Completely Devastated :-(

[mumof2boys 71]

Wow!!! Thanks for all of your comments and support. I will most definitely look at getting another opinion. I love my doctor but if it is possible to keep the band and stay healthy I will most certainly do that. Not only is it extremely stressful for this entire situation but having another surgery adds to lots of other issues. During all of my tests after being diagnosed with cancer I found out that I have the BRCA II gene (the breast cancer and ovarian cancer gene) so during my c-section I had my ovaries removed...I am currently going through menopause (oh joy...at the age of 38)...I also learned that I have the Factor V gene (blood clots) so following my c-section I had to give myself shots in my stomach for 8 weeks and if I have another surgery I will have to do it again :-( Also...they told me that I will not be able to lift more than 20 pounds for 4-6 weeks following surgery...I have a newborn who I have to carry in his carrier...all of this is just a load of stress on my shoulders that I don't want nor need (oh boy...here comes a hot flash...)

I'm not sure how much more bad news I can take...

[kll724 3,055]

Well, God bless you! I had to have an hysterectomy at 32, but the surgeon was able to leave my ovaries. He did not wan to put me thru menopause at that early age. I understand you have mitigating circumstances. Can you get any outside help wit the baby and support for the other problems you have? Hang in there and come here to seek our support anytime. Hugs again. Karen

[Sojourner 2,446]

When our limits are tested, we are able to look inward to tap into a reserve of inner strength which we never knew we had...that's been my experience.

Last year was the year from h%#* for me and my husband...multiple hospitalizations for my husband with cancer, my near fatal car accident, causing multiple bone fractures and a severe concussion, the 5 months of physical therapy to regain the ability to walk unaided, surgery to remove a tumor which thanks be to God was benign, a heart attack for my husband...and the list goes on.

I prayed alot, for the first time in my life, I had to see my physical limitations. I had to depend on others at first post accident for basic and simple things. One takes so much for granted until they are confined to a wheelchair...

We all have some trials in life...and you have had more than your share. But, look inward to discover your inner strengths. They are there...you and I are both proof of that. We're still here...

Best wishes...

[Rojasanoll 920]

May God Bless you and Be positive that one day soon, everything will get better for you . Best wishes

[♕ajtexas♕ 3,771]

God bless you. You are the most inspirational person I've come across. You have faced so many challenges in your life and you have concord them all. I wish you all the best and please know that you have all our support in this next challenge you face.

[mumof2boys 71]

Thanks everyone...I am starting out this second week back to work and trying to hold my head high. Sometimes it is so very difficult to stay positive. Not only did I get that devastating news about my band last week but this past weekend I was informed of horrible news. My Oncologist (whom I love dearly and trust more than anyone in this world) suddenly passed away on August 9. I, once again, am completely devastated. This man was more than "just a doctor" to me. He cared so deeply for his patients. He gave me his personal cell phone number and always answered if I ever called. He was so very personal and made you feel like you were his only patient. I will never find someone to fill his shoes. I just had an appointment with him on July 31 and I am so very happy that he got to meet my little miracle baby. He watched over me like a hawk during my entire pregnancy, sending me for breast ultrasounds every two months. I am beside myself with sorrow. This man saved and changed my life.

I thank you all for your support and I look foward to your continued help with my weightloss that I so desperately need.

[kll724 3,055]

Hang in there! And remember the good that comes out of the bad. Come back to share with us whenever you need the support we are her for you! Hug that babe a little tighter and be thankful! My condolences in your loss! Karen

[sepband2011 2]

i dont understand why a hiatal hernia is such a bad thing to your doctor? my doctor told everyone that if he sees a hiatal hernia during the banding surgery that he will fix it. it wasnt an option and it had to be done to avoid acid reflux or its worsening after banding. i know some doctors dont do that and i dont understand why not. i would get a second opinion. i dont think it has to be the end all for you, buy you may need to go under the knife again.

turned out i had one and he fixed it during surgery. i have to say that was more of a sucess then my band, lol. havent had acid reflux or heartburn since. its been over a year. if only my weight loss can be as sucessfull.

good luck.

[mumof2boys 71]

Well...I have lost absolutely NO weight since having the baby...my goal today is to try to find a surgeon who will at least meet with me to discuss saving my band...I'm so depressed that I just want to eat more...I'm suppose to get married next year...I have to get this weight off of me :-(

[mlara86 1]

Any idea to what may have caused the hernia? The pregnancy? Vomiting? Both?

[Concept57 2]

I had a hiatal hernia repaired at time if banding, and my surgeon acted like this was common. Seek a 2nd opinion for sure.

[Kathy3317 0]

I agree with the second opinion. I had a very large hiatal hernia fixed during lap band surgery.

I did too!

[mumof2boys 71]

OK folks...update...I have found someone who will meet with me to discuss saving the band and fixing the hernia. I have an appointment on October 8 at 10:30 am. I have been trying desperately to meet with a surgeon at Johns Hopkins but it's like an act of God just to get someone on the telephone. I am meeting with Dr. Halmi at the Blue Point Surgical Group in Fairfax, Virginia. Please, please, please keep your fingers crossed that he will help me. I am so very uncomfortable in my own skin again and I hate it. I want to be ME again...the ME that I found after losing weight...I just want to cry...

Someone asked what caused the hernia...most likely it was the pregnancy and there is NO possible way that I will ever get pregnant again so I say...fix my band!!!

I am so desperate that I am considering gastric bypass if my band has to be removed...keep those fingers crossed, my friends...

[A New New Dawn 1,695]

Good luck to you and best wishes. Even though you feel "knocked down", you are such a fighter and will get past this hurdle. I hope the 2nd opinion brings positive news.

Hugs to you!

[mumof2boys 71]

Thank you so much. I'm getting nervous about the appointment tomorrow but trying to stay positive. Everyone please say a little prayer for me tonight for a successful appointment in the morning