts on what to do "if." You need to work through this with your doc and get your mind settled about your concerns, then decide. That way, you will be able to think about it clearly and consider all the facts. With prayers for you, Kitty B.

I had my surgery at Barix also, and they give you IV antibiotics before you go into surgery. I've also not read any complaints about post-op infections at Barix on this board, and people are generally pretty open about their experiences and problems here. A history of infections does not necessarily predispose you to future infections. Best of luck!