LBD

I would imagine that if they were concerned, they would order an MRI....

So sorry! Didn't mean to scare you. Just because my doctor made a huge mistake, doesn't mean anyone else's will and I wish you the best of luck. I guess I felt the need to share my story because I still am pissed off about it. That doctor never came to see me in the hospital except for one time at the end of my 8 day stay and that was to tell me that my "anatomy was different". Never apologized and I went through hell. Made sure that I have a surgeon now that seems to care more about what happens to me. I'm also realizing that being that mistakes like the one my dr made are so rare that my posts about it don't really help anyone else in coming to terms and making the decision to move forward, which is hard enough as it is...

That was one of my first questions to my current surgeon.. How would he handle it differently this time? Can't go through the same area because of scar tissue so he'll come in from the side. Also will start with a 5 mm laparoscopic tool versus the 10 mm one. Also is consulting with the vascular surgeon who did the graft. I had already spoken to him to be sure that he didn't see any issue with the surgery... He didn't foresee any issues.

Wow, that closed up quick! Just had my endoscopy a couple of days ago.... worst thing that happened to me was gargling with lidocaine!!! Nasty stuff... Then my doctor starts asking me questions while my mouth is totally numbed out... Funny!

Ruptured Aorta. A very rare (and obviously serious) surgical error. Recovery from that surgery was rough because I had an upper respiratory infection and was coughing and sneezing with this huge incision/dozens of staples in my gut! 8 days in the hospital...NOT fun. I never had the gastric bypass then, (2007). With the help of this forum, I've managed to muster some strength, reason and objectivity and will get the VSG in the next month or two. Again, not meaning to scare anyone, I would just say that it's important to be in a hospital where there are other specialists available- as in my case, I needed a vascular surgeon to repair and graft the artery.

Yup... I did. Started with lap, converted to open. Not by choice but a medical necessity, yucky long scar from below my belly button to my sternum. It was definitely a difficult recovery. My situation was very rare though.

I can totally relate- it's a weird mix of emotions. I am elated that I am going to put a stop to this- to reach a healthy weight once and for all, but I am also ashamed and disappointed in myself. Not just for failing at dieting for the past thirty years, but after my botched attempt at gastric bypass surgery, I swore that that experience would be my wake up call to finally do it. Well, surprise, I didn't and here I am finishing up my pre op stuff for the second time around. So from my friends and family that knew and were understandably horrified by what happened before, I am getting mixed reactions. The first reaction is always a look of fear which fades to concern. Eventually everyone has chosen to support my decision... I feel grateful, but I haven't spoken to my oldest son yet. He's twelve and I really don't want to scare him. He knows what happened before because he's seen my scars and has asked about them. I am sad that I'll need to let him know that I'm trying WLS again, which will definitely scare him, no matter how I explain it. As far as what I'll need to say publicly after I lose a lot, I think I would say that I chose to make a major change in my life... And didn't give up.

Good for you!!! Talbot lady needed to be corrected big time... So glad you let her manager know how offensive that was. She needed to go to the ugly & insensitive department of Talbots. Really, take that 25% & shove it!!!

Thank you! Taking notes & hopeful!!!

Not sure about the specifics of your personal UHC Choice plus plan, but my experience so far has been good. My coordinator was able to get clearance pretty quickly, I only had to have one appointment with the nutritionist, vs 6., so once I've finished all my dr apps & tests I should be able to get final clearance and will have surgery in late September, early October. I only started with this process 3-4 weeks ago. I do have a deductible to meet, but once that's met, the bulk of the cost of the surgery is paid for. Good luck!

I read somewhere that fish oil is very helpful with hair loss- has anyone tried it and does it effect digestion and/or have any ill effects?

How did it go? Everything ok?

And really, not fair to try to belittle someone when their coming to such a point of joy in their life! No one is trying to convert anyone here. We are all different people coming from different places with WLS in common. Let's celebrate this person's huge success and not be sarcastic to someone who is here for support, not sarcasm. Really...

I am grateful that God has blessed doctors with the talent and expertise to help people like myself who need help to lead healthier lives. Some may feel differently, but there is a higher power at work in our lives whether we choose to believe it or not. Thankfully, sounds like you are feeling healthy, happy, free & grateful, which is an amazing thing!!!!

It almost makes me want to cry when I see all of these before and after successes! You have just changed your life- congratulations!!! Hope to be able to say the same for myself in 2014.

Not shallow and superficial at all... When you don't know what it feels like for so much of your life, it will just feel incredible to be happy when you can look in the mirror and smile. My surgery should happen in September or October and I get waves of excitement to think that things could change so much in several month's time. I plan on buying a full length mirror... Maybe two, haha!

Well, my initials are LBD & I certainly plan on wearing an LBD next year sometime for the first time ever, really!

Oh yeah, I know! I have been trying to lose weight since the age of 12, when I weighed 142 lbs. Yo yo dieting & now at 44 I am twice that weight. In 2007, I made the decision to have gastric bypass, but unfortunately a surgical mistake derailed my plans to have the surgery, and I almost lost my life. After recovering from that debacle, I never thought I would attempt WLS again. Then in 2010, my amazing vivacious and otherwise very healthy mother, aged 75, was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. I was her caregiver during her last five months until she passed away on May 8, 2011 on Mother's Day. To say this time was brutal would be an understatement and I tried to keep things as normal for my kids as possible throughout her illness and after, but the truth is that my health was not a priority. i was exhausted, traumatized & now I'm 35 lbs heavier than when I went in for the failed gastric bypass a few years ago. Aside from all the negatives that go with being obese, being at this weight greatly increases my chances of developing cancer, and I just can't put my boys through that. Am I scared to go under the knife again? Hell yes, but that fear pales in comparison to developing cancer, living the rest of my life like this or leaving my children motherless because I was too scared to make a change. I suddenly realized that the decision I made in 2007 was the right one for me and I have to try again. Almost done jumping through the pre-op hoops and I AM READY!!! Bring it ON!!!!

Agreed, and absolutely. It is constant for me. Do you feel like you have been offered enough emotional support/counseling post surgery? I know you're fresh out of surgery but I wondered if people typically take advantage of support groups as part of their aftercare, aside from VST.

BTW, this was so helpful that I think it would be a great idea for more folks to contribute their experiences, day by day for the first week..

Yes, thank you so much for sharing your experiences, day by day! I've had 2 c- sections & abdominal surgery before, so I kind of know what to expect regarding the pain, but it was great to read about what your daily hurdles were.... And that things did get better! After meeting with the nutritionist today, and spending lots of time researching here, I still feel a healthy fear but I am ready!!! It's also great that you and your husband are doing this together, and it sounds like you're on your way. So happy for you both!

Oooooh- think I need one!!!!

Just met with my nutritionist today and depending how far out you are, (like in the clear liquid phase,) she said to dilute to a 1 to 1 ratio of water to isopure. I guess that's one way to get it in. Other than that I plan on having plenty of Mio or crystal light on hand, or I know that I'll never drink it. I also just plan on having that handy wherever I go, never leaving the house without it. We'll see how I do post op, considering I am notoriously bad about my water intake.... 64 ounces of tiny sips= lots of sipping!!!

Incredible! Down 21 lbs a month x 5. Pre-op & very new to this still... Is that an unusual amount to lose in 5 months? Have you been exercising a lot to boost your weight loss? You must feel great!

Awesome! Great to hear. Starting to feel a sense of peace about my decision moving forward for so many reasons, including the possibility that my knees won't crunch anymore!! Thanks again for sharing your story.