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Well, its been several years since I have put a post and blog on. I am now close to 5 years out from my surgery.. I continue to maintain my weight at 144. I recently had a lower body lift and it went terrific. The complications I had been plaqued by early on are resolved including the feeding tube being gone. I eat well now and am well hydrated which was longtime coming. If there is anyone out there having difficult DO NOT GIVE UP! I am a walking example of resolutions and miracles.

On April 23rd I celebrated my 2nd anniversary since my original gastric bypass. It has been a wonderful 2years yet they have been the hardest 2 years of my life. I had numerous complications since my original surgery that left me with the inability to eat more than a few bites. I could maybe get 30 ounces of fluids in during the day. I have had 13 hospitalizations and 8 major surgeries not to mention outpatient testing and or procedures. There were many days I thought that this would be how things would be for the remainder of my life. I depended on a feeding tube for nourishment, constantly battling dehydration and protein malnutrition which wrecked havoc in my body. But, amazing as my God is I still worked both my jobs and functioned as best as one could under the circumstances. I have terrific friends and family who came to my side and supported me , prayed for me and loved me. I also have an amazing Bariatric Team in Hope Bariatrics out of Sewickley PA. My surgeon Dr Micheal Felix and his partner Dr. Geoffrey Wilcox stuck by me, supported me and did everything they could to improve the situation. The past 6 months were filled with the knowledge to save my life a reversal might be the only option. I had long talks with Dr. Felix and he knew this was something I did not want to do, but in my heart I knew I would to stay alive. But, he promised me that he would do one more exploratory surgery and then if this was ineffective to find the cause I would have to resolve myself to a reversal. Feb. 19th 2009 I went in to surgery not knowing what the outcome would be but, "I had trusted my unknown future to my ALL KNOWING GOD". I had prayed with a friend the night before surgery that God would literally "smack" Dr Felix in the face with the problem and that there was no mistaking it and that it would be fixable. And my awesome God heeded the prayer of this undeserving woman and did answer that prayer exactly how I prayed... The small bowel was twisted, the pouch had shifted over and was embedded into the liver cutting of the anastomosis...my sweet dear friend Dr. Felix was able to undo the bypass and reconstruct it again. It is now almost 11 weeks since the surgery and I am now able to eat everything in small amounts. The feeding tube is the next to go and I am hoping this will be by the end of the summer when I am truly stable.During this time the word HOPE became my lifeline. You must hang onto HOPE. Even if the siutation on Feb. 19th did not turn out successful, I would still have HOPE because I have an awesome GOD.And He would have carried me through as He has for the past 2 years to continue to live with the limitations I had.He would never leave me or would He ever forsake me...He promised that in Joshua 1:9 I have had an incredible journey...if there is anyone out there struggling please feel free to write and I will try and lend you some encouragement....You guys out there in Pittsburgh know that Dr. Felix and Dr Wilcox are the best as well as their team esp Cindy and Denise....I am indebted to all of them....  Patricia Patton

Another great verse is this Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord."They are plans for good and not for diaster,to give you a future and a HOPE!" It doesn't get any better than that...trust me...there was never a diaster here...I have grown spiritually, professionally and personally.

How did you handle your complications? What are they and how are they now?

I haven't updated my profile in 3 months and thought this would be the perfect time. I am now 15 1/2 months out from my surgery and have maintained my weight loss since June 9th. I had gotten down to 146 after a recent hospitalization for dehydration and malnutrition and have come back up a little to 150-151. Although, my situation has not been ideal or common I feel so very blessed to have gone through the trials and experiences. I have met so many sweet folks along the way...especially the wonderful nurses and staff at Sewickley Hospital. I have been a guest there 10 times since my original surgery- the most recent between 5/14-5/22. My surgeon( Dr. Michael Felix) and his partner( Dr. Geoffrey Wilcox) are phenomenal and I thank God for them and all the hours they have poured over me to help in acheiving good health. I feel the best that I have felt since the surgery. I no longer feel I need to be horizontal and 6 feet under, I have taken the coroner's number off my speed dial... I say that jokingly now but, there were several times over these past 15 months that this was almost a reality and I was seriously ill enough to die. I still have my struggles and my feeding tube but, hey I have my life and my health has greatly improved. I would not trade one minute nor have I regretted ever having this surgery. I would do again in a heartbeat ! So, much good has come out of this for me as a person... I have a deeper abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ whom I love and He has sustained me through all of this. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose!" I hold that as my life verse and stand by it. I was able to start a support group in my community and have met so many sweet people who have been liberated by this surgery...how great is that? I have become a better nurse and have used each aspect to tell my patients lst hand I understand. I am available to them if they ever need more than a nurse...I can be their friend or advocate or shoulder. The days ahead are still somewhat uncertain for me but, I trust the Lord will bring into my life whatever He thinks is best for me. I am grateful for OH and all the great friends I have made even though most I have not met face to face. But, the journey is the same, except some paddle a little harder and face different waters getting to our goals.It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...Be encouraged. I was so touched by Randy Pausch the professor from CMU here in Pittsburgh...his book is awesome and he asked...are you a Tigger or are you and Eorye? I had asked that many times before I ever heard Randy say that in his last lecture...I am definitely aiming toward being a Tigger!  I know too many Eorye's and I don't want to be miserable over things I have no control of. I want to Trust and HOPE...life is short as Randy can attest to..succumbing to pancreatic cancer at 47 yrs. old and with 3 small children. As a Hospice Nurse I am amazed at the strength of some of my patients and they inspire me... And others who had this surgery and share their stories and lives so openly I thank-you...we have an unbreakable bond....Patricia Patton

It is hard to believe it but, I finally have seen my goal weight of 150! I have lost 170 lbs total and my BMI is 23.5 down from 50.1...I am so grateful for this past year and the future it now lends me...Be encouraged!...Patricia

Another milestone today and this makes the weight loss at 160 lbs off and my weight is 160 lbs. I am half of my former self. My BMI is now 25.1 and 1 more pound off and I will be officially listed as having a  Healthy Weight. I still have 10 lbs until my goal and it is doubtful I will reach this by my 1 year anniversary date of April 23rd, but that's ok...I have come along way baby!  What a difference a year makes. For all those anticipating your surgery who read this...it will happen for you...we have all been where you are now. Be PATIENT and set goals that are realistic and strive for them. That waiting period will be over before you know and you will join the ranks of a post-op patient. You wil no longer be hoping to have the surgery but, recovering from it. It's a great day in the neighborhood !

I usually don't share much about myself but more about the Support Group but, I have reached a milestone to my  weight loss that now stands at 150 lbs off. I have 20 lbs to go for the doctor's desired weight for me. But, I have reached my personal goal weight and I could not be happier at knowing the long hard road I fought to get here has paid off. It feels great! But, now the tide shifts to me to maintain and stay fit, still a life long battle but, I am determined to stay the course. The Support Group is on track to begin on Monday, Match 3rd and I relish starting the group. Please be encouraged to join us at what ever stage you are -whether pre-op , post-op it does not matter just come and be prepared to learn and be encouraged...Patricia Patton

To those of Fayette County who have contacted me through this website I appreciate you all. I have had an overwhelming response from those on line, word of mouth and the early postings around Uniontown I have been able to do.Everything remains a go for Monday, March 3rd to begin the support group. We have a great speaker for our lst meeting. There is a wonderful gal named Debbie who will share her journey that is now 4 years in the making and you all will surely be blessed and encouraged.I  will be reviewing the different Phases and I am anxious to meet and hear from you all personally. Keep up the good work with getting the word out. E-mail me please with any questions or concerns... Patricia Patton

People of Fayette County who have or will be having either a Gastric By Pass or Lap Band are invited to a new support group. The lst mtg will be Monday, March 3rd 2008 from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm held at The Fayette Home Care and Hospice Building (the old state police barricks/ and caty corner from Penn State campus). Details coming...keep that date open. Please e-mail me with questions

My name is Patricia Patton and I live in Uniontown PA. I had a gastric bypass in April of 2007. As an RN I have always been interested in education and wellness
promotion. This was one of the many reasons I had a gastric bypass. I know many of you in Fayette County and surrounding areas had your surgeries in Pittsburgh like I did, but no local support groups exist. So, my desire is to get one started. I have applied to become a support leader and with my nursing background and resources available to me the potential for a strong and worthwhile support group exists. I am looking to do this in the Spring of 08'. A gastric bypass does not end the day of discharge from the hospital, that is only the beginning, it is a lifesyle change and a new lease on life. We who have experienced this must continually be encouraged to stay the course, deal with the emotional changes as well as maintaining our now thin bodies. If anyone from this area is interested please contact via e-mail at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Patricia Patton 11/14/2007