GinaCampbell

Totally agree that the US appears to have a better handle on hygiene, best safe practice and post op aftercare! Being American, I have had time in both systems and abhor some of the neglectful practices here. Again, my point is this, if a program has this many patients with serious post op complications, why not halt the surgical schedule, concentrate on all the sick post op folk, then do a review to find out why this is happening? We suspect it is the haste in which we were pushed through the surgical system on surgery day. Totally agree that my pre existing IBS - d will now be aggravated by C Diff etc. My IBS was totally under control prior to surgery because I have been on the low FODMAP diet for years and used loperamide where necessary. I was told that this surgery would not have an affect on my bowels as the sleeve does not touch the bowels. I have been showing signs of C Diff since a couple of weeks post op. I have presented dozens of times with obvious signs of C Diff. Yet I was told that bowel problems are "expected". And statistically, you have to remember the difference in population between here and the US. If so many of us in my area are so sick post op, that means that there is a remarkable amount of patients in the program now ill. During my surgical week, there were more than 50% of us re admitted with life threatening post op problems and are still sick ten weeks out. There are also more morbidly obese people in the US because there are more people. I can and am, only discussing WLS in the UK in detail because I did not have surgery in the US. I simply want our bariatric program here to become transparent about their pre op and post op issues and to improve their pre op education and post op aftercare and support. There is one nutritionist and one nurse practitioner for aftercare support for all of us. That's it. Not good enough. Thanks so much for your concern. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I absolutely agree that there seems to be a huge problem at your particular location and it's truly awful. My surgical program would have been suspended with such a tight cluster of pinpoint issues, as well as the post-op floor being emptied and deep-cleaned. And I think it's great that you continue to be a vocal opponent of your program at your location...I just think that at times, you're extrapolating your experiences to completely non-similar situations and I don't think that's fair, nor do I think it's your true intention. I wish you nothing but the best in your recovery...chronic illness can be so debilitating and demoralizing, I hope you reach some sort of livable place with all of this soon. Thank you for your support! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! My plan is to keep fighting to get back to where I was Healthwise pre op in the first instance. Obviously now, I will have to manage the C Diff issue and it's complications. It is a tough infection to cure. The percentages on reoccurrence are quite worrying. Once all that is under control. I need to concentrate on slowing down the weightloss. I am still losing between 5 and 7 lbs a week and only getting in between 300 and 400 calories a day. I need to get my Vitamins, minerals, Iron and nutrient levels sorted out. Once all that is completed, and this could take months to achieve, I then need to get back to my pre op routine. Seeing family, friends, neighbours,attending church etc. It is heartbreaking to be isolated from your family due to illness. Now I have to worry about who I infect with C Diff. On visits, I need to be conscious about using people's loos etc. Beyond that, I plan to develop a good relationship with a GP that has enough knowledge to help me get back to health and to get away from the bariatric system. I may have to pay privately for this care. As I keep saying, I don't live in regret. I live in a fight for my life. I believe that I have had C Diff for nearly eight weeks now and the inflammation, blood and mucous presenting, makes me fear that this situation may become even more serious due to the neglect of the bariatric team in post op care. My GP believes the bariatric team should be dealing with me and the bariatric team wants the GP to do it. Meanwhile, I am in trouble. I live my life deep in my Faith. And because I do, I am told that there is a plan for my life. That plan appears to be perseverance with grace. Ultimately, I plan to consult an NHS healthcare advocate. I am going to ask that my case be looked over to ensure that I get better care and other people don't have to go through all of this. If your query concerns my dislike of my sleeve, I accepted the ultimate responsibility for my mistake weeks ago. We all make mistakes. I made the decision in error. There is no point in dwelling on this as it is irreversible. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

lol how cute! It's always funny when over fifties try to be "down with the kids"! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I think you're just saying that most people don't have a negative experience, we just hear about them a lot because those are the people speaking up. I understood.This forum doesn't have the statistics to qualify that statement unless I am missing it somewhere. We would have to poll all WLS throughout the global community to see how many have had negative experiences and factor in how many are reluctant to speak out about them due to fear etc. We will not be able to get a true representation because so many people suffer in silence for their own personal reasons. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Now you're inventing data compilation issues to suit your own preferences. There are numerous large cross-sectional and longitudinal studies showing morbidity and mortality rates associated with WLS, as well as showing the rates of most common complications, weight lost/regained with the different WLS options and regarding patient satisfaction with the surgeries. They are overwhelmingly positive in favor of WLS...the mortality rate alone when compared to the mortality rates of the co-morbidities most WLS patients have is stunning in and of itself, particularly when you factor in the reduction or elimination of many of those co-morbidities that occurs BECAUSE of the weight loss surgery. You, by your own admission, had a raft of other health issues that have undoubtedly contributed to your post-op issues. I can't recall which you have, IBD or IBS, but either alone is likely an enormous factor in many of your problems and it seems as though you're not getting appropriate treatment for those problems. Being a healthcare professional myself, I absolutely hate that you aren't being seen by a GI, that your surgical team is not responsive or concerned and that you're left to the care of your GP, who sounds like a great practitioner, but has no additional training in gastrointestinal issues. BUT, none of YOUR problems are likely to occur in someone like me, an otherwise completely healthy 51 year old woman whose only co-morbidities were hypertension and sleep apnea. In the end, it looks like you're trying to scare others into feeling that WLS isn't for them, despite a huge amount of data, collected in the US healthcare system, that shows WLS to be VERY safe and VERY effective. Totally agree that the US appears to have a better handle on hygiene, best safe practice and post op aftercare! Being American, I have had time in both systems and abhor some of the neglectful practices here. Again, my point is this, if a program has this many patients with serious post op complications, why not halt the surgical schedule, concentrate on all the sick post op folk, then do a review to find out why this is happening? We suspect it is the haste in which we were pushed through the surgical system on surgery day. Totally agree that my pre existing IBS - d will now be aggravated by C Diff etc. My IBS was totally under control prior to surgery because I have been on the low FODMAP diet for years and used loperamide where necessary. I was told that this surgery would not have an affect on my bowels as the sleeve does not touch the bowels. I have been showing signs of C Diff since a couple of weeks post op. I have presented dozens of times with obvious signs of C Diff. Yet I was told that bowel problems are "expected". And statistically, you have to remember the difference in population between here and the US. If so many of us in my area are so sick post op, that means that there is a remarkable amount of patients in the program now ill. During my surgical week, there were more than 50% of us re admitted with life threatening post op problems and are still sick ten weeks out. There are also more morbidly obese people in the US because there are more people. I can and am, only discussing WLS in the UK in detail because I did not have surgery in the US. I simply want our bariatric program here to become transparent about their pre op and post op issues and to improve their pre op education and post op aftercare and support. There is one nutritionist and one nurse practitioner for aftercare support for all of us. That's it. Not good enough. Thanks so much for your concern. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! I will do this! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I think you're just saying that most people don't have a negative experience, we just hear about them a lot because those are the people speaking up. I understood. This forum doesn't have the statistics to qualify that statement unless I am missing it somewhere. We would have to poll all WLS throughout the global community to see how many have had negative experiences and factor in how many are reluctant to speak out about them due to fear etc. We will not be able to get a true representation because so many people suffer in silence for their own personal reasons. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have clearly touched a nerve. I asked a simple question. I did not get personal and I do not give internet forums the power to upset me in any way. So no, I deal with all of this very rationally, nothing to take personally. And there shouldn't be such contention when I only asked why you feel that complications are "over hyped". Being asked for clarification of a statement is not a challenge to a fight, this isn't Game of Thrones for goodness sake! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So, again, I am going to have to disagree. For me, WLS was absolutely elective -- but not really. At 5.3 and 264 pounds I was slowly killing myself with food. I had been terribly successful with phentermine, WWs, Jenny, Atkins, South Beach, etc. losing 80-90 pounds with each, maintaining for a few months and then quickly gaining it all back plus some. Losing weight had never been slow or hard, maintaining it was. I was doing permanent damage to my knees, my back, my feet. I was just on the line of pre-diabetic. My quality of life was great... I thought. I elected to have a surgery that I believe saved my life and made my quality of life so much better. I know you feel differently, and that is your right, of course, but to me, this is one "elective" surgery that for me, and many other obese people, was a necessity. I posted this a few years back: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/308645-i-was-a-super-healthy-fat-person-until-surgery-changed-my-life-was-it-worth-it/?hl=%20was%20%20super%20%20healthy Agreed! For some people, this is not elective. For me, it definitely was! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I should imagine a brain surgery was not an elective one. Sucks a bit when you started all this simply because conventional weightloss methods were either too hard or not producing results fast enough. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Why do you feel that it is "over hyped" if you have no experience in the matter? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Exactly! You made a decision that you felt best for you and have had great medical results! Now that is good news! I made a decision that was wrong for me and have had the opposite effects. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The reason people comment is complex. Some just want an argument. Some dislike my refusal to be driven away. Some simply find it confusing that I am willing to say clearly that this surgery is not for everyone. Your post is a common one. I don't need "help" to "get through" something that is impossible to change. The stomach is gone. I could have lost weight myself. This surgery proved it. The reason I have lost the majority of my excess weight is because I am starving. I am only able to ingest 300 to 400 cals most days and due to constant diarrhea, lose as much liquid as I take in. Some of us stuck to our pre op 800 cal diet because we had to to get what we wanted, surgery. What we don't like to admit is that some of us could have tried harder without altering our body permanently. And some of us just won't like the changes we are forced to make post op. I am brave enough to say that regardless of how unpopular this topic is. Again, I ask, how would you want me to feel? My actual opinion doesn't suit you, so what feeling do you want me to have? I could lie to the world here and say, I love my sleeve, this is great! I eat loads of Protein, don't mind the constant runs, food revulsion, etc But then someone like me, who was looking for advice, might just think we all love our sleeves. Thank you for highlighting this problem with your contribution! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App My issue isn't with you. It's with everyone else who is wasting their time trying to help you. Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App Ah, the passive aggressive approach! Thank you for your help in highlighting this issue for me with your contribution. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So pleased to hear that it can be cured! Thank you for sharing! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow Jo! What a difference! So glad that your area seems to be in better control. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1470848154.337654.jpg Can you see it (inside photo) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Looks a bit mauve.I saw a striking cater waiter at a visiting ballet company reception recently who had a closely shaved head of dark hair but electric blue eyebrows. For some reason, I was expecting something more like that! I may have to resort to drastic actions to resolve eyebrow problem. First I have to get well enough to get out of the loo for more than an hour! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Will talk to them if I can find out how to contact them. Would love to see the letter that they sent my GP anyway. Perhaps I can convince the secretary to pass me a direct number. Problem is that one team says, ask the other team etc. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I only had gas pains the first night. I still have gas (5 days post-op), but it's not painful whatsoever. I had difficulty sleeping on the 1st night due to pain and gas, but since then, I sleep like a baby. I've had no problems drinking Water or other liquids. The 1st few days I was actually able to gulp (not chug) the water which surprised me. Now I am at a sipping stage where I can't gulp it anymore, but I still am not having any issues with getting in my liquids. I had a minor headache on nights 2 and 3. There's no way it was due to hydration; I can assure you that I was getting in my water. I'm guessing it was due to changes in my body. No more headaches since then. After reading all the horror stories on here, I was dreading the recovery portion. From my perspective, however, it is over-hyped. It's not "over hyped" if you have actually had severe complications. Hard to comprehend if you haven't been through it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My bariatric nurse and GP doesn't know the answer so I am just throwing this out there. I am three months into a six months course of lansoprazole. PPI's apparently aren't good when you have C Diff. Should I stop taking it for now to give my body a chance to get rid of this? If my bariatric team doesn't know and my GP doesn't know, next point of call? Infectious disease team ? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You are right. The slime is shocking. Will look into kefir. Thank you for your help! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Whatever you say. Thank you for stopping by to highlight my difficulties with the NHS to raise awareness for other NHS bariatric patients! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

They have postponed the colonoscopy for two weeks. Not sure how I feel about having another procedure while having C Diff. I am supplied with a home system for bowel wash out (fancy enema kit) so wondered if that would help get rid of this vile infection. But thanks for pointing me in the right direction! I appreciate the advice! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Am on Flagyl now. I plan to keep on top of this. I am going to contact the infectious disease team at the hospital myself. I am worried about pain in my bowel and the length of time the inflammation has been present. Blood is never a good sign. I don't want to make a fuss but at this point, I am getting a bit fed up with the lack of post op care that I am receiving. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I see that FMT is available here in the UK on the NHS so I will find out what the plan on managing this is. You will understand that I have lost a bit of faith in their processes but it is what it is. No soiled furniture etc but thank you for the info. I am concerned about the blood, white mucus etc. How do I know if my bowel is in trouble? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Would colonic irrigation help or hinder? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

In America, legal action would get you what you want. Don't know about NHS in England. I tend to expect the worse from the government... Now that I have Clostridium Difficile, and may have infected my family, I am re thinking my stance regarding legal action. If this drags on for months or if I wind up with even more serious problems such as bowel surgery, I may have no choice but to look into this. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good Heavens! Reading about this on the internet is very scary! Perforated bowels etc. Very worrying! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App