jd88047

I was the worst patient. The gals having this surgery I have respect for you. I had a rash develop from blood settling in my stomach. I had issues getting my fluids in. I had increased pain in my neck, back, and shoulder. My feet developed a intense burning itch from the diabetes that was cured by the operation. I now suffer from a deep depression as I don't feel I'm doing well. But the scale does not lie, nor does my old clothes I found in the back of the closet. I believe stats say 3 out of 4 people have complications. But most don't require a return stay at the hospital. Your body is going to loose a lot of weight very quickly and things like staples coming loose will concern you, but happen and nothing to worry about. Incision pain was another concern. Also my urine stream got very weak. I was worried my kidneys were failing. Test don't lie, I am fine. Last the foxes my stomach but not my head. I still battle with food even though I can not eat. Last I rolled my ankle walking as part of my exercise routine. Bit all this was worth it, I have a food problem. I was Jill ng myself with food. My family also makes it hard when trying to stay away from food triggers. But my family have all lost a heathy amount of weight too. The hardest thing I do at 6 months out is finding things with taste. I no longer look at volume but tasty protein with lil or no carbs. When I stray I go back to a food journal to monitor myself. I am not going to gain this weight back and that will always be a struggle for me.

In the Springof the year I was given a life saving option of weight loss surgery. As the weeks turned into months I anxiously but execitedly await my surgery date. I had to check off many things on a list to get the surgery done. Everything up to the surgery was first class. As I sit here writting this I dont know just how much to divulge as I dont want to talk anyone out of this surgery, but will tell you I think the docotors motives behind the surgery has nothing to do with you. Rouhly 9 days before surgery I was notified of a opening and I was ready. After over a week of a pre opt diet I thought I was ready. I waited in the pre op a few hours after my schedualed time but didnt think too much of it. I was really scared but made myself get through it. I awoke in surgery in a large amount of pain, and was flailing my arms about for unknown reasons. Everyone was yelling at me, the surgery is over. The next few days I spent in ICU, in pain and unable to drink Water or consume the Protein packacks. I think I hit the pain button 87 times in one hour at one point. The button thing only administered pain meds 4 times out of that hour. Your encouraged to walk and drink water. I quickly fell into a routine of taking two sips of water, taking a walk, asking for pain meds, and laying real still. I wanted to give up on life at times due to the pain. Simple task like peeing was execruiciating.After a few days I was deemed ok to be released. Once I was home I was able to drink water with no probems, Bowel movemnts were normal, and I felt really good. I pulled out the discharge paperwork and noticed immediatly I was doing some things wrong. I had no anti ulce meds, and the meds I was on before I could not take dues them being large 1000 mg horse pills. I should have been sent home protein suppliments and anti ulcer meds. This was part of the package I was sold to help me make my decision on the operation. So I get online to the prescribed support site and found everyone else recieved this and much more. So I pick up the phone and call and get a non working number. So I called the Surgery Unit and ask for the Nurse Coordinator, he has left and the new one had not been trained yet. So I guess I could say I can wait during my liquid diet phase. I was also told to call if I had any questions. Well no one returned my call or called in any scripts, imagine that. Now the good news. Even though I am not taking meds I am feeling very good. My diabetes is at normal levels. Im tired and weak, but able to do things I could not do before. Now mind you I can not do much while I heal up. I seem to be able to tolerate the prescribed diet and I look forward to the next few months. I have lost some weight, maybe a little too much too fast. In Summary, do not do this surgery if you can diet and exercise. Everyone is different but I would not widsh the pain I had on anyone. I was dying anyway, so the pain was worth it. Now the info I got to make my decision was false. Get it in writting if they make promises about meds and suppliments. I still dont know how Im gonna find out why I have a extra incicsion, or why the phone calls are not being returned. I also dont understand why no follow up appointmenst ahve been made yet. I have already missed my 1 week appointment. I will be contatcting Tricare in the am and give them a piece of my mind about the whole procedure. I was given many handouts with phone numbers, web addresses and such for help. They dont work lol. But still think this is a plus for me. I hate being lied to.

Good news, had my 6 week follow up and all is well. I have lost 24% of my goal and Im right on track. They ordered some more vitamins and supliments so I feel better as all my concerns was answered. Im able to eat more than I could and I am upset I can. Im eating a half a cup with ease, but no more. Gas is a problem, but movement in the mornings is well. Im down to 149 from 183. Not bad for 6 weeks. But I seem to be averaging a little less than 10 pounds a week right now. Now I feel great, cant remember when I could put my own shoes on. Ny daily goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day. I am at goal and finding it easier as the days go by. I may have stumbled at first, but it wa worth it.

Bella nailed it. I use a Fage with sugar free seedless jams. Baby bell cheese and laughing cow.

I eat about 3 Ozs but dont always feel full soon after. I exercise or drink fluids then. My understanding was to keep the calorie count under 1000, carbs at 75 grams, and protein at 60 grams. Always best to talk to your team.

The next few weeks I would concentrate on what you were told to do. Stay hydrated. Exercise if you can. I first saw inprovements in my face and stomach. I am to understand when you dont loose pounds you are loosing inches.

Hi Folks, after surgery I started having back and feet pain. My doctor is not concerned but I cant sleep at night. I had my surgery on the 9th or October and there has been a lot of pain. Im doing good except for the new pains. Didnt have them like this before the operation. I was told the back pain would go away if I had the surgery. Anyone else have this problem?

My brother seems to think the maddening itching that goes on at night with the pain is healing. He is a smart fellow and I agree. After surgery there has been no follow up for me. My questions dont deserve a answer, and I was told I would complian no matter how good I was treated. My docotors ego got hurt when I asked about the complications and direct questions about the procedure. I had to fire him.Im on my second doctor now and he does not want anything t do with the surgery, so Im going to fire him Monday. I am 3 weeks out post op. I have found a fountain of information on the various support groups I am a member of. I was not recieving help before I changed doctors. I have talked with the hospital, and refered the matter to the State Medical Board and the Organization responsible for certifying the hospital. While its agreed this is not in tune with the Patients Bill of Rights. No one has yet to fix the problem. I only added this because folks say talk to you doctor. I wish I could. I am a veteran and there is a stupid sign on my forehead. I will get answers, as I have now contacted a attorney. But really should it need be that complicated? If all these people I have talked to over several weeks cant help. My last words to my docotor was he could have taken care of this the first week when it all happened. I think we have to take responsibility for our health and the bad decisions we made that ended up here in the first place. There is no physcological help to treat the bad behavoir. So it is up to the individual to make the difference and make the operation a success. So I will always keep asking questions and doing the best I can. My situation is not normal. I hope anyone reading this knows the operation does exactly what it says it does. Unfortunately I can not ask a doctor at this time for help. But I will keep trying.

Im only 2 weeks post op and find not much effects me. Once I eat my whole 2 oz's of mush (puree diet) I have trouble getting any more fluids in later. I absolutely hate the protien shakes now my taste buds change. I look at what else is giving me protein. I have found baby bell and laughing cow cheese, and such helps add to the daily total. I am going to slow;ey make myself get used to whey protein as its not a option. You may try cocoa powder and non fat creamers. Again I dont know much about dairy intolerance. I have been tasting things since the operation to see what works. You hang in there and let us know what works for you.

I am only two weeks post op and having troubles with my lower back and feet. I cant sit with out paying for it. Laying down is the only way to make it go away. Its starting to effect my sleep, I hope I can start exercising soon, something has to give. Glad I dont have to sit or drive far. Besides pillows which I use, anything else work?

Today I worked on why my back and feet hurt. Its starting to keep me up at night. Im still not able to exercise and the pain is keeping me from doing the walking I want to get in. The start of the puree diet for the next two weeks made me fell uncomfortable. I got full and couldnt take in any more water for the first day. I seem better today. My sense of taste has greatly improved and the simplest things are so delightful now.

Had a phone consult with the Dr. He was upset with me, sad a lot of bad things. I never did get a 1 week follow up or the meds and suppliments I needed. I do have appointment with another doctor and this will be just a memory soon enough. Communication with your doctor is important, I would make sure you know how that works. You most likely will have questions after the surgery you didnt forsee. Im almost two weeks out and just starting a puree diet. I have nothing but good things to say about the operation, and benefits. I had a set of medical problems that would have killed me slowly anyway. Eating healthy and feeling better was never this good for me. It was always a struggle before. I wish there was some follow up for the cravings and old habits like eating at night that got me here in the first place. Get someone you can count on to be there for you.

Hi pik, I was at a military hospital. Dr Rice is a doctor there with a good track record. I was able to finally talk with him via email. His response to my concerns was: No response necessary. I had not contacted him or the nurses. This is a matter for the VA. The VA is seperate from the hospital. The doctors responses do not match with what other recent patients are saying on two other forums specifically for that hospital. Tricare does not have me listed as a patient. Also the Doctor did not repsond till I contacted the Texas State Medical Board with my concerns. I did ask for a transfer of services. I was transfered to yet another person where it went straight to a recorded message telling me to contact my PCM, then a busy signal. I called half a dozen phone numbers yesterday associated with the hospital. I never got to talk to a real person and no messages have been returned so far. My immediate concerns are the damage that happened to my back and feet during surgery. My back has always hurt, but I cant take any meds for it. My feet are a new pain that keeps me from sleeping. I asked a nurse yesterday about my dietary concerns and was told that is out of her reach. I did thank the docotr for taking the time to address my issues but feel it was innadequate. I will continue to research on my own to make sure this operation is a sucess. I cant write prescriptions not Dr. ,yself. I have few options to get care here. So far life is good as I am better off even with my worry that I was before the operation. I miss all the flavors of food I used to have or the fullness I used to get. I am off the Water stage and can start my 2 week puree stage now. I have tested the waters with a variety of food and found food taste even better after the operation and I dont need but a few ounces to make me full and happy. I am sure I am keeping withing the 500-1000 calories a day that doctor told me the operation was designed to do. Greasy deep fried food is not my friend as I did sample a few things the last week off the wifes plate. This has change the whole familys way of looking at food. While my doctor and team have some how bumbled through the last 12 years without a complaint. I can tell you I have to hope he is really that good and everything is fine. I am moving forward, getting the much needed exercise gutting through the the pain in my feet and back. Clothes are fitting better, I have almost dropped a size. Most of the weight seems to be missing from my face and other areas. Not my waist yet. You can see a big difference in my gut as it is not as full as before. Im not sure how to get the weight tracker up and running. But I am somewhere between 250 and 260 down from 281 pounds in just a few weeks. I have went with the Atkins Protein drnks for my protein. Also Centrum Chewables for my Vitamins. Does anyone know if I need extra Calcium also? I thought that was a girl thing. Also morning movements are about every other day. Almost normal and dont seem to be a problem. I take it thats normal? My diabetes is down to 130 in the morning from a normal 300-400 before surgery. I also am not allowed to take any heart medication with my BP slightly higher than normal. Other than some residual pain i my feet and back, I think I am doing good. I got focused on what was wrong and I should be focused on what is right. I do appreciate the help and your resonses lets me know if I have real concerns or not. There is porbably a lot fo things I could do. But I cant think of anything else I can do to help my situation at this moment. Every day I do net get help from the Dr or his team, I am talking to someone else. Sooner or later a fire will be lit and I will get what I need.

I have started new routines which encourage me to exercise and eat healthy. Im too busy focused on takeing care of myself as this is a second chance at life for me. I understand about being able to do stuff I havent in a long while. I hadnt lost the ability to walk, but was very close. Even though some health problems like Diabetes is gone. I still have pains in my feet most likely from nerve damage. I have found that there is plenty oh healthy choices and Im not alone. Im currently researching what is healthy sodium and fat limits so I dont develop other issues.

When I started this post. I did need to vent a bit as I was scared at first. Now I have done what I can, its is up to god. I dont know if the person was trying to help or be mean. I know I had a bad few days till I realized everything was great. Not sure about the doctors or nurses attitudes, but feel good about getting the surgeons email so I could make sure he knows some things are not happening. There is grumblings from others as I found out. So if one doesnt speak up, nothing will get fixed. There is some very intelligent folk here. I never considered the operation a mistake and am glad to have such good company. I actually had fun today as each day gets better.

Cant agree enough algea. I have other health care professionals and others who are local and I have a feeling I am not the only one this is happening too. My understanding after asking questions is without a Nurse Coordinator, nothing gets done. Im not even sure the Dr knows I am having difficultys. Now if the email is a good one great. This is turning out to be a wonderful exeperience and very positive on my life. I have moved past the issues with the clinic and took charge. I am responsible for me. I use what works in my life and get rid of the garbage. While the Dr and his clinic could be helping they choose not to. If someone makes a promise and then they brake that promise, that is a lie to me. I have no time for liars in my life. I posted this here to let folks know I am not happy. I dont have many post as I am a new patient and just founf the forum. As long as I get negative emails from folks on the forum. I will just not use the forum. You know who you are, good luck with life. Thank you too all who has made positive comments and I want to say thank you for listening.

I was able to email the surgeon with my concerns and asked him to have someone call me when he gets his clinic working again. I have missed follow up appointments and have meds that need addressed.

Unfortantely it is out of state and I do not have the funds. I would love to go into this but it would confuse the forum trying to explain service connected and travel pay stuff. There was some promises made and they lied. While others seem to get help, myself and family are left to cope by ourselves. I think Im loosing weight too fast. I was 281 pounds on the 9th of October. I am now 256 pounds out of the shower.

Well printed instructions gave several numbers and emails(most non working) you should call if you had any complications or questions. Questions are not being answered, calls are not being returned. Did that help.

I bounced this off a lot of folks and another forum and it is most likely from the shots I recieved. Its not painful, and the Surgical unit is not returning my calls. I havent fell or did anything to hurt myself. I am keeping a eye on it.

Yes I notified my Primary care today(again) about it. I have just noticed a large bruise that wasnt there yesterday on my lower stomach. Is this normal? I hope you all dont mind me sharing a picture of my belly.

I do need to contact TriCare, but just busy living life at the moment. Im hitting the fluids and exercise as hard as I can to make sure I dont get sick and end back in the hospital. I have what I need to take care of myself. But sure could use the help the prescritions could provide. Being a service Connected veteran I can get meds and stuff at a pretty low co pay. Im not going to let this make me mad anymore or get me down.

MsUjime, thank you. Im glad folks here understand what I am saying and not trating me like a little kid who doesnt understand big words. I am feeling fine and able to exercise. I have to work on my Protein now and I am following what I was gievn out at discharge. I have called several times. Been put on hold and told they would call back later. Unfortunately I still am weak and tired later in the afternoon and nap. So I miss calls. I have many of the symptoms of MsUjime and am working towards financial and working solutions to get what I need. As I have a family I have always sacrificed for them and dont feel comfortable taking much needed recources away from them. Thank you all for your kind words as it is hard for me to be nice when interacting with the Dr's Staff. It is pure laziness to not write presscriptions that cost me nothing as I am service connected. To deny me care, and hide from your responsibilities is unacceptable to me. There was a lot of things included in the package to get me to do the operation. They basically lied. My attempts to talk with a doctor have failed. Just wanted to be clear on that. I dont want anyone making a mistake based on bad info.