quick update...and thanks

First off, a huge thanks to Ann for keeping everyone informed and for being such and angel!  Love ya!

I am doing okay...the pain got to be so intense on Sunday that I could not physically deal with it anymore.  So, I trudged down to Fair Oaks and went to the ER.  The wait was long and painful but, the staff was wonderful as usual.  As soon as I got back the doc came in and recognized me and said he would order some dilaudid and zofran and then talk to me. 
So, I got my drugs and felt a bit better...the doc came back in and we decided he would admit me and do a scope on Monday...same old stuff.   Monday morning, I had my scope and they found another ulcer...no big shock there--I seriously could save them the trouble and just tell them when I have one.
So, back on the TPN and liquid diet...Dr. Mo talked extensively to me about reversal and I am just not ready to throw in the towel.  I have been through too much and worked too hard and I refuse to give up.  Besides, one of the most common side effects of reversal is ULCERS...at least travelling THIS path, I know what to expect and what my pain is going to entail...with my WHOLE stomach having ulcers, I can't even imagine living through that.
Just a side note for Lauren--the reason that the percentage of weight gain after reversal is so high is because your stomach has muscle memory.  After bypass, you have a little pouch and malabsorption on your side and the weight comes off.  After reversal, those things go away.  You can take in far more calories and your stomach remembers from before how much food you can consume and simply reverts back to that state of relaxation.  So, going from taking in barely any calories to taking in 2000 plus calories daily results in weight gain, period.  I certainly could work hard to keep from gaining back ALL the weight but, most of it will come back regardless of what is done.  From a medical standpoint, it is unavoidable.
Dr. Mo and I also discussed possible causes for the ulcers--we sort of are clinging to the theory that because I nearly always have a mint or gum in my mouth that I am just perpetuating the build up of acid in my pouch and it's just sitting there.  He is also going to discuss my case with some fellow surgeons to see if we're missing something or something else we could try.
Soooooooo....for now, the plan is to do TPN/liquids for the next 3 months or so... keep an eye on protein levels and see what happens.  I think I'd rather live the rest of my life with ulcers every few months than have a reversal.  The risks are just too high... and like I said, at least travelling this road...I know what to expect in terms of pain/healing time, etc. 

My grandfather is hanging on by a thread right now...we thought he would pass last night...but, he didn't.  Today, he is becoming jaundiced and so that is a sure sign that his liver is failing or has failed.  It is only a matter of time once that occurs.  I expect that today will be the day...

I will keep you all posted as best I can.  Thank you all so much for your well wishes, support and friendship.  You have no idea how very much I appreciate it all...I truly consider you all as my extended family and have a great deal of love and respect for each of you. 

Lisa,

Thank you for the update and please know that you, your grandfather and entire family are in my prayers and will remain there.  I wish there were something I could do for you!

I am glad Dr. Mo is consulting with other surgeons...I highly recommend that.  It is my belief  that two heads are usually better than one!  I truly understand your not wanting a reversal...I don't think I would either but we are all different. 

I am here if I can do anything...love to your family.

Hi Lisa,  I'm happy to hear you are doing some what better.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 

Sherry

Hi Lisa :) I am glad you are fighting a good fight doll. Its not been easy but I'm glad you are armed with knowledge and making the best choices for YOU. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. May your grandfather pass peacefully. May the Lord be with you and yours.

I'm continuing to keep you and your grandfather in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope that those meds will work their wonders quickly and that ulcer will get healed.

As for the sidenote, thank you for taking the time to explain what medically happens with the stomach and the brain's response to what happens to the stomach after reversal.  Personally, I don't believe 99% gainback because that is saying that someone with a normal size stomach could never lose the weight.  Althought we have all chose a surgical route for whatever reason, it is not the only route for permanent weightloss.  It's just the route *I* had to choose.  More power to people who can do it on their own.  Personally, I think after time to retrain your diet and eating habits you can make a change for the better.  IMO this would explain WLS patients who stretch their pouch and can eat much much more, but who also still do have a fair amount of success keeping the majority of their weightloss off.  But in the end, we all are going to trust the medical professionals and the choices we have to make for ourselves given any complications that arise.  My opinion and anger towards the initial figure that Ann reported is just my own reaction.  I'll agree to disagree.

I hope that you do not have to make a decision for a reversal, especially given that ulcers can still happen afterwords.  Keep trucking on forward and see how things go!  Goodluck.

It is also harder when you have had a feeding tube and been on all liquids so often...you have not had as long to try and retrain your brain.  Regain is almost always the result, unfortunately.

Hi Lisa,
  Glad to hear that you are doing better and have not thrown in the towel. Hopefully the ulcers will come to an end and you will be feeling better in the new year.
Cindy

You are going to remain in my prayers.  I am glad you are home now.  You are one fighter!!! 

Hi Love.  I'm so glad you were able to take a few minutes to visit here.  It was my pleasure to be  your messenger but I'm glad you explained further, your discussion with Dr. Mo.

Even though I've wanted to, I've stopped myself from calling so that you can concentrate on yourself, your Granddad, & your family.  I KNOW you will call if & when you want to.  Just know that we are all thinking of you & yours.  I'm fully prepared to follow your lead.

Take care, Lisa & remember that I love you very much.

You will continue to be in my prayers.

Jeane