Unprepared for this complication

[happymama2014 206]

Omg it sounds horrible! So was thus because of reflux or your new tummy not healing properly? How can it be prevented?

[tammygRN 35]

Several surgeons across the country have been consults on my case due to the rarity of the complications and no one is 100% sure what caused it. But their best guess has been a combination of me being short 5'3 (short torso, short stomach, shorter sleeve) and my anatomy ( the curvature of my stomach and the way it empties. I have read studies that say short people tend to feel more restriction. Not so sure I could have prevented this one.

[Dreamingofhealth 223]

I am so sorry for all you have gone through! I'm really hoping you can have a full recovery and start living your heathy and happy life soon!

Sheena :-)

[BitterSweet* 835]

Gosh. I'm so sorry about all of your complications. You have been through so much.

[MisforMimi 760]

Wow. I am truly sorry to here about what you are going through as well as your family and medical team.

And I'm depositing this thought here because I know people who are pre op read about complications to know about possible eventualities. We are all deciding about the gravity of the decisions we are making and I just feel that something my surgeon said to me is relevant here and I've said it before.

My surgeon specializes in laparoscopic procedures, works at a Center of Excellence and lots of uncomplicated procedures under her belt.

You had mentioned that being short may have contributed to some of the complications but also there is an element of statistics here too. We all know that there is that 1-2% severe complication rate and some of this is drawing the short straw and this does not make it any less horrible.

My surgeon said if you lined up a group of bariatric surgeons and asked if they would choose to fix bypass complications and sleeve complications, she said hands down they would choose the bypass because the surgery had been around long enough and most surgeons were more versed at fixing complications associated with the bypass. And sleeve surgeons would have have their hands planted in their palms. She said that most surgeons are not well versed in fixing complications with sleeve simply because they don't have the volume of experience under their belt.

We all owe you a huge thank you because maybe in your experience bariatricians will learn something that will save someone from having to go through this down the line. Maybe there is something simple and effective that they will learn or a major contraindication that will eliminate this issue from people ever having this complication again. With the volume of people having procedure, that is becoming a significant number. So, thank you.

Hang in there. We are all rooting for you!

Edited October 31, 2014 by MisforMimi

[swimbikerun 1,048]

Agreed.

This is sad to know but at least you have your doctor behind you. If you get a problem, you can be easily dumped if you complain about it where I went.

The records, seeing "eats a lot of headaches", etc. is scary. Make sure they dont put problems in the records and make it out like its your fault.

[tebowfan 70]

@mauigirl555 Read here...

[tammygRN 35]

After 20 weeks of suffering and being unable to keep myself hydrated, I have put my foot down and told my surgical team no more EGDs with dilation. We have been doing them every 1-2 weeks for the past 2 months with unsuccessful results. During the last one I aspirated during the procedure and developed pneumonia. I am constantly hospitalized for dehydration. So, Monday I will be going in for a rouxen-y conversion. This will bypass my stricture that formed after stent placement and hopefully give me resolution. I just want to start living my life, instead of just trying to survive. Hopefully the surgery goes well Monday, I will update next week.

[CTDEE 58]

Good luck to you! Praying this will give you the peace of mind and comfort you deserve!

[Nevermind 117]

Prayers for a better recovery this time around. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sometimes pre-ops want to just read about good results but need to be informed about the bad as well. (I am thankful I've had no complications). God be with you today.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I wish you much luck and a speedy recovery! So sorry you've had to endure all of that. Keep us posted!

[swimbikerun 1,048]

Go for it! I am so glad you are taking charge and very very sorry to hear of all this. I can feel for someone else in this position, its not fun at all. Plus that is expensive having to pay for all this.

[bobbyswife 862]

Tammy please keep us updated. I have you in my prayers!

Edited November 7, 2014 by bobbyswife

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

After 20 weeks of suffering and being unable to keep myself hydrated, I have put my foot down and told my surgical team no more EGDs with dilation. We have been doing them every 1-2 weeks for the past 2 months with unsuccessful results. During the last one I aspirated during the procedure and developed pneumonia. I am constantly hospitalized for dehydration. So, Monday I will be going in for a rouxen-y conversion. This will bypass my stricture that formed after stent placement and hopefully give me resolution. I just want to start living my life, instead of just trying to survive. Hopefully the surgery goes well Monday, I will update next week.

If I had the chance to go back and do it all again. I would have skipped all the try this try that and gone straight for the Roux en Y. Looking back it would have saved so much pain and time. However there are things you will have to watch out for with this procedure as well. But it is the best choice for you or anyone who has constant complications. It will do the job well.

I think you have TO TAKE CONTROL TO GET THINGS DONE......good for you girl! Your life is going to change so much..congrats....Keep us posted hun we want to know you are doing okay!

[thesuse2000 698]

Wishing you the best with this next surgery! I hope this resolves the issues for good.