Question:
I saw the new surgeon today regarding my stretched stoma...

he said he it was to risky to repair. I inquired about the lap band he said it had a 40% failure rate and that with having the RNY is was too risky. He wants me to join a Health Pointe Thin for Life diet program. Anyone heard of or tried that program? I'm kind of bummed. It looks like if I want to fix my stoma I'll have to go to a Dr who does them probably in another state but then how do you get preapproval without flying back and forth?    — Candace F. (posted on October 14, 2003)

October 13, 2003
My doc says the same things. I've brought people here from all over. They do much of their work up "there" and finish up "here" a few days before surgery. Most did not know what their problem was, so did come here for an initial consult. In some cases, he could rebuild the pouch (depends on how it was constructed) and in some, he simply moved the limb mored distally. All have lost weight. It's a big step. I understand. When my surgery had a mechanical flaw, there was NOTHING that stood between me & revising.
   — vitalady

October 14, 2003
Candance, Im sorry your doctor wasnt for it. He is right, fixing it is risky (supposely) BUT I know that doctors do fix it with regular revisions... we had one in our old support group. But as far has the lap band; I think he's wrong. 40% failure rate? hmmm might be for 'general' weight loss.. tho I havent looked into the figures I would be surprized; since the lap band has only been used in the US since 2001. I dont know the risk being higher cause of the RNY; my surgeon didnt hesitate, in fact thought it was a perfect solution. Then my doctor is 'pro lap band' .. He said my case would be a challage; than your normal lap band; and it was.. he had to do it open. BUT you know, even with a 40% rate; that means 60% sucess! and all I want is the band to be a stoma; 60% sounds good to me. I havent had my 'fills' yet; so I cant say 100% that this will work; but if it does GREAT!!!!! and Im sure I'll let everyone know. As for going out of state?? Is there no other lap band surgeons in town? for a second opion? Also, since the lap ban is 'new' here; he just might not have the 'experience' he feels he needs to be sucessful - which is understandable. It takes great courage to have WLS - and no one can understand the 'dispare' and heartach when your one of the few that the surgery isnt working correctly. Hang in there P.S. dont put my 'streched stoma' this give the impression it streched or you did something. YOU did nothing! your stoma not working was nothing you could have prevented. also going out of state; the MOST you would have to is 'one visit' but going out of network costs; and its ashame you would have to go thru that.
   — star .

October 14, 2003
Thanks both of you. I think by risk he means that since I had the RNY already it complicates it. He said he would refer me to a DR. Champaign in ATlanta Georgia if I insisted but felt I wouldn't be considered unless I tried a formal medical diet and failed. I don't live far from Chicago surely there is someone there who does those types of revisions. I just have to figure out how to find them. Helen please let me know how you progress. Michelle you are right I shouldn't let anything stand in my way.
   — Candace F.