Hey there. I am new here and not sure about posting but I feel like I am all alone. I had surgery 10 years ago, I didn’t ever lose that much weight with it and ended up getting sick and not being able to keep up with my running which I miss more than anything. Anyway, I am 20 lbs over the weight I was before my surgery. I am always so tired and I could sleep anywhere at anytime, although the test said I didn’t have sleep apnea. My BMI is a shameful 45.
I wasn’t sure who to contact so I contacted my Bariatric Doctor’s office. I am unable to go to the one that originally did my surgery. I’ve been dealing with a NP (which I really adore) that told me no to a revision, but she’s put me on phentramine and they don’t even give me energy and I never had a problem with over eating I have a problem with forgetting to eat ?
All of my pills I have to take now makes me sick, I feel nauseous all of the time, zero energy. I have been checked for depression (of course vitamin levels) I take those even though they make me nauseous.
This dr is 3 hours a way we’ve only been able to do telemed visits. I would like another opinion but I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes and get in trouble with dr shopping or have anyone mad. I wasn’t sure if people start out with their PCP or surgeon.

sorry I rambled I’m nervous and so confused! Idk where in the world to go from here. Lol thanks for listening to me.

Why were you told no to a revision? Are there health concerns, or does that surgeon just not do them? I wouldn't worry about stepping on toes. This is your body and health. Talk to as many doctors as you need to until you find one that understands your needs and concerns and makes you feel comfortable. Also, I started with my PCP. She signed off right away for me to do the surgery. I contacted a few surgeons until I found one I liked. My PCP was very good at getting all the blood work, ECG, and pre op stats like blood sugar, bp, etc... She communicated really well with the surgeon's office and it made things go so much smoother.

I worked with both my PCP and endocrinologist when looking into bariatrics. They were both onboard and worked together for my referral.

I agree not to worry about looking like you are doctor shopping and think it’s important to understand why the other dr said no. If it’s something they don’t do - find one who does, if it’s a specific reason it could help when looking for a different practice who might be able to offer a different approach who has experience with whatever that issue is.

I went through a different program at first… had my surgery date scheduled and canceled 2 weeks before my surgery because I wasn’t comfortable with the program. They didn’t seem to be listening to me, addressing my concerns - it seemed more like they were only worried about pushing me through their program and checking off the insurance boxes. I was worried about how my leaving that program to find another would look going into a new program - but i was open and honest with them explaining why I didn’t think the other program was a right fit and my situation … they were very supportive and reassuring at the new program every step of the way.

Having my PCP and Endocrinologist work with me through this has been really helpful… they were both a sounding board for my concerns with my first program and helpful in getting the ball rolling when selecting a new program to work with.

Good luck with everything and hope you feel better soon. Let us know how things are going.

While technically going to different doctors looking for a different answer is doctor shopping, I think this is really only a bad thing if you are trying to get meds and stuff that you really don’t need. There is nothing wrong with getting a second or even a third opinion. I agree that knowing WHY they are saying they don’t want to do revision. Could be as simple as that your insurance doesn’t cover it or as complex as a medical issue that makes it dangerous. But if it’s the former you always should be given the option to finance and if it’s the latter than another doctor with a different approach may be able to help you. I would call and ask them why. Tell them you are seeking other answers and need to know why they feel you are not a candidate. Also, I just got an email yesterday about the use of diabetes medications now being accepted for weight loss Something like GLB-1?? They are difficult to get covered by insurance and not cheap but being covered by more and more every day Dr. Weiner, a weight loss surgeon says. Perhaps worth looking into.

Get a second opinion and a third and a twelfth if you need to. Sometimes we have to really be an advocate for ourselves and fight to get providers to listen and help. Sadly, healthcare is a broken system. You are absolutely NOT stepping on anyone toes. Remember, providers work for YOU.

Talk to your PCP and see what they say. If they aren't supportive or can't help, find a different one or go to a different bariatric clinic. You do NOT have to settle for a provider who won't listen or is just throwing pills at you that aren't helping.

10 hours ago, RachelShepherd said:

Hey there. I am new here and not sure about posting but I feel like I am all alone. I had surgery 10 years ago, I didn’t ever lose that much weight with it and ended up getting sick and not being able to keep up with my running which I miss more than anything. Anyway, I am 20 lbs over the weight I was before my surgery. I am always so tired and I could sleep anywhere at anytime, although the test said I didn’t have sleep apnea. My BMI is a shameful 45.
I wasn’t sure who to contact so I contacted my Bariatric Doctor’s office. I am unable to go to the one that originally did my surgery. I’ve been dealing with a NP (which I really adore) that told me no to a revision, but she’s put me on phentramine and they don’t even give me energy and I never had a problem with over eating I have a problem with forgetting to eat ?
All of my pills I have to take now makes me sick, I feel nauseous all of the time, zero energy. I have been checked for depression (of course Vitamin levels) I take those even though they make me nauseous.
This dr is 3 hours a way we’ve only been able to do telemed visits. I would like another opinion but I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes and get in trouble with dr shopping or have anyone mad. I wasn’t sure if people start out with their PCP or surgeon.

sorry I rambled I’m nervous and so confused! Idk where in the world to go from here. Lol thanks for listening to me.

So I originally had the sleeve in 2018 with a doctor by the name of Dr Steiner in a town about an hour from home. I did well for about 3 years, went from 305lb to 212lb. Not that Im making excuses, but I work in healthcare and COVID took a huge toll on me and my health. I was working long hours and without breaks so I began snacking on anything and everything whenever I could. Of course Ive gained quite a but of weight back as I am now back at 250lb. A new bariatric office opened about 30 minutes from me and I decided to go see them to see what I needed to do about the weight regain, along with the severe GERD that I have developed. The doctor was nice but he just couldn't get anything approved with my insurance. He also did an EGD on me which showed that I had H pylori and he never treated me for it. After that I decided to go back to my original surgeon an hour away from home because they were always so nice and helpful. So Im back with the original doctor now that did my sleeve. He says I definitely need a conversion from sleeve to bypass to help with the GERD and weight regain. It was a no brainer to them.

So my advice would be, dont be afraid of getting a second opinion. BUT 9/10 times the original surgeon will know more and do more for you than a new one.

Dont be afraid you can only ask for help I had a sleeve in 2010 on NHS and didnt lose much at all no matter what I did so 6 yrs went by and I went to my doctor and asked could I have a revision surgery I had 2 pr ops then covid hit and in 2021 I had a bypass but the surgeon told me I wouldn't lose more than 3 to 31/2 stone here I am 110 pounds lighter I weigh less now than when I had my son 39 yrs ago so dont be scared to ask for help especially if you have health issues goog luck hope you can get it sorted

Where do you do your revision surgery for gastric sleeve

Hey there you all! Sorry for not replying until now. Thank you all so much for replying back to me! So I got a made another appointment with my doctor and she referred me to the medical doctor who works with my previous surgeon (which I really did like). This lady was absolutely wonderful. First of all she got me a new sleep study, the one I had I told her about she said they were idiots. So I am going for that but we are going ahead with a revision. We are going to wait on my sleep study results. The lady that I met with about the sleep study was the most interesting lady I have ever met. I never knew so much about sleep disorders and I was thankful to be sent to someone with such knowledge. Again thank you al! I will be uploading more because God knows I need buddies. My only one recently got taken away, so throughout this journey I will be alone.
have a wonderful night!

I don't think you should be at all concerned with doctor shopping - we look at different cars/dealerships, different realtors when we buy a home. A doctor should be no different. But it looks like you have made your way through and yay for getting a revision!

I had the Lapband in 2011. I never really felt restriction after my pouch healed (2 weeks or so) and I lost 60 lbs. I've kept it off but every time I try to lose more weight I end up gaining it right back. I've gone vegan for 2 years, then went keto and promptly had to have my gallbladder removed last summer - doc said it was directly related to keto. I've lost 40 lbs on my own and gained it right back. So in July I decided that since my insurance now covers bariatric I'd see what could be done.

Boy have things moved fast.

I went to my PCP (also a NP and I love her) and she referred me to a bariatric surgeon. I had my first consult with him on July 12th and he scheduled me for all the tests. I got them done in record time, sometimes two doctor appointments a day, and got done last week. Had my 30 day follow up today and although they're just submitting to insurance now, he's confident they're going to approve so I have my surgery date for October 24th.

Here's to revision and another chance!

No one will advocate for you like you is my favorite quote ! Continue to step on toes legs and arms for your health. There’s a reason why there’s revisions. If you don't like the answers your receiving keep looking! I was told a revision wasn’t needed back in 2018 , to just go back to the liver shrinking diet. I have pcos & hypothyroidism. I met a Dr that recommended duodenal switch . Aug 22, 2022 I had my revision. So far I’m very happy with my decision to keep searching for a surgeon that would understand my health needs. Best of luck to you!