I've lost 60 lbs, but it's not worth it.

The complications were caused by a stricture. The c. diff was picked up from the hospital. It happens to a lot of people who spend time in hospitals. One of the things the doctors tried to help reduce swelling prior to my second surgery was a week of steroids, which made me diabetic for 10 days. Prior to that, I've never had diabetes. Also, there was the case of kidney stones. And back spasms which were related to my arthritis and staying in that hospital bed for so long.

I'm so sorry about your bad experiences from having VSG.  I took a peek at your surgeon out of curiosity since I have heard they are shutting down some surgeons in CA for malpractice with WLS.  I noticed your surgeon's practice consists of only 3% bariatric and he has only done a hand full of lap band and RNY surgeries and did not post the number of sleeves performed.  I'm just wondering how much of your problems are a result of an inexperienced surgeon.  Just food for thought.  I am not trying to minimize your experience, just thinking what could be some of the causes. . .

"Dr. Burch has been performing bariatric surgery for more than five years. He performs approximately 100 surgeries per year, evenly divided between gastric bypass and adjustable gastric band procedures."
http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Bios---Physician/A-G/Miguel-Burch-MD.aspx

He is actually one of the best bariatric surgeons in the country working at one of the best hospitals in the country. In other words, if this could happen to me, it could happen to anyone.

Edit:
When I asked him how many times he's performed this surgery on one of my first visits, he told me "Hundreds." In the various groups at my hospital that I have attended for his patients prior to the surgery, half of them were getting the sleeve from him, so it seems to be his most requested procedure. He was highly recommended to me. 

But didn't you have VSG?  The above says his bariatric experience is evenly divided between lap band and RNY??

Clearly the OH info is sketchy and old.  until the sleeve was covered by insurance most Bariatric surgeons, experience was divided evenly between these two procedures.  What she said.  She had an excellent surgeon.

You must have looked at the wrong surgeon. Miguel Burch is an excellent surgeon head of Bariatrics at Cedars Sinai and at Boston hospital Bariatrics before that.  In 2007 he had done the most sleeves of any surgeon in Boston. He has done thousands of bariatric procedures. 

Thank you for sharing your sorry.  I am really saddened to hear you've been through hell and back.  I pray that you will make a speedy and full recovery!

You are suffering from some very serious complications that we all feared most.  Through no fault of your own, you fall in that tiny statistical category that has no mercy for the patient.  I wish I could do something to make it better.

I pursued this surgery to improve my health which was spiraling downward at a young age.  How I look is way down the list of importance (and really doesn't cross my mind much).  I was happy before surgery and am happy after, too.  But I knew if I didn't make drastic changes, i wouldn't be around long enough to enjoy the happy life.

I got a c diff infection in the hospital during my surgery as well.  I fought it for months and only recently got better.  If you ever want to chat about that specifically, please let me know.  It doesn't compare to everything you've been through, but at least I can relate on that one item.

*Hugs*, prayers, thoughts and well wishes sent your way.

 What is C Diff? 

Clostridium difficile.  It's a dangerous colon infection that is hard to get rid of... usually happens when hospitalized and/or after being on antibiotics.  The good bacteria in your body are wiped out or stressed and then the C diff takes over.

I had it for 5 excruiating months before I finally found a doc who does an experimental procedure to get rid of it.  But I'm better now.

 wow! that s scary! i have colon problems anyways! i will defiantly ask about it!