Question:
Now what do I do? (very long post) poor loss
— so2luv (posted on April 7, 2005)
April 7, 2005
Interestingly my surgeon dr philip schauer a world leader in bariatric
surgery says LAP or open the ACTUAL surgery is the same. Sounds like your
surgeon messed up. Have you tried the cottage cheese test? To see how big
your pouch really is?
— bob-haller
April 7, 2005
First of all, I'd find myself a really good lawyer, even if I had to get
Medicaid involved. This dr. obviously doesn't know what he's doing and
that is not good. Then, find you a good surgeon and get a revision done.
This surgery is the best thing I've ever done for myself...98lbs in 8
months. It's been so easy because the weight has just fell off of me.
Good luck!!
— juju524
April 7, 2005
Sounds like all of you need to get a lawyer and get your insurence
companies involved... the fact that his own assistant admitted that he did
not do the inital surgery incorrectly!!! I am sorry that you are going to
have to do a revision but I would definitly go to a different doctor ASAP!
— MagickalMom
April 7, 2005
As An earlier post suggested, find a way to immediately contact an attorney
that has dealth with Bariatric surgery. Make sure you document everything
you eat, and your weight loss. Actually document everything that has to to
with this surgery. It would be really wonderful if you could get what the
PA told you in writing, signed by the physician. I know that the cost of
an attorney, may seem out of reach...but find a way. I believe that a good
attorney would encourage your physician to settle for enought to cover the
surgery, hospital charges, and your pain and suffering. No I am not an
attorney...just know a bit about the law. I certainly would not allow this
physician to use me for an experiment a second time.
— lindarodham6
April 7, 2005
I would try a class-action suit. Try and get other people he has done this
to, to join you in a trip to an attorney. You should not have to pay
anything out-of-pocket for a class-action. Usually, the first consultation
if free. If you don't know any other patients, a good attorney can petition
for release of all his medical files. Just a thought.
— Janet S.
April 7, 2005
Wow! This is a tough one. I would NOT let this surgeon to a revision on
me. Revisions are trickier than the original surgery and if he screwed up
the first one I would hate for something to go wrong on a revision. My
suggestion would be to get an attorney and hopefully get enough money to
cover a revision from a reputable surgeon. As for revision to DS instead
of true RNY I have read a couple articles that say this is how the
"standard" is leaning. Course it would depend on WHAT the
original surgeon actually did.
— SJP
April 8, 2005
Thanks so much to all who've responded. Even though the suggestions of
family and friends,reccommends the same route, I really wanted to share
with AMOS and figure out, if there was something else I could bring to the
table, but with responses I've seen so far, I will pursue, an attorney. I
did the cottage cheese test I could eat 16oz. (those big containers) not
that I could not eat more, I HATE cottage cheese and was getting nausious
with the 1st spoon. Anyways, thanks again to all of your supportive
suggestions.
— so2luv
April 8, 2005
Kim,
I wish you all of the luck in the world. I'm having surgery on 5/4/05. Your
story scared me to death! In addition to all of the good advice you have
received thus far. I would also add that you should check the Medical Board
of Practice in your state to see if this doctor has had any other
complaints. The more ammunition you have when you go into the attorney the
better your case will be. Good luck to you.
— Monezie
April 8, 2005
The first thing that occurred to me is that I would request a copy of my
surgery record. Find out what the doctor says he did. Then get yourself
to another doctor to see if everything is kosher. It isn't just pure
coincidence that your doctor's patients are experiencing the same thing you
are. Maybe he isn't bypassing your intestines at all and so you don't have
malabsorption. Maybe your pouch wasn't made small enough. I wish you the
best of luck. I can tell you that I requested a surgical report delivered
to my house before I left the hospital from the procedure. It took a while
to get in the mail but I am sure glad I asked.
— rinnchris
April 9, 2005
I don't know for sure, however, I think that science has not had the
ability to truly decipher obesity. Don't hold anyone accountable. Could
we be guinea pigs? I think so. However, I don't think we can blame the
surgeon. This is an evolving science. Everyone is doing the best that
they can.
— [Deactivated Member]
April 10, 2005
Dear Kimberly,
I'm 22months out and I have only lost 50lbs total... I have a great
deal of medical problems along with the medicine that goes with it. My
surgeon agrees that the weight loss wasn't successful, but I did manage to
get off of my diabetic medication and have a great deal of other wonderful
things that came out of this. I would have this surgery again in a minute,
would I like to lose more weight, of course, I work out 3 times a week eat
proper meals, but my metabolism is just plain wacked. lol...
I wish you luck in achieving your goal and also agree with those that
suggest you get another opinion.
Deborah
— Deborah
April 11, 2005
Hmmm. I haven't had my surgery yet (having DS on May 24th) but it seems the
more I read the happier I am about the one I've chosen. I wish you the best
of luck and if you have to revise, I would seriously consider the DS.
— T S.
April 11, 2005
Kimberly,
Wait until your Aetna goes into effect, find another surgeon. Tell him
everything and ask him to please order an EGD, you probably had this before
surgery. The gastroenterologist should be able to see through his scope
how large(or small) your new stomach is and how large the opening is(which
also has a lot to do with restrictions or lack thereof). The new surgeon
can also order the surgery report (you just sign a release and save
yourself the embarrassment of facing your old surgeon). And then if your
original surgery was inadequate for any reason, I am sure sure Aetna will
cover it. Good luck and God bless. Pam Garcia
— pammatria
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