nursekathy2u

After reading this log I have to say that the medical facts of what misfortune says happened to her medically do seem to hold true.. Everything she described does follow a logical progression of an illness involving sepsis and longterm debilitation. It doesn't seem made up to me. However people who are not "medically knowledgable" make assumptions about things that arent always true. For example (if I read this correctly) Misfortune stated they told her she had "pacreatitis, a stomach virus". Well, first off pancreatitis is not a stomach virus.. It is an inflammation of your pancreas. Your pancreas lies behind your stomach, in the vecinity where you had surgery done, and could easily become inflammed if "handled alot" which if they repaired a hole in the stomach they may have had to do. So misfortune may very well have had pancreatitis in addition to the hole/holes. Not necessarily a lie, but a misinterpretation of what was said. I see this ALL THE TIME when dealing with patients. They dont understand the medical jargon flung at them by us medical professionals and dont ask questions because they dont want to question the "mighty doctor". People trust the web for medical information and much of the info out there is not necessarily correct. Some people may be listening to me right now.. taking what am reading as the gospel truth and dont know me from Adam. Bad things happen to good people, and good people make bad mistakes. I see it EVERY DAY at the hospital where I work and Jboy you know that too if you defend "bad doctors". Also, surely you have read enough medical records to understand that how she described her illness does not sound like fiction. It sounds legitimate. I believe she actually had these complications. However, the complications she had were all spelled out clearly for me on my surgical consent. I signed it knowing FULL WELL that I could have a hole poked in my stomach and develop a life threatening complication. Hell it even had death listed as a complication. Some people think those permits are to "cover the doctors ass" when actually they are to inform the patient of complications in case the doctor "was an ass" and didnt tell you about them. It is called informed consent. The complications listed have happened in the past to other unfortunate patients and not just by crappy surgeons. I have seen "the best surgeons" have a terrible complication. Not everyone who has a puncture during surgery gets an infection. Perhaps coincidentally the lap band used was contaminated in the factory where it was made. Maybe a fly buzzed into the surgical field and dropped some E Coli bacteria on the sterile field and it got transferred into the patient. (Yes I have actually seen a fly in a surgical suite before) Like I said before.. Bad things happen to good people and good people make bad mistakes. Such is the ebb and flow of life. Surgeons, the good, the bad, and the ugly are ALL human and certainly susceptible to having an unfortunate complication. Also remember.. that surgeon also has an assistant standing across the table from him and is operating the other laparoscopic instruments.. who is that person?? Did you meet them before surgery??? Are they the one who poked the hole??? . Something to think about.. The best we can do is research the surgeon AND the facility, research the procedure, pray, follow all the surgeons instructions and make sure someone is with you who can speak on your behalf, ask questions and notice when things are just not right. And always, ALWAYS ask for clarification if you dont understand something. Most medical folks are happy to answer questions. Especially nurses.. we love it!! Hee Hee I am glad misfortune survived her terrible ordeal. It truly sounds horrific and I cant imagine going thru that and not having harsh feelings afterwards. Kathy

I have a co-worker that watches everything I eat and comments about it.. And just the other day my boss was proud of me for something and said "I ought to take you out to a nice dinner... Oh.. Im so sorry.. I forgot you cant eat" I guess Im not supposed to eat any more...And every day people at work ask me how much I have lost.. the same people.. over and over like they are obsessed with it.

I would imagine that is the vagus nerve.. That nerve is frequently cut durring Gastric Bypass surgery as well to help with hunger.. It is also cut in people with severe peptic ulcer disease to help with pain. Im not sure, but I believe the nerve can regenerate itself and it would only be a temporary fix.. Like i said im not sure about that part but i bet an internet search would tell you. Kathy

Gas, Gas, Gas!! Ugh!!! Count me in too.. Here is the bad thing. My husband has a bad gas phobia.. I am dead serious.. He believes that you inhale gas particles and they build up in your lungs.. Everytime I pass gas he freaks out and covers his nose and mouth.. Sometimes I just cant make it to the bathroom and then again sometimes it is just plain funny to jack with my husband!! On a serious note, people who swallow alot can have gas build up. People with reflux swallow alot. And so do people who feel like something is in their throat or esophagus.. You might try paying attention to your swallowing habits.. not that you could prevent frequent swallowing but it might answer your question as to "why". The only other solution is simethicone products.. Kathy

4-3: JenRN - 4-3: Picardy3 - 4-3: Mom2Blak - 4-4: Angelu - 4-4: brneyezz - 4-4: judyc - 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/268/150 - 43 total 4-5: Boo ffice<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shapetype class=inlineimg id=_x0000_t75 title="" alt="" border="0" src="images/smilies/silly.gif" o<img path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"></v:shapetype>referrelative="t" o:spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><V:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></V:path>ffice:office" /><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage001.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/embarrassed.gif"></v:imagedata>ffice" /><?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O<v /><O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1026 style="WIDTH: 12pt; 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HEIGHT: 12pt" type="#_x0000_t75" alt=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata> 4-14: Miper70 - 4 -17: Shackdog - 4 -17: Amourette - 4 -17: Jeepergurrl - 242/222/140 - 20 total<O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1032 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" type="#_x0000_t75" alt=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata> 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/250/150 - 20 total 4 -19: Kathi - <O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1034 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" type="#_x0000_t75" alt=""><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata> 4-20: Omamoon - 4-20: Indababy - 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/246/150 - 27 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/284/150 - 26 total<O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1036 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" type="#_x0000_t75" alt=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata> 4-22: Alisonb - 4-24: Eficka - 4-24: Ceparano -255/270.5/255/170 -15.5 total 4-24: Kat - 4-24: hlj25950 - 15.5 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/255/145 - 11 total <O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1038 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" type="#_x0000_t75" alt=""><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata>4-25: nofattipatti - 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/233/150 - 31 total 4-26:Tracylou - 4-26: K@t - 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-28: Jellibeanz - 4-28: Susan4794 - 4-28: msheavensent - 4-29: Scneaux -<O:p></O:p> <O:p

Have you tried Slimfast shakes?? Just the regular slimfast Optima shakes have 13 grams of protein and they really do help control hunger.. The Rich Chocolate Royale is REALLY good. I drank those when i was on liquids and now that I am on solids I eat cottage cheese.. it has like 15 grams per serving.. I am supposed to do 50grams a day. So between cottage cheese twice a day and regular food I dont have to do added protien powder

WOW!!! my doc says eat three meals a day and that is it... other than that I guzzle water all day...

My first thought would be dehydration.. how much are you actually drinking in a day?? Just sipping on a glass of water all day or more?? Are your eyes dry too?? Any weakness or lightheadedness?? Other than that thought i dont know what could cause a dry mouth after lap band surgery.

In response to the question about erosions.. Yes, you could die from an erosion.. Your stomach is very vascular.. If the erosion occured thru and artery you could, in theory, hemorrage to death without immediate medical care. As an Endoscopy nurse I have been called in many times on an emergency basis to help cauterize a bleeding ulcer, which is a deeper erosion. An erosion is likely to cause the same symptoms as an ulcer; pain, nausea, burning in your stomach, and if you vomit blood, even a small amount, or anything that looks like coffee grounds you should seek medical advice immediately. Another clue to bleeding is black, tarry looking stool. I have not heard of having yearly endoscopy done to check for erosion and am not sure that is needed, unless you are symptomatic. The statistics I have seen on erosions say that it is most often not life threatening but could be. I think you would have symptoms before it got to the life threatening stage. Kathy

I dont know of anyone who died from the surgery but I do know of a man in his upper 40's who had it done.. was discharged from the hospital and was readmitted 3 days later with a horrible infection. He had the band removed but unfortunately became septic with infection and was in ICU for a month. His heart stopped on 2 different occasions and he had to be resussitated. Unfortunately he suffered brain damage and was in a rehab for about 6 months just learning to walk, talk, and preform everyday activities. This happened in 2004 and he is just recently beginning to be his old self again, however with memory problems. This was not related to "Lap Band surgery" but to "Surgery" itself. The doctor speculated it could have been that the band was not sterile from the factory but more likely the sterility of the surgical field was compromised in some way. I was in OR setting up for a surgery when another tech in the room noticed a fly landing on our surgical field. We had to throw everyhting out and set up again.. had she not been looking in that direction at that particular moment the pt would have received surgery with insturments a fly had landed on. My point is... ANYTHING can happen when you undergo anesthesia and have a surgical procedure done.. Not just a lap band. So since this is an elective surgery it is important to treat it as seriously as you would any other surgery. Your surgeon is only human, and he will have an assistant with him operating the laparoscopic instruments on the other side of your body, and an anesthesiologist puts you to sleep. People make mistakes, accidents happen, unfortunate events that cant be helped occur, people have life threatenting reactions to medications and anesthesia and so on and so on.... Now... that being said.. STATISTICALLY Lap Band surgery has a low mortality rate.. 1 in 2500 is what i have heard too. Also, keep in mind that not all people having lap bands are healthy.. they are morbidly obese and many have the health consequences that go along with it.. heart disease, lung disease, diabetes etc, which makes them at a higher risk of undergoing surgery of any kind. Perhaps that may have been the cause of death of the "2 people who died from lap band surgery" Who knows... I know of people who have died having their wisdom teeth removed or during a colonoscopy.. both of those people were only given sedation... Life is unpredictable. If you do everything you are supposed to do, seek out a competent surgeron and go to a reputable facility, and follow all the post op instructions things will likely be fine... thats what the statistics say. Just be sure you would be willing to risk your life to have the surgery and improve your life and health. ALL surgery is a risk. Be sure this is not a first resort but a last resort.. For most of us the surgery is a LIFE SAVER not a LIFE TAKER. I am so thankful for my lap band.. And I would do it again in a heartbeat. Kathy

Add me too... I was banded April 13th. 358/356/335/175 down 23 pounds!!

Hey Guys!! I am curious about how things are done by each surgeon. I have a few questions. If any of you have time to answer them that would be great! 1. Where do you get your fills done? 2. Who does the fill?? A doctor or a nurse or other clinician? 3. Is it covered by your insurance or do you pay out of pocket? 4. What is the charge? 5. What insurance are you on?? (also HMO or PPO) 6. What state are you in? 7. Do any of your surgeons provide aftercare as far as dietary classes or excersise classes or support group with and actual counsellor? 8. Same questions about how it is paid for?? Insurance or private pay and what is the fee? I am toying with the idea of a business opportunity providing those services. I have been a nurse for 23 yrs and have recently been considering opening a business of my own but all I know how to do is be a nurse.. I would love any input you guys have. Thanks, Kathy

Hi All!! I will be 3 weeks post op tomorrow and I have already lost 18 pounds and guess what??? I have a chin!! WoooHooo!!! My husband noticed it first. He said "Wow, your chin is now seperate from the blob of fat on your neck" After I slapped him I noticed he was right. I can't tell I have lost weight anywhere else.. just my face.. but I will take what I can get. Recovery was harder than I thought.. Just the port pain.. It REALLY hurt. My doctor said it is because he couldnt give me Toradol after surgery to help with inflammation. I am allergic to it and he gives it to his patients every 6 hours and that really helps them alot. Also he prescribed liquid hydrocodone 5mg every 6 hours for me at home. I told him when I went for my post op appt that he "needed to remember he is treating morbidly obese patients and provide them with adequate doses of pain medicine. It takes more medicine for fatties!!!! " I couldnt even tell I took anything. I havent started my walking yet... Three days before my surgery we moved into our new house so I have been slowly unpacking and organizing the house.. I get tired pretty easily still. We finally got the room our treadmill is in organized so I can start using it now.. Now I just need to find what box I packed my motivation in!!!! I am one of those people that Loathes exercise. My boss keeps trying to get me to walk with her on our lunch break.. Nothing could be less appealing to me.. How do you explain to a skinny person that you dont want to walk because you will sweat like a pig and then have to work the rest of the day all stinky??? Oh well, I hope everyone is doing well post op and those who are preop have nice calm nerves The surgery was a peice of cake and if you can handle a little pain you will do well. Most people havent had as much pain post op as I did so ya'll should do well!! I would recommend having someone with you the first day home though. I could have used the help but i was alone.. Take care all, Kathy

Snow White, A liquid antacid kept in the fridge will also help releive the symptoms. Take it before meals and it will coat your esophagus to help protect it. The coldness feels good too!! Gaviscon is a really good thick one.. I use it myself Kathy

Here is my take on the XRay.. (I am a certified Gastroenterology nurse so I will be interested to know if i read the xray right!) The upper area of narrowing above the pouch may just be the gastroesphageal valve but it could also be an esophageal stricture or esophageal spasm which could certainly cause your symptoms. The little tail of barium coming thru below the pouch along with your history that it took 60 mins to go thru makes me think the band is indeed too tight. That in itself could cause esophageal spasms and or chronic reflux that could lead to a stricture.. It does NOT look to me like the band has slipped. That is only my opinion however. I hope your feeling better and let us know how things turn out!! Kathy

I am also 7 days out and i do feel a restriction. Im sure it is just swelling. My physician wont do a fill until 8 weeks post op to ensure ALL the swelling is gone first. I seem to have alot of problems with gas... both ends.. I dont get pressure in my chest so much as it feels like their is air in my stomach that needs to come out and cant get back up thru the band. I dont like it. I am sick of liquids.. sick of worrying about what im going to eat.. and tired of my port hurting.. and i am starving all the timne!! I just keep thinking about when i am able to eat regular food. By then i should feel better.. and to top it all off I have lost 15 pounds in 7 days so that is exciting. Hanging in there, Kathy

Hi all, I had my surgery April 13th and am slowly getting better. I had to come home with a catheter because I couldnt pee. I took it out the next morning and dropped it in the bathroom floor and couldnt bend over to pick it up so my hubby had a nice surprise when he got home from work!! The worst thing by far has been the port pain. I didnt have any gas pains and my whole abdomen didnt hurt except for my port incision. That incision is about 2 inches long and right under my ribs on the left side. THere is also a hardness under and around the incision but no drainage or any signs of infection. I just feel like there is a big mass embedded in my muscle and everytime I move or bend that side I have a stabbing pain. If i am laying still it doesnt hurt at all. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this? I am also having alot of belching. It was harder than I thought it was going to be but im glad Im on the other side of it. Looking foreward to getting on with my life. Kathy

I am 5 days post op and still having alot of port pain which in and of itself is depressing . I am also suffering from weeping spells and anxiety.. why did I do this to myself?.. I just want this thing out of me.. etc.. I have had panic attacks and depression off and on since I was a teenager and in fact that is the reason I chose lap band over bypass... I didnt want to malabsorb my depression and anxiety meds and get into real problems. My doctor and bariatric coordinator all say these are normal feelings and should pass. I try to get outside everyday.. that seems to help.. I just wish i would quit obsessing over this port pain and swelling... Oh to be "mentally challenged".. What a joy!!! And a nurse on top of that.. I know too dang much... Im just sure Im the first patient ever to have port cancer... LOL.. anyone else a pessimistic, depressed, nervous sicko like me???

Hi Everyone!! I am also having my band placed in April.. On the 13th to be exact.. I noticed noone else is on the 13th.. Ya'll aren't superstious are you?? I know a lady who is having hers on June 6th.. 6-6-6.. yikes!! I would reschedule for sure!!! I'm having my band placed at the hospital I work at. That is good and bad..since I work at the hospital I picked my own nurses, my surgeon and my anesthesiologist but the pressure is on now since everyone will be monitoring every thing I put in mouth!! I have watched a friend of mine who had Gastric Bypass surgery go thru that.. Noone said anything to her face of course but there were plenty of people who had nothing better to do than to watch what she was eating and comment about it behind her back. Oh well, I guess it comes with the territory.. Well, heres to all of us who are having our surgery this month!! CHEERS!!! (clinks her glass with every one else) <CLINKS else everyone with glass her>(Protein shakes, of course) Kathy

For those of you who use Dr. Sewell in Southlake, how often does he do fills?? Where do you get them done?? Does he do them himself or someone else?? Does insurance usually cover this?? If not, how much does it cost? Kathy

I am curious as to why you ladies went to mexico for surgery?? Do you mind sharing?

Jules, My story is similar except I had no kids and I did divorce my husband after his 4th affair. I am 5'10" and weighed about 190 when I met my husband. When i divorced him I was about 280. He lied to me about how he felt about my weight throughout our entire marriage. When I would ask him about it he would say it didnt bother him. Only in marriage counselling did the truth come out and he said he didnt tell me because he didnt want to hurt my feelings. Apparantly he thought the better thing to do was to have 4 girlfriends, thereby NOT hurting my feelings!!!! By that time the damage was done.. the trust was gone.. and I lost all respect for that man. So I left him... How pitiful that i stayed with him thru 4 affairs because I was afraid of being on my own. A 32 year old fat girl.. it seemed to me I would never marry again or even have a boyfriend... I felt like it was my fault that he cheated because he was not attracted to me anymore because of my weight.. I was so angry at him for lying to me for 5 years instead of giving me that chance to lose weight when I didnt have 100 pounds to lose!! Not that I would have or could have lost the weight but at least I would have been given the chance to try to repair something that was obviously bothering my husband. We have a food addiction.. like your husband says he likens it to drug abuse. now that may not be a fair association but that is HIS perception. I relate this again to my husband.. He was addicted to pornography.. He didnt think it was a problem but i was disgusted by it. Two different perceptions of the same thing caused by each persons previously life experiences, morals, beliefs etc. You cannot change him or make him feel a certain way. The only person you can control is yourself. You cant really even control your own child. Each person is going to feel, do, act the way they want to no matter what you do or say. I am doing allot of rambling here but I guess what I am trying to say is this.. Your lucky(?) that he has been honest about how he feels about your weight so you can attempt weight loss to see if it helps your marriage.. BUT>>> Dont base your marriage on your weight. Examine it closely.. Is it a good marriage except for that one area?? Is it worth saving?? Do you feel good in your marriage except for that one area?? Do you love, trust and respect your spouse?? You really have to do some soul searching.. and you need to have a lap band placed for YOU.. not for him.. because even a skinny wife may not make him happy. He feels deceived by you and may never trust that you might not "get fat" again. If that is the case the marriage will be in trouble.. And you will continue to suffer from poor self esteem, guilt, shame, etc. Life is so short honey.. Do you deserve more from your spouse? Do you deserve to feel good about yourself?? Do you deserve to be loved not matter what?? Absolutely you do. Get some counselling.. get your lap band.. and sort yourself out.. He will either follow your lead or you can kick him to the curb!! BY the way.. I didnt date for 5 yrs after my divorce.. i just couldnt i was too angry.. but I did finally start dating.. men DO date fat girls.. and I have been remarried for 2.5 yrs to a great guy.. there are good men out there!!! Thank God!!!

Well I totally blew it yesterday which would have been day #3. Had chips and hot sauce, lasagna, and hamburger and fries.. Thanks to all the replies I am determined to go back on it full force today and continue!! Im sick of sweet and creamy stuff so Im going to try my hand at V8 juice and chicken broth. Does anyone else have any suggestions for non sweet and non creamy thing??? Oh.. and whats the deal with the horrible taste in my mouth????? Starving in Texas, Kathy

Hi All, I am having my band placed on 4-13-06 and my physician has me on a full liquid diet for 2 weeks PRIOR to surgery. I would like to know if any one else has had to do this? What was your doctor's rationale for this? I liken this torture to when I quit smoking!!!! :phanvan Thanks, Kathy

Hi Kenny, The insurance process of getting approved can be very taxing.. Some insurances will pay for lap band surgery on patients with a BMI of 35 or greater with comorbidities but your BMI has to have been greater than 35 for at least 5 years. Which insurance plan are you on? My surgeon is Dr. David Kim at North Hills Hospital in North Richland Hills Texas.. He is WONDERFUL and a very good surgeon.. Dr. Carter Saved my sisters life when she had Breast Cancer at 31 so i thnk the world of him too. Dr. Sewell is also someone I have worked with in the past and I really respect him as a surgeon as well.. There are some good choices in this part of the US. We are lucky!! Kathy