Angeline,

I'm not a doctor but what you are describing sounds very much like it could be  KBS...Kinky Bowel Syndrome. Because we do lose so much weight, the intestines have lots of room to wiggle around. In doing so, sometimes they get hung up. A few well places stitches can stop this from happening.

I had started off with Dr. Gupta but she moved and I'm now with Dr. Cacucci. Both surgeons are top notch. Dr. Gupta had taken care of my KBS. Dr. Cacucci literally saved my life when my entire length of intestines lost their blood supply. That ultimately caused several surgeries to then try to repair a hernia stretching from sternum to pelvis and from as far back on my sides as you could go without being in the back. When she has patients with big or multiple hernia's, she now thinks of me and wonders how I'm doing. lol.

My step-dad lived in Clinton and went to a Carmel surgeon. He felt the drive was more than worth it. Even though I live in Indy, I know that I'd feel it was worth it as well. My life is worth the drive. So is yours.

Sherri

HI!  It doesn't matter if you have insurance or not.  I am self pay. At St. Vincents anyway I think everyone is required to get all the same tests.  None of the actual tests are scheduled until you get your surgery date except for the psych eval.

 I assume you went to the information class to get your insurance to approve.  You also have to have a Psychiatric exam.  I did mine the same day as my initial information class. All the pre testing is pretty uniform.  If you are over 50, you need a cardiology clearance which they schedule.  I'm not exactly sure of everything they do but this is what I know.  Upper GI (you swollow special liquid while standing in front of an x-ray machine.)  This will show them your entire upper digestive system including whether or not you have a hiatal hernia. (Just Google Upper GI and it will explain what it is).  You also get an EKG, Bloodwork, chest  x-ray, and test for H-Pylori.  All of it will be pretty easy.  You will get a physical by one of their internists unless you are over 50, then it will be a Cardiologist.   I met a woman Thursday at my all day nutritionist/nurse class and she went for her cardiology consult and said it was a piece of cake.  No other testing was required from him.  So that made me feel a lot better.  Hopefully I will breeze thru the pre testing on November 8th. 

You have to do an all day class. This is scheduled after you get your date.   Half is with the nurses and half is with the nutritionist.  It is very informative about everything.  

Hope this helps.  Pam

I had a small incisional hernia repaired by Dr Rose Marie Jones back in Dec 2003, one year after my original roux en y.  I haven't had a problem with that since and have even had the incision opened several more times.

Congrats on the baby!   I read about your intussusception, what a scary situation.  I'm glad you are well enough and far enough in your weight loss journey that you can have a tummy tuck.  It's good that they can repair the hernia while they are in there.  Good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Stephanie E

Dr.Cacucci is in Carmel witch is the north side of Indy. She did my sleeve in Jan 31,08

Hello! I love love love my surgeon.  Brenda Cauccui, I know several on thei board have used her too.  http://www.meridiansurgicalgroup.net/about.htm

I actually have an apt with her next week because I have an incsesional hernia from an unrelated surgery.

Good Luck.