Plastic Surgery

[Frangipani 1]

Hi Jody,

Thank you so much for caring and asking :thumbup:!

I'm still waiting for a return call from my GYN, and at this point I'm getting pretty frustrated. I know he's busy, but gee whiz, at this point it is pretty inexcusable that he has not taken five short minutes to return a phone call. The surgical coordinators cannot do her job (per the Dr.'s instructions) until he has spoken to me, so I am really getting pretty ticked off at this point. They know that I live 1,100 miles away and that I cannot simply drop in at their convenience. :eek::mad::tongue:

Thanks for letting me vent about this........

Apparently the Dr. also told his surgical coordinator that I should go with the "open" surgery, which is contrary to what he told me (i.e., that laparoscopic might work well because the PS does not need to cut through the abdominal fascia).

Because I know almost nothing about any of this, I'm really confused and not quite sure who to turn to for a definitive answer. All I know is that I want to minimize all pain and all risks. I probably could talk to my plastic surgeon about this, but he's a busy guy too and I don't want to waste his time before I have talked to the GYN to see what his thoughts are exactly.

How's everything with you Becky? Hopefully much better!!!!

[TexasBecky 1]

Jody, not much new with me yet. I am going to see my band doctor tomorrow. I am quite frustrated with his office's nonchalant attitude about all of this and their unwillingness to work me in. A phone call from my plastic surgeon to my band doc is what finally got him to agree to see me this week instead of next week. I have placed myself on a soft (liquid/mushy) diet based on the info I've been able to gather online. Now that I've done some research on hiatal hernias and lapband slips, I do think I'm having some symptoms that I was ignoring. Of course that could all be in my head since I've read so much on the subject. Whatever the case is, I just hope it can be resolved easily, perhaps at the same time as my ps. Keep your fingers crossed. If it all works out my ps is one month from yesterday. Yikes!

Frangi, what can I say? I'm so sorry you are in this holding pattern. I know how frustrated you are and I think our doctors just don't appreciate how difficult this waiting game is. I'm crossing my fingers for both of us. Keep us posted and I'll do the same.

[Frangipani 1]

Hi Becky,

Whoa! This is just so frustrating, isn't it? What has health care come to these days? So indifferent, bureaucratized and just well......insane!!!!

I am keeping all of my toes and fingers crossed for you. I still feel like this will turn out to be a non-issue (or a minor issue) that will not hold up your PS or cause any major problems, Becky, and I am sending tons and tons of good vibes your way.

As for what's going on with me, the GYN finally called!!!!

We had a short, but highly concentrated talk and I got all my questions answered. It is best to do an open myomectomy, for the reason of less scarring (although I figured that out before the Dr. called back because I found diagram on the Internet that showed where the incisions are made with the robotic assisted surgery).

It turns out that if I were to get the laparoscopic surgery I would end up looking like a pin cushion by the time it was all done with the combination of scars from the Lap Band Surgery and myomectomy, so that decision was easy once I understood this.

I have had open abdominal surgery before and I am not looking forward to the pain, or the recovery but what can I say?

In fairness to all the Doctors I have spoken to out there, it has finally hit home to me why they tend to favor hysterectomy over myomectomy. A myomectomy is a more complicated operation, has a higher risks for complications and more often requires blood transfusions. In fact, my Dr. just did a myomectomy yesterday and (as per his expectation pre-surgery) the patient is in the ICU because she had a lot of fibroids, lost lots of blood, and the operation was just that difficult.

This does give me pause, but the myomectomy is still my preference at this time -- although I assume that I have up until a day or two before surgery to make the final decision.

I don't have a confirmed date yet, but am still working on June 11. But now it's time for the surgical coordinators for the two Dr.'s to take over. In talking to both ladies, they are incredibly competent, knowledgeable, and organized, so its time for me to totally bow of out this and just wait for them to set everything up.

Will update as I know more.

Keep your chin up Becky!!! I think it will all turn out well for you.

Edited May 13, 2008 by Frangipani

[LadyBugRed 2]

Good for you Frangi!! WOW - that date is coming close! I am so excited for you!

Becky, may I ask what symptoms you are having? Around 2 weeks ago I had some vomiting for a couple of days because I was off program and eating too much. Now I think I may feel differently in there. Everything is crossed for you though! Now there's a thought that must make you laugh!!:smile2:

[TexasBecky 1]

Thank you ladies for taking the time to respond. Even if the doctors aren't terribly responsive, it is nice to know that my fellow crazy ates are interested.

Jody, as for my symptoms, I have started having acid reflux, especially at night. I've taken Nexium for years so when the symptoms first appeared a couple of weeks ago I thought it was from eating spicy food (you know us Texas gals - we gotta have TexMex once a week), so I just starting popping an extra Nexium at night and thought nothing more of it until the CT Scan results showed a problem. I'm also very tight lately, which seems odd because I had loosened up quite a bit over the last couple of months. I have been working on maintaining my weight and had been eating more without any problems. I admit I've probably been too careless - eating faster and not chewing as well as I did during my weight loss phase, but like I said, I was looser and eating was not causing me any problems. I have felt better since I've been on a soft diet for a few days. I hope its all in my head. I guess I'll know more tomorrow.

Now what about you? What doesn't feel right? If you are having any problems, don't ignore them. I think I'd gotten fairly relaxed about my band lately and now I know not to do that. Of course I've been reading alot about complications this past week and I've been reminded that the complication rate among bandsters is pretty high. Most studies report that about 20% of us will encounter some problem in the first year. Its a reminder that we need to stay tuned in to our bodies and continue to follow the band rules - even when things seem to be going great.

I remember when I decided to get the band I was willing to take whatever risks and possible complications that might come my way. I still feel that way, but I sure hope this turns out to be a minor issue. Yes Jody, I'm laughing at the image of you all crossed up on my behalf, but I certainly appreciate the gesture.

Frangi, so glad that the doc finally called back, but things are sounding more complex now aren't they? The myomectomy is a little more serious than I'd imagined. I was just assuming that it would be less complicated than taking the uterus, but I guess not. I know you'll be thinking long and hard about your options. Either way it is going to be an ordeal, but at least you will have a flat stomach and perky boobs when its all over. Now that the coordinators are in charge of the details I'm sure you will have a date soon! If all goes well for us both, we'll be having surgery just one day apart. Yipeeeeee!

[LadyBugRed 2]

I'm sure both of you will be right on target with the PS dates!!

I have had a bit of nausea once in a while when I eat. I also think I can feel the food pass through at times. I do not have any pain or unusual tightness. I am being very careful to chew everything but not making good choices. I went back on program today. I need to buckle down and join you big losers!! I agree Becky that we all did this knowing that there could be complications. I also do not regret my decision at all!

[Frangipani 1]

Hi Becky,

How did everything go today?

[TexasBecky 1]

I do feel a little better after seeing the band doctor today. He assured me that hiatal hernias are very, very common (especially in those over 60) and that usually they do not cause problems and do not need to be fixed. The fact that I am "only" 50 and have a lapband does require some additional testing. They are scheduling an upper GI to be performed within the next two weeks. They'll call me with the details. He thinks that my pouch may be dilated - probably unrelated to the hernia, and causing the reflux so I got a slight unfill today and am on liquids for 24 hours. I asked if he thought this was going to interfere with my plastic surgery on June 12 and he said he doesn't believe it will but can't say for sure until after the upper GI is done. More waiting. I will remain cautiously optimistic and be a very careful bandster in the meantime.

On another note, my plastic surgeon has said there is no need for an unfill prior to my surgery. I've read alot of differing opinions on this so I asked the band doctor today and he also said no need for an unfill.

Salsa, I know you are already unfilled and will be until after your surgery. What about you Frangi? What are your docs recommending?

[salsa1877 10]

Only if you throw up after anesthesia are you required to get an unfill. My PS was adament for nutrition purpose. Plus I am 6 hours away from my doc so if there was a problem I didn't want to have to ride in the car for 6 hours after my TT. I am just cautious. Besides I am having a heck of a time stopping the weight loss. MY PS also doesn't want me below 150 because of the amount of skin she projects she will be taking off. Hopefully she doesn't go by her scale because hers is about 3 pounds lighter than mine. I know the only time in my life I complain about a scale weighing light!!!

Glad to hear that things are cautiously optomistic. Still jealous of all you people getting yours done before me!!!

[Frangipani 1]

On another note, my plastic surgeon has said there is no need for an unfill prior to my surgery. I've read alot of differing opinions on this so I asked the band doctor today and he also said no need for an unfill.

Salsa, I know you are already unfilled and will be until after your surgery. What about you Frangi? What are your docs recommending?

Hi Becky,

So glad to hear that you were able to get some of your questions answered to put your mind at ease. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the upper GI will give you more positive news!

I don't want to be unfilled if I don't have to. It took me four fills to reach my perfect "sweet spot," and I don't want to have to start this process from the ground up again.

My bariatric surgeon told me that in Mexico they often like to see patients unfilled prior to surgery, just to be absolutely, completely safe, but he also told me that if I didn't want to be unfilled, I could go on liquids for a day or two before surgery, just to ensure that there won't be any problems.

My US doc agrees, so I think I'm going to try to get through the surgery with my current fill. I have been at my "sweet spot" since February, but in the past few weeks I've been feeling like perhaps I could use a minor adjustment. So, staying "as is," is a compromise that seems reasonable. Also, my Band and I have an excellent relationship, and even when I'm tight I can eat absolutely anything (including bread, rice, all types of meats and vegetables, etc.), so I don't anticipate any problems.

I will be in a large hospital in the Miami area for three days after surgery, so if I have any problems, there will certainly be someone around to unfill me if need be.

[LadyBugRed 2]

I will remain cautiously optimistic and be a very careful bandster in the meantime.

Becky,

I am really glad to hear it is working out!!

Jody

[Frangipani 1]

Still plugging away on the dates, this process is very sloooow.......

But that's Miami for you -- even though Miami has a US address, it is by no means "American." Thank goodness I live on an island, and know Miami well, or else I would be climbing the walls right now!

By the way, my GYN is such a handsome hottie, WOW!!! He looks like a movie star! That's great, because if you are going to lie around in pain for three days, it's nice to have someone around who's easy on the eyes -- right :cry_smile:?

[LadyBugRed 2]

By the way, my GYN is such a handsome hottie, WOW!!! He looks like a movie star! That's great, because if you are going to lie around in pain for three days, it's nice to have someone around who's easy on the eyes -- right :biggrin:?

LOL Frangi!!:lol: It definitely can't hurt! That could speed the healing process!!!

[Frangipani 1]

LOL Jody, you're cracking me up too -- you silly girl :thumbup::w00t:! And you're definitely right, it could speed up the healing process!

Another random babble about this whole thing is that I'm trying to arrange it so that my husband can be there for a few days. I am really hoping to have him in Miami for about three days after I'm released from the hospital. He has a very grueling work schedule and works long and horrendous hours, and I can usually manage things just fine without him. However, I think this one is going to be a little tough and it would be really nice to have a loved one around.

If I can't get the right dates so that he can be there, I have lined up a terrific service where they come to your hotel (or home or whatever the case may be). Here's their website Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery recovery care services in South Florida. I assume they have this type of service in other major cities as well.

The thing I liked about this company is that they are totally flexible. I can just call them up and use them on an "as needed" basis. So for example, if my husband is able to be there with me, and I'm still feeling like I need to have someone around after he leaves, I can just let them know and they will send someone out. How cool is that? I talked to them at length on the phone and they are really super nice too!

However, knowing me, I will be probably trying to climb out of bed the day after surgery, so that I can catch a sale at Steinmart (my favorite store on the planet), or some such nonsense.

I am not one to sit still very long, unless they have me under heavy sedation, and even then..........

[Frangipani 1]

The Dr.'s office just called and ladies, we have a date!!! Not June 11 as I had really hoped for the purpose of having my husband there, but June 13!!!

I'm sure my husband would re-arrange his schedule for me so that he can still be there, but I'll have to talk to him about this and see how much additional stress this would add to his life if we did so. It's really hard for him to be away during the week, which is what would need to be done if I had surgery on June 13.

I will be in the hospital from Friday through Monday, and there is absolutely no need for him to be there then, as there will be lots of people around (many more than I'll want I'm sure).

Just thinking out loud, ignore me if this is just way too boring..............