Question:
Severe pain in stomach is leading to possible Revision

I am 15 months post op and have complained of sever pain in my stomach almost from day one. I suffered from major complications (leak, blood clots in lungs, infections, etc.) and almost died. In August my Surgeon gave up and sent me back to my PCP. I have had endoscopy and other procedures and they have determined that my stomach and opening to intestine was made too small. I am scared because now they want to go back in and do the surgery over. The original surgeon is not longer practices (hows 17 lawsuits, 3 for wrongful death). I am wondering if anybody else has suffered from this similar situation. I lost 12 pounds in the last month, am down to 181 and finding it very difficult to eat anything. I realize now that the revision may end up being mandatory to save my life as I am surely not getting any nutition from the little I do eat. I take pain medication 24 hours a day. I want to go after the doctor that did this but was recently told that elective surgeries are difficult to prosecute. I'll update my profile so those who care to can read the latest on me. Any input would be greatly appreciated.    — lindabaptiste619 (posted on January 23, 2005)

January 23, 2005
"Elective surgeries are difficult to prosecute"? Ridiculous. Sounds like a lawyer who didn't want to be bothered with your case. Any litigation is an ordeal, medical malpractice is a particularly difficult area, and your doctor may have nothing left to go after, but what you were told is nonsense. Lawyers are harder to find than doctors, and sometimes the search can be long and arduous, but don't accept a nonsense answer like this one. Best of luck.
   — Kay B.

January 23, 2005
When the opening has closed up and is to small - normal procedure is to 'dilate' by endocopy. Is there a reason they cant dilate you since you state that the opening was to small from your pouch to the intestines? This procedures is common and easy and does not require you to be 'open' up.
   — star .

January 23, 2005
I certainly could'nt find a lawyer to go after the surgeon (not WLS) who butchered me in an elective surgery. Good luck. Surgeons are hard to go after. I had PROOF of my surgeons lies before surgery, but no one would take my case. I live with butchery and will never be completey healthy ever again. As far as stomach pain, I just had a CAT scan. But it will be Wednesday before I know what is wrong. I sure hope it all goes well for you.
   — Danmark

January 23, 2005
I have to agree with H Collins. If it is just that the stoma is too small, they can usually remedy that with an outpatient endocope dilation. Did they explain why they thought you would have to open you up to fix it? BTW, who is recommending this treatment plan, your PCP or a bariatric surgeon experienced with RNY and revision? And if your insurance paid for the surgery, it was deemed medically necessary and was not just elective. Most all surgeries are elective - even the more "socially acceptable" ones, ie heart bypass, organ transplant, cancer removal, etc. The patient elects to follow the docs advise to have surgery or not. Every single patient has the right to refuse or accept surgical treatment for disease. <br> My suggestion would be to get a good quality whey protein drink. It is liquid, so would be easier to flow thru a narrowed stoma and it has the nutrition you need. This will also help make you stronger if you do need another surgery.
   — Ali M

January 23, 2005
I would get a secnd opinion from a EXPERT BARIATRIC SURGEON. You might have adhesions, dialiaion generally fixes undersize stomas.
   — bob-haller

January 23, 2005
Hi Linda. I am so sorry to hear about all this horror you are going through. I just want you to know that i am praying for you , and hope you will be happy and healthy sooner than later! God Bless~
   — angelina1970

January 23, 2005
Linda- I hope and pray you find a solution and a great surgeon to fix u up--on the other hand- fight like hell till u find an attorney who cares and will fight the butcher who trashed u! Don't give up girl! Toodles, Stacy
   — Stacy Forristal

January 24, 2005
I had a stricture at the anastomosis site and I was Dilated in the endoscopy center and have been fine since. I was there three hours. You should not need surgery for that. And from what my doc told me a small pouch size is not the issue, it is whether the food can fit through the opening. This is where the dilation takes care of the problem. I drank high protein drinks until I was able to eat more and in fact I still drink High protein-nutritious drinks to keep my protein up. Hair loss is directly connected to not enough protein. I would definitely go to the bariatric association and find a reputable doc and then have him refer you to a gastroenterologist who has experience in dilating RNY patients. Don't despair. I'll keep you in my prayers that all will come out right. I can only say I am sorry you have had such a nightmare journey on your road to being skinnier and healthy. God Bless Hugs JO
   — Jo Marie M.

January 30, 2005
My best help to you would be to help you stay nourished now and later. Are you stuck with seeing someone in your area or can you travel? Others have asked if you have been dilated, so I'm waiting for that answer, too. Is there any pattern to your pain? Nausea? Vomiting?
   — vitalady

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