Question:
Need support or your personal advice about a revision to distal

I am getting ready to go for a appt. to my general doctor to be "reassessed" for my surgeon, who wants to do a extended distal bypass. I had a vbg in 1985 and a gastric bypass in July of 2000 where he bypassed six ft. of intestines. We have not had good results with either surgery and now we have discussed this extended distal bypass where he would go back in. Another open surgery although he says it should not be as long or as invasive. I had lots of complications before including a pulminary embolis three wks. following surgery. This bypass would involve going in and moving the connection further down the line bypassing almost all of my intestines. Has anyone had this done and how was it for you? I feel like I need to continue this quest and do what my surgeon is recommending for me. I would like to hear from others. What has your story been like and how was it all for you? Would you recommend it for others? I need lots of support, this whole road I have been down has to say the least been very frustrating and emotional. Thank-you! Sarah B.    — Sarah B. (posted on January 31, 2003)

January 30, 2003
Sarah, I urge you to call Dr. Hazem Elariny and get a consultation with him. His patients can't say enough wonderful things about him, and he is known as a very skilled surgeon who cares deeply for his patients. He does the Duodenal Switch surgery as well as the others, so he can truly give you an unbiased viewpoint on what direction to go with this. I am not a patient of Dr. Elariny, by the way, but I have many friends and acquaintances who have used him. Here's his contact info: Hazem A. Elariny, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. (photo), Phone: 703-465-5060, Fax: 703-465-5062, Advanced Laparoscopic and General Surgery Associates, PLLC, 1635 N. George Mason Drive, Suite #455, Arlington, VA 22205. Best wishes to you! You might also want to check out http://www.duodenalswitch.com for more info on this option.
   — mmagruder

January 30, 2003
Sarah, First I wanted to say to you that I looked at your profile and your picture is absolutely gorgeous. Regarding your dilemma, I agree with the poster below that Dr. Elariny has a wonderful reputation for doing all different types of the surgery. Be very careful with the pulmonary embolism! My best friend, Ginger Brewster, had the surgery last February and died from complications that ultimately lead to pulmonary embolism. Her story is on the Memorial Page of this website. Take care and best of luck to you.
   — Hackett

January 31, 2003
Sarah---while my loss from WLS has been great and the reason for my 3rd revision is different than yours, I certainly can relate. I too had VBG in 1984, a proximal RNY in 2000 and will be revised to a distal (with some other modifications) on 2/7. My last surgical experience was a nightmare with a 3 week hospital stay, 3 trips into the OR, deep wound infection, pneumonia etc!!! So I too am nervious but I have confidence that my new surgeon is experienced and knowledgable. We spent much time discussing options, life after such a radical procdeure etc and I feel as comfortable as I can. You can read my profile and I intend to update after the next surgery as well. Contact me directly if you would like more info at [email protected] Follow your heart and do what you and your doctor feel is best for you and Best Wishes!!
   — Joanne M.

January 31, 2003
Sarah, my surgeon operates out of INOVA Fairfax Hospital and does transect the stomach. I don't know about your individual circumstances but you can certainly add him to the list of surgeons that you can interview in the No. Va area. His name is Paramjeet Sabharwal and his partner's name is Wanda Kaniewski. Their office # is 703-575-8801. They are a fabulous, caring and very good team of doctors. I highly recommend them. You can also attend some support group meetings in this area and get other referrals. There is one called the Staple Club that meets in Fairfax. Go to www.stapleclub.com for their schedule. It is the support group for 3 doctors that do this surgery in our area and hundreds show up at the support group meetings. Good luck.
   — Cindy R.

January 31, 2003
Sarah, I'm sorry to hear about your problems. I read your profile and I understand your wanting to be transected, but if you can really eat more food then most RNY'ers and you don't have an SLD maybe your stoma is enlarged and letting the food leave the pouch too quickly. Has the doctor checked that? I just would want to know that all bases were covered before being revised. I mean having it transected is fine. If they have to go in there anyway and you can find a doctor in northern VA that will do it, but it seems to me if you don't have an SLD then transection alone will not give you better weight loss.
   — Lisa N M.

February 1, 2003
I am extremely distal, and RNY. I'm delighted, but I accepted the altered lifestyle that goes with it. (like being 262 lbs and on a perpetual diet was "normal"?) So, yes, I do have distal RNY, have for many years. There are tradeoffs to get the good health you're craving.
   — vitalady