Hi,

If believe Dr. Ungson's complication rate is extremely low.  I had none post surgery.   I was 60 when I had surgery with him.

1st off I like Dr. Ungson,  think he is a good surgeon, had good care but some things went wrong when I was there.

I had an old stomach stapling done in 1990.  I had an upper gi done and the radiologist said he didn't see any staples or could not tell anything was done to my stomach.

Dr. Ungson told me when he looked at my upper gi that he thought he could do the ds.  I told him I do not want to travel to Mexico for an rny or anything else.  He understood and thought he could give me what I wanted. 

Even on the way to the surgery room I was assured that I would get the DS.  He did tell me earlier that scar tissue could be a factor but still thought he could give me a DS.

I was in surgery 4 1/2 hours per Ungson. (Long for Ungson)

When I woke up he told me that he nicked my spleen and had to remove it.  UGH!!

He also told me that I had too much scar tissue and could not do the DS and instead gave me a scopinaro procedure.  Don't know if you know anything about that procedure but this board will tell you that it is BAD, BAD BAD.

I have lost all my weight and have a 21.0 bmi so i'm happy about that.

My labs are declining and I am having my first iron infusion next week,  don't know if that is related to my surgery or not. It could have happened even if I got the ds but the long term isn't good news for me.   I'm a little over a year out so too soon to tell.

Dr. Ungson gave me a 100 common channel.  I'm 5'11" and weigh between 159 & 163 consistently an effortlessly.  I weighed about 265 at time of surgery.  I have had no complications except if you want to count my labs.

These are the facts surrounding my surgery and don't want to discourage you from Ungson.  I still think he is a fine surgeon but DAMN sure wish I had gotten the ds.

If you think you have a lot of scar tissue ask him how he approaches that.

Darlene

Hi Hailey,

Please call me when you can.  I was so worried about you.  Melody did a good job of keeping us in the loop.  I hope things will mend and you will be free from all this pain.  Glad to have you back home.  CALL Me!!!   Darlene

If you can get the after care right there in your home town then GREAT!!   Unfortunately I live in New Mexico where no doc  has even heard of the ds nor cares to learn.  They love the comfort zone that they are in.  But I did check around other surgeons in the US who would not see me for aftercare because I was not their patient to begin with.  Good luck and you'll love Ungson and his staff.   

I had stomach stapling over 20 years ago and doc  has since retired.  Not every doc does revisions so I went to one of the best.  Dr. Ungson has a great reputation but he gave me the scorpinaro part and not the full ds because he did not want to have me under for more than 4 hrs.  If everything works out for me down the road then I have no complaints but what I'm saying is if there is complications it is very hard if not impossible to get US docs to touch you.

Stay in the US,  this surgery can have complications down the road.  Ms. Understood (Hailey) is a prime example.  She is almost 2 yrs. out and and has had major problems lately.  Thank God Dr. Roslin was available to be her surgeon for her complications.

Melody,

Thank u so much for the update.  I've been texting Hailey but unfortunately to the old cell phone#.   Have her text or call me with her new one when she is up to it.  You are such a good friend to her.  Thank God she is in New York.  New Mexico is clueless with the ds.  Let her know if I can do anything for her family please let me know.   Love,   Darlene

Thanks Melody for the update.  I just can't believe all this is happening to Hailey.  I hope she is on the mend now.  Holy Cow I know that New Mexico would not have been the place for her to have surgery.  Give her our love and that she is in our thoughts every minute of the day.   D............

I want to get down to 160 for our Montana trip.  No carbs for me tomorrow.  I weight 165 right now.

 l live at 6500ft. so can hike just about anywhere.  I've been to Carlsbad Caverns in southern NM.  Are the L&C Caverns the same?

I rather like rough water and have done alot of #5 rivers in the country but if no one else wants to do that kind of rafting I'm up for floats, tubing, etc.

I get a little antsy if I'm in the car ALL DAY so like activities thrown in.

Love horseback riding.  Not much of a shopper.  I always think things are overpriced.

I use to camp a lot but now prefer a bed and hot running water.

I think just being with other folks will be a hoot and a beautiful backdrop of Montana.....can't get much better than that.  Whatever the group decides will be fine.   I certainly can have fun doing almost anything.   D..........................

count me in.  maybe dh but not sure yet.    d..................

I love that you are planning this.  Just let me know what you come up with.  Darlene

I have a  Lake Tahoe trip plan on the 15th - 17th of July.  Its my sister's b'day so can't skip that one.  Elizabeth,  is your husband coming?  Is this singles or couples?  Still sounds great!!
D...........

Thanks Paul,

I'll try this one this week!!  D..........