cathycat123

Hello,
I had gastric bypass surgery a little more than 10 years ago. I am 5'3" tall and I weighed in at 238 with a BMI of 38. At the time of my surgery our insurance company was a PPO and I had no problems completing all of the required steps including the visit with a nutrition and psych evaluation. I won't say I regret the surgery because I don't. I bottomed out at 120 and that was a little thin for me. I looked healthier and stabilized with no problems at about 135 and life was good. My surgeon was Dr. Waldrep and while I know he did a great job it bothered me a little that I was allowed to meet him just once before surgery. After surgery he came by my room to check on me the next day and I have not seen the man since. I did go to all of my follow up appointments but always saw "Mike" his assistant. Gastric Bypass gave me a chance at the life I longed for. I could buy any style I wanted and fit into anything -- a huge confidence booster! I followed the advice of "Mike" and ate my protein first, then veggies, avoided things that would fill me up before I had eaten enough protein. So almost no pasta, rice, bread and I didn't even miss it, not one bit. Before surgery my joints ached and my knees killed me! Now I could easily race up the stairs at work, never taking the elevator. I attended support group meetings held at the hospital and listened as well as shared my experiences. Those were the happiest days of my adult life.

Fast forward to about 3 years ago. The weight started coming back on and I wasn't doing anything different as far as my eating went. I will admit my exercise routine had faltered because of a back injury. There was a terrific amount of anxiety and depression as the weight came on. I started using my treadmill and walking around the block. Unfortunately the weight kept piling on. About the time I hit my lowest, my doctor advised that the antidepressants I had been on could definitely cause the weight gain. Under my breath I wanted to say "THANKS SO MUCH" So now what - I wish I would have been advised of the weight gain from the meds - maybe I would have opted out of those meds -- but while I felt the doctor should have warned me about the weight gain - I SHOULD HAVE RESEARCHED THE MEDS SO IT'S MY FAULT TOO, I CAN'T JUST BLAME THE DOCTOR.

While I would repeat the surgery if given the choice I also wish I would have known about the vitamin deficiency and malabsorption issues. I have been anemic and at one point had a blood transfusion and iron infusions for several weeks. My anemia is now under control but I still go to the doctor every month for a vitamin "B" shot. Other things no one told me and I didn't think to ask are that certain medical tests cannot be as complete as before because your body has been revised. For instance - a colonoscopy can't be as thorough and the same goes for an upper endoscopy. I did have kidney stones that were large enough to require "blasting" and those were no fun.

If I could tell the medical community one thing it would be this: We need doctors who take care of gastric bypasses after surgery. My arthritis doctor is afraid to prescribe. My PCP isn't sure what I should or should not have - meds. So we are missing the doctor for patients after surgery. "Mike" is no longer working at Dr. Waldrep's office. I attempted to make an appointment with Dr. Waldrep but I was told he did not take my insurance - I think his staff exaggerated (or at least I hope this was an exaggeration), I was told I could "self pay" $650.00 to see the good Doctor. So, I haven't opted for a visit with the Doctor.

I wish I could talk to Dr. Waldrep. I wish I had the opportunity to tell him "thank you" for the wonderful 7 years. I do wish my medical insurance would allow me to visit with Dr. Waldrep. At this point I'm trying to keep my chin up but I'm depressed because I know I have let myself down. When I lost my weight I told myself I would never never gain that weight back. And, here I am.

So my advice -- make sure you know all the kinds of vitamins you need to take. Make sure you have a good follow up doctor - a PCP who knows about gastric bypass -- (I don't think there is one in Sacramento). If anyone knows of one, please let me know. Thanks for listening.