Kaci Campbell

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I wish I could be positive and supportive of the Stomaphyx procedure, but I can't  Although I'm healed up as much as I ever will be, I think this procedure is a huge waste of money.  I spent $8,000.00 to lose 23 lbs and have a forever damaged lung just to gain every single pound back.  I think the only reason it works for people in the beginning is that they are so motivated to eat right again.  All too soon after the "honeymoon" period, you won't feel any restriction and it will be as if you never had the Stomaphyx done.  I truly wish that I would've looked into the other options more seriously before jumping into this.

Here's a quick update.  I've maintained the 23lb loss.  I still feel fuller longer, but can eat a bit more than I thought I would.  I saw a lung specialist last week and am still waiting for the results.  I only have pain with deep breaths and that does continue to get better.  Over all I feel great.

It's been almost 1 month since my Stomaphyx procedure and I've lost 23lbs.  I'm still experiencing some pain in my esophagus and lung, but it continues to improve.

I had a gastrografin swallow test last Wed.  It was negative.  The leak from my esophagus is healing nicely.  I go in for a follow-up in 1 month.   I have only a small amount of pain in my right lung, but the chest x-ray said it was improved from Aug 25th.  I finally go back to work tomorrow.  I've been gone since Aug.16th so I imagine I'll have a lot of catching up to do.  I feel so much better. I get full and stay full for much longer than I did before the Stomaphyx.  I've lost 21lbs.  Even with all the unexpected problems, I’m glad I had this done.

 

I've lost 20lbs!  I have good restriction and I've progressed to soft foods.  I still have some pain in my chest when I lay down and I still have a bubbling feeling in my right lung, but all in all I'm feeling much better.  I'm able to go out on 1-2 hour outings before I get too tired and winded.  That is a huge improvement from a week ago.  I see a specialist (gastroenterologist) on Monday just to get a second opinion about my esophagus and lung.  I want to be 100% sure that everything is healing properly.  I will be able to return to work in another week.  I’m looking forward to having things back to normal again.

I saw the Doctor yesterday.  I'll be off of work for another 2 weeks.  I'm having trouble getting ahead of the pneumonia.  I guess I just have to be patient.

It's been about 2 weeks since my Stomaphyx procedure.  This has been a tough journey indeed.  I was quite sore after the procedure and ended up staying home from work on Thurs and Fri.  By Saturday I was in extreme pain and my belly was distended.  I went to Urgent care were they discovered that I had pneumonia and a possible blocked bowel (Ileus).  I called Dr. Schlesinger and he had me go to the hospital where I was given CT's of my chest and abdomen.  I ended up having a perforation in my esophagus (extremely painful) that leaked fluid into my lung causing the pneumonia and confirmed Ileus caused by the hydrocodone ( I have allergies to codeine)given to me for the pain. Apparently it stopped my colon from working.  I was admitted to ICU that night and “enjoyed” several needle sticks and procedures that eventually got my colon working again. I was transferred to a regular room on Sunday.  I spent the next few days in the hospital and was released on Tuesday.  Once again, by Saturday, the pain in my chest was significant and I still was unable to lie down or recline without terrible pain and pressure in my chest. Dr. Schlesinger had me go in for another CT.  It showed that the perforation was fairly healed, but it was still inflamed. There was a scant amount of fluid around my heart and fluid still in my lungs.  I also had developed Thrush (not pleasant!).  I was given a new round of treatment that I continue to take and I seem to be getting better each day.  I'm still off of work, but see the Doctor on Wed.  I'm still very weak and out of breath, but as I'm able to eat more, I'm sure that my strength will return.   I have lost 14lbs.

Dr. Schlesinger has been wonderful throughout this whole ordeal.  He visited me every day at the hospital and has called me at home.  He has made himself available to me 24-7 and has addressed every single one of my concerns.  I'm sure I am an example of the "possible” risks of any surgical procedure. 

It's done!  My surgery went well and I am so excited to start seeing results.  I'm quite sore right now but the pain meds work fairly quickly.  I had to take the day off of work, unfortunately, because of the surgery being so late in the afternoon.  I am way to sore and tired to try and attempt my normal workday.  I’ll update later.

Today is the day!  I have my Stomaphyx procedure at 3pm.  I'll let you know how it goes.

The testing went well.  I should be good to go.  I start my clear liquids on Tues, the Stomaphyx on Wed, clear liquids on Thurs then full liquids for 3-4 weeks.  And so the next journey begins...