Applebaum
I had LAP RNY eight years ago on March 1, 2001. My start weight was 322 pounds. I lost 187 pounds.
I spent the first 6.5 years after my surgery in a living hell. I threw up every time I ate. I had bowel obstructions, pancreatitis, ulcers, and developed a fistula. The complications existed from the very start of my surgery. I could not get my original surgeon to listen or treat my problems. He felt it was all in "MY HEAD". Emotionally it wore me down. Those around me did not understand how difficult it was coping with the pain the surgery had created for me. I felt lost and adrift with no where to turn. I so needed help!
In August of 2007 I learned a new surgeon was coming to Utah. I was told he might be able to help me. I submitted all of my medical records to him.
I was Dr. Cottam's first patient in Utah. At my consult I was just stunned! He listened, he believed there was something wrong with my surgery. He was concerned.
I was his first patient in the operating room in Utah. He found that the technique used for my original surgery was flawed. My original surgeon had created a "Candy Cane Limb" that was making me sick. Ulcers and a fistula had developed.
I had the correctional procedure done 18 months ago and have achieved the quality of life I searched for eight years ago.
Today I finally feel ok. The pancreatitis flares its ugly head on occasion, but overall I am much better. I guess after 6.5 years of chronic pancreatitis ...the damage is done. However, the frequency of the attacks is much less. I rarely throw up and can eat like any other gastric bypass patient.
I am an avid cyclist and do many 100+ mile bike rides each year. I enjoy a thinner body. I have kept my weight off. However, if I could turn back time, I doubt I would chose WLS..It has just been too hard. Even those in the field have a rough time recognizing when someone is struggling and how to deal with the issues.
Dr. Cottam is a wonderful skilled surgeon and a great support. Many physicians/surgeons just blew me off. He knew instantly what was wrong with my surgery and bent over backwards to find a way for me to have a correctional surgery. So glad he has the skills and ability and desire to treat the complications of the surgery and the disease of morbid obesity.
I finally have a quality of life.