RNY 12/14/98 barely hanging in there~~

I had my surgery in December'98 and though I would never say it was a bad decision, I wish that I could have chosen a better practice. Not to say that my surgeon was bad, but he didn't have the programs that are now offered. When I needed him, he was not there and his partners provided poor coverage. I was 6 months post-op and having the worse pains. His partner dismissed it as gas or possible flu symptoms. I went to a closer ER and had emergency bowel obstruction surgery, plus the gall bladder removed. Since then, I have been through numerous surgeries and still no relief in sight. I dread going to the ER and only go there when I absolutely can not deal with the pain anymore. I read through many of the postings and its nice to see that there are better programs out there and such great support, in meetings as well as online. Though I do sound kinda negative... honest... I'm trying to hang in there. Its just hard some days when the pains are so bad and eating hurts. I am trying to make appointments this week to see if I can get into another bariatric program, preferably near lower DE but if I have to, I guess I will travel to Wilmington. I went from 347 lbs to 160... and I have gained some back. I feel awful about that but I am hopeful that I will find another doctor that can help me feel better so that I can get back to the gym and do normal things again. Hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th!

Maria, I'm sorry to hear that you've had such a difficult time on your journey. I too have noticed that the bariatric programs and much better today than when I had my WLS. I had a tough time with my surgeon too and never went back for follow ups. Just this past year I came back to OH because I needed to find some support and was please to find so many helpful folks. I hope you find the help you are seeking and start to feel better soon. Tracy A.

Hi Maria, I just wanted to tell you about a fantastic surgeon in Rockville, MD. I know that is a few hours drive for you, but he's just THAT GOOD! His name is Barry Greene and he did my roux-en-y a little over a year ago. He has performed about 800 roux-en-y surgeries over the past 5 years and has an excellent record (meaning...ZERO surgery-related deaths!) Before he began performing gastric bypass, he did other things and was such a good laprascopic surgeon that his mentor told him that the gastric bypass community would really benefit from his skills. He learned the technique and now has a great program going. He has a really thorough program---completely evaluates patients and educates them prior to surgery, then has them closely followed afterwards. He wants to be sure that patients know what to expect and wants them to be successful, which means EDUCATION! Anyway, I have also heard from a couple of people that he has CORRECTED their previously botched surgeries that other guys did. One guy had gastric bypass 20 years ago and had DAILY pain over that 20 years. Dr. Greene went in and fixed this guy and he has felt great ever since. He still performs other kinds of surgeries, but lap band and roux-en-y make up the bulk of his practice now. I had my gall bladder out last month and I had him do it. Actually, I called his office on my way to the ER when I was having the pains, and Dr. Greene came by the ER to check on me. He's just a great guy! Three days later he took my gall bladder out. Okay, that's enough of my rambling. I just wanted to tell you about Dr. Greene, but whomever you decide to go with, I really wish you the BEST! Colleen

Hang in there, Maria! I can imagine how hard it must be, but you know what you have to do. I will be praying that you willfind a good surgeon and that you can have everything checked out to make sure that everything is working properly. Hugs, Tracy