Serious Trouble!!

Once again, I'm returning to the forums with a desperate plea for help.  If there's anyone out there that has experienced the plethora of complications that I have and am going through I would really appreciate hearing from you.  To bring current what's happening:  RNY surgery on 4/3/12;  approx. 6 weeks later-anastomotic stricture (another laparoscopy to repair-another hospital stay);  2 weeks after that-gastric bleed-(another hospital stay to include blood transfusions).  By this time I am on Carafate 4 times a day, metoclopramide and Omeprazole-a period of decreased pain and able to eat solids again.  However, pain continues intermittently and is unrelated to diet.  I have diligently kept a food log which chronicles all good/bad intake, physical responses, etc.  I have developed reactive hypoglycemia, having episodic instances of dumping syndrome (mostly when I am constipated and food doesn't move well).  By 9/13 I enter hospital ER-dehydrated and in severe pain.  I am given IV, morphine and discharged home with narcotics as the CT scan was negative.  I return to the hospital ER less than 30 days later-same symptoms-demand consult with bariatric surgeon (who up to now feels this is a gastric issue vs. bariatric complication!!).  After consult-she agrees to do another laparoscopy on me, but I have to be discharged and RESCHEDULED.  I am now up to 4 unplanned hospital interventions.  10/24/13-laparoscopy proven necessary as I had an internal hernia.  The ulcer I have been treated for is healing and there are some expected adhesions. Hernia is repaired and I'm discharged home.  By year's end/1st of 2014 pain (though never completely resolved) returns with a vengeance.  This is post prandial pain-ALWAYS located under my right rib cage with radiation to my back.  Classic gallbladder symptoms but, CT and HIDA scan prove negative.  I am now carrying a bottle of hydrocodone syrup and Carafate with me at all times in order to try to stay hydrated and nourished.  BTW...I reached my 1st goal of 100 pound loss-but, this was not the way I anticipated my post op journey.  I am very unhappy with my bariatric surgeon's posture or lack there of regarding ongoing care.  I am always diverted to gastroenterology who I feel (though they are sympathetic) haven't the surgical experience to address my problem!!  I am desperately in need of a Northern California bariatric surgeon who is under Western Health Advantage to consult with for a 2nd opinion.  I am in constant pain with a range of 3-10 (scale 1-10) at ALL times.  This is not constipation as I am able to pass bowel movements.  The pain is exacerbated when I eat and even after I have voided.  Hoping someone out there can offer me some sound advice.  I am getting desperately worried and do not want to go back to ER.  I am pushing fluids today (3/22/14) and trying to stay hydrated to avoid another round of IV rehydration in the ER.  Help me please! 

I do not live in northern CA, but both my son and son-in-law work for Stanford medical.  They say the bariactric department is great!

I wish I had the option to pursue a Stanford physician/surgeon.  My HMO would most likely fight me on any out of network MD.  Insurance is really

working against me at present.

I do so appreciate your reply.  Hoping all goes well for you!

Regards,

Celtie :-)

I live in NorCal - where are you?  I'm in Mountain View, have Cigna, and go the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (they have numerous locations, don't be fooled by the name).  My doctor is Privthi Legha - GREAT surgeon.  So there's a name for you.

Good Luck and PM me if you want.

Thanks so much for replyin'.  I'm in Sacramento and will begin searching for a 2nd opinion doc.  Unfortunately, all of the docs associated with my HMO are part of a group of sorts.  They either work with each other or know each other.  It makes me quite reticent to make a change, but my insurance dictates who, where & when I see someone.  GAWD...this is NOT what I planned for to be sure!

Thanks again for the input!

Regards,

Celtie :-)

Obviously start with your insurance to see who you're eligible to see, but let me warn you with this:

I am a revision patient.  I had a STUPID band over four years ago.  WORTHLESS.  I tried everything to make it work for a long time - almost two years.  Then I gave up - for two years I was unfilled.  Didn't see my doc I was so discouraged.  Finally got motivated to try again - went to see him... told him I wanted it out... he said, no no no - this is the best safest WLS, you just have to work it.  I did everything he said to do - I even exercised five days a week on the treadmill... I HATE exercise.  After three weeks I lost 1.5 pounds.  Mortified.  Well that did it - gave up again.  Waited a month then decided to get a second opinion.  I ALSO have an HMO - so I ended up seeing his colleague.  MAJOR ASSHOLE.  While I was literally sobbing in his office, he told me, "Well, if you failed at one WLS you'll fail at another."  Instantaneous and complete devastation.  In that moment, in that second, I gave up. 

Fast forward four months... MY PCP turned me on to a PCP who is a bariatric specialist for a consultation... she said that what he did was "Bull****", and recommended HER preferred surgeon - both were at a different branch of the same practice (PAMF), but still, a distant colleague - I figured, "Here we go again", but was willing to try ONE LAST TIME - if that didn't work I would resign myself to having poor health and being fat forever.  So, had an appointment with the new doc and the first thing Dr. Legha said was, "It's not your fault - LapBands don't work."  I was SHOCKED he said that - went against two of his colleagues and he's now my surgeon - I had the RNY three months ago and it's working like I had been told (sold!) that the band would.  Soooo... my advice (after all that long-winded back story!), is try very hard to find a surgeon who is NOT a colleague... they tend to stick together - I believe mine is an anomaly... but sure glad he is!

Good luck on your search!

Mountain View,   I appreciate your response and personal story.  Seems like you have had some difficult challenges to overcome as well.  Congratulations for your tenacity and obvious success!  I have worked in healthcare for over 40 yrs now so, well know my way around the HMO protocols.  There are contributing difficulties in my life-physical as well as financial.  My husband affectionately refers to me as "his little pitbull" for my often petulant refusals to 'just give up'.  We both will keep moving forward to be sure!  Best of Luck, Celtie

You go girl!!!

I had my surgery done with Ben Shadle in Sacramento.  Sacramento BMI associates.  He is great! 

Thanks, TattooMamma-yes he is one of the MD's that was just recommended.  Thanks so much for the recommendation.!!

Regards,

Celtie