Question:
I can't find post-op help

I don't feel good and no one cares! I live in Cheyenne WY and can't find a doctor to help me. I'm 2 1/2 years out and can't quit losing weight. I started at 330 and now weigh 97. I can't eat, I feel terrible and they tell me my blood tests are low but fine. I feel like I'm dying. Can someone help me...Please?????!!!!!!!    — Terry F. (posted on August 7, 2003)


August 7, 2003
WHERE IS YOUR NUTRITIONIST???? You should be on protein feedings, at the very least!!! Where is your SURGEON??? Why can't you eat??? FORCE YOURSELF. You have to eat and you are the ONLY one who can make yourself eat. Get to a nutritionist NOW, in to see your surgeon, and to a good psychiatrist!!
   — Sharon m. B.

August 7, 2003
Hello, Terri, I was born in SD and spent lots of time in Wyoming... it is a beautiful state, but some things are in very short supply, like good, understanding doctors. I think it is crucial you get yourself to somewhere where lots of these surgeries are done... I had mine in Weston, Florida, where they do 18 a week, and nothing else (bariatric division of the Cleveland Clinic). They would not leave you hanging like your doctors did... you need to find a bariatric experienced nutritionist and surgical team that can give you professional advice. That's the only thing I can suggest, and I hope you can do it. I know there are patients of other surgeons participating in our support group at the Cleveland Clinic, and know they have helped others whose surguries were bungled, or who are having other problems. I think it would be worth your while to go wherever you can get this kind of support... if I can help you in any way let me know! Tim Walters [email protected]
   — Tim W.

August 7, 2003
I know you're close to Colorado and there are a lot of good bariatric surgeons here. There's Dr. Michael Snyder in Denver who did my surgery and is absolutely wonderful. His number is 303-280-0900. Please give him a call and tell him what is happening to you. He is in Thornton, not right in Denver, but close to it. He's at the North Suburban Medical Center. Please let us know how you are doing. We're all praying for you.
   — cinthygrady

August 7, 2003
<font color="007000" face="tahoma">Maybe you should do some research on Doctors in Colorado... I am in Colorado Springs, and I have a very good Dr and aftercare program. (Dr Scott Fisher with the Colorado Springs Surgical Associates). I dont know if you want to come all the way down here, but I am sure you could find a good Dr in Denver or Ft Collins. <P>Please get some help as soon as possible! Good Luck to you!</font>
   — Wendy D P.

August 7, 2003
Excuse me- but- Holy Crap. You need to get yourself to some new doctors right away. And- while you're at it go see a therapist or psychologist or psychiatrist. You've got to take control of this. No one is going to do it for you. Why are you resigned to 'being alive'? Is that what you want for yourself? No- I can tell it's not by your profile. So what are you going to do? You've got to get pro-active with your own healthcare. Who is your surgeon? You need to call him up and give him some holy hell. He is responsible for your surgery and it's complications. I can't encourage you enough to try and take come control over this situation. You can not sit back and say no one wants to help you. YOU have to help you. By the way- you COULD be sleeping all day because you are depressed. I KNOW I would be if I was in your shoes. Good Luck to you.
   — LMCLILLY

August 7, 2003
You are very close to Dr. Snyder in Thornton...e-mail him @ [email protected] always answers within 12 to 24 hours. Missy
   — Missy L.

August 7, 2003
Terry, sweetie...you need the help of a good gastroenterologist who is familiar with WLS, before you waste away totally. Perhaps a hospitalization and tube feeding would help you get back on your feet. Please don't wait another minute...if you don't have a primary care to get a referral from, please call your nearest teaching hospital (they're the best) and ask for a referral to a good gastro doc. At this point, I don't think your WLS surgeon is someone who can be of help. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 7, 2003
There is a girl in our support group that did the same thing but she was 5 years out. She went to her surgeon that did the WLS and he said she was fine. She then went I believe 2 or 3 more and they could find nothing wrong either. As a last ditch effort she came to my surgeon and he vowed to find the problem and he did. She developed a stricture. After he repaired she gained back 30 lbs. She was below 100 too. Don't give up!
   — Kelly P.

August 7, 2003
You poor thing!! You're starving, that's why you're so exhausted. I sincerely hope you can find a doctor to help. I have heard that it's possible to develop a stricture farther down in your intestine where you're connected back up (not below your pouch, which is common, but farther down, which is rare). I wonder if this could be why you can't keep anything down? I second the suggestion to find a good gastroenterologist who's familiar w/ WLS patients. {{{Hugs}}} to you!
   — mom2jtx3

August 8, 2003
Teri, please listen to the others and find a good doctor to help, even if it means traveling a little to get there. You should not have to struggle so, nor should you not be able to eat. Your blood tests may be fine but there is something wrong. You are your best source of how you feel and when something is wrong. Do you have family or a close friend that can help, even if its just holding your hand or driving you to a good doctor? Persist, take charge, take control and hang in there. Stay in touch-we are here for you.
   — Cindy R.




Click Here to Return
×