Is it worth all this? (Sleeved 9/13, then stent, then?)

[Starlight2574 0]

Today is December 10, and the first time I have had solid food since September 12. I've lost over 50 pounds, but my husband says I'm a nutritional trainwreck - and he's right. My 4 year old daughter hears everyone tell mommy how great she looks, and then listens to me throw up after every meal. She confided to her preschool teacher about how worried she is about her mommy. :/ I'm a 37 year old stay at home mom with 2 kids - a 4 year old girl and an 18 month old boy.

My journey started well. I had an easy surgery and was up and moving immediately. I caught up on my TV viewing courtesy of Netflix as I wandered the halls of the surgical center that first night. Things seemed to go pretty well, although I struggled to get fluids in. Within a few days, severe diarreha set in. After a few days, the surgeon had me come in for IV fluids. A consult with nutrition suggested the Protein Shakes were disagreeing with me. I switched to a lactose free brand, and things improved for a while. Then they would start to go downhill and I would repeat the cycle of dehydration, IV fluids, a few Vitamin shots, etc over the course of the next several weeks. I knew when it was time for more fluids because I literally couldn't find the energy to get out of bed. Remember the 2 kids under 5? Not a good thing for mommy to be nonfunctioning.

By my one month check up I've dropped 25 pounds. Nutrition is now concerned because I'm averaging 250 calories a day. The only things that stay down are Doritos (which I've always hated), Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Spagetti-O;s (blech). I can't drink the Protein shakes without throwing up. I can't drink anything without throwing up. More IVs, and a barium xray to check for strictures. Low and behold, there is one. The surgeon wants to hold off on dialations until 6- 8 weeks out so we are sure all healing is done. Sounds reasonable to me.

7 weeks post op I show up for my first dilation, and am assured that this will solve my problems. I've now lost 40 pounds and nutrition is on me to eat more. (Irony, thy name is WLS) Only once has the dialation process failed in the surgical center's experience. Four dialations later, and a cranky husband for having to take off so much work, nothing has changed. I still can't eat. I still throw up all the time. I'm still dehydrated. The surgeon refers me to a specialist at the major hospital near my house. Specialist MD recommends immediate stent placement.

Thursday (12/6) morning I was admitted to the hosptial for stent placement. After I woke up from the sedation, I spent a miserable day throwing up, despite the chemo-level anti-nausea drugs they gave me. I couldn't eat or drink anything. Since I was already an inpatient, they hooked up an IV drip to keep me hydrated. I threw up so much I sprained my back. Friday they took me for another barium xray to check placement, which everyone was pretty sure wasn't right. Sure enough, the stent had slipped. I was prepped for another procedure to go in and lift it back into place. I called my husband and said I would in the hosptial another night.

By this point on Friday, it's been 48 hours since I ate or drank anything. I'm starting to get a little hungry, but mostly I'm tired, cranky and by the time I'm taken to the procedure room, I'm in terrible pain. My stomach feels like a thousand tiny wires are poking at me. It burned and hurt like the dickens to breath. My BP was skyrocketing, so they gave me the first of the sedation drugs early to help me deal with the pain. When I cared enough to remember anything, the doctor told me they had to take the stent out, but hey - I could go home now.

Hubby and the kids came to pick me up around 8pm that night. I made it home and crashed immediately. The weekend was pretty much the same as I've been dealing with, and now I'm once again waiting. From what I understand, I'm out of options. Since the stent failed, my only other choice is a full gastric bypass. I never wanted that - it's why I chose the sleeve in the first place.

I'm now not quite 12 weeks out, and am down over 50 pounds. Has it been worth it? So far, the verdict is still out.

[joannaviviana 0]

Wow, what a time you have had. Don't really know what to stay except hang in there. I know you won't give up because of your beautiful family. Starlight, I know you researched this procedure and did everything you were told to do to get ready for this surgery. So, no regrets. It is a waste of your time and energy. Hang in there, this to shall pass. If you are a Christian then you know where to look for your strength. I will be praying for you for a healing and for the strength and understanding for your husband and family.

[mokee 588]

Sorry about all the problems you are having. I will be praying for you.

[IsB 209]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I know you don't want a bypass but if it fixes things its really worth it. I have a friend who is 6 years out from the bypass and has done great. My sister in law had hers done 3 years ago and had similar results. It's a good procedure and should help you get over the complications you've had with this. Good luck.

[SweetSaso 92]

Am so sorry you are feeling this way, But things have to get better!!! Time heals everything... Things may have been rough for you but why dont you look at the bright side of the issue, its true you are suffering but it is only temporary and by having this surgery you avoided the possibility to have permanent issues and you will lose weight and make your daughter proud and live longer for your daughter. Take it easy, everything will eventually get better!! Good luck

[Livinglifeout 217]

You are definitely in my prayers. How awful to have to experience all these problems. Wishing you a quick recovery:)

[minimii 43]

Praying for you

[SunnyCox 245]

I've always tried to with hold judgement when I am in the middle of a major situation (good or bad). Things aren't always what they seem when your emotions are on a roller coaster.

Hopefully, the bumps you are hitting now are temporary. Hopefully, you will move on to living a normal sleeve lifestyle soon.

Try to stay positive and remember that the bumps you are experiencing now will keep you from experiencing bumps later. Like having a foot or leg amputated due to complications from diabetes or major heart attack requiring open heart surgery. The few months of being an MIA mommy now will allow you to run and play with your kids for a lifetime. You will be able to teach them how to eat properly with your new lifestyle which will effect your children (and future grandchildren)'s relationship with food.

You are in my thoughts. Things will get better.

[Spatters3 315]

ouch :-( You're experiencing the nightmare that everyone one of us has. I am so sorry for you!

You don't have a leak but you do have a stricture that dialation didn't cure. It sounds like your VSG was botched, but I'm not a doctor. A gastric bypass will solve the problem if the stricture is below where they will create the pouch.

Are there other options? Why didn't the stent work? Is your anatomy somehow different than most people?

This just sucks :-(

[karenb4729 309]

I'm so sorry you are going through all these issues. I know that you had a good surgeon, I live in the area and know a few folks that have used him and the clinic and they are well respected. No one ever expects or wants to be part of the 1% that have complications and it sure is hard when you are the one it happens to. While RNY may not be the choice you want, I do know a number of people who have been very successful for a long time with RNY. I hope whatever happens you begin to get better soon!

[Rootman 1,101]

We all feel for you and it is unfortunate that this did not work out for you, in a majority of cases it does. Be that as it may you are struggling in a seemingly uphill battle and we all wish the best for you as you continue to struggle with these issues.

This can also serve as a reminder for others that this is generally a safe, easy procedure but like ANYTHING can have dire consequences on occasion. It is MAJOR surgery you know.

Again, we want nothing but the best possible outcome for you, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you to support you in your hours of need.

[Ndicker337 6]

Omg. You are in my prayers!

[kyllfalcon 768]

So sorry to hear of your battles. We are here. Please keep us posted.

[enuff_is_enuff 126]

Oh my Goodness.. I am soo sorry that you are going through this rough Time. I do pray that everything works out for the better. There are those unfortunate risks that we all have decided to "make peace with" and pray that they do not rear their ugly heads....

You are in my prayers.