Long road to recovery

[lucygoose 0]

I had my surgery on Dec 8th by Dr. Alvarez and have posted a few times here. Today is the first time in 2 weeks that I have been able to come back because I have been hospitalized for the majority of this time. On Christmas day (almost 3 weeks after my surgery) I developed symptoms of nausea and vomitting so severe that it required 5 visits to the emergency room, 2 admissions, a couple of days in ICU, 2 cat scans, an endoscopy, 2 weeks away from work, and being sicker than I have ever been in my entire life. I can be thankful that as far as the actual surgery was concerned, all of the test showed no complications. I guess my sleeve is what it is suppose to be. I called Dr. Alvarez several times and he always returned my call promptly each time. But then again, when he is in Mexico there isnt a whole lot he can do. He did request certain meds that I relayed to my doctors.

Today, I feel ok. Getting a little energy back. I HAVE to return to work tomorrow whether I feel like it or not. Eating and drinking don't feel good. Does this strange feeling ever change? I have lost about 40 pounds but if I had to tell you today I would say the cost is too high. I had my surgery in mexico because insurance would not cover it. I am sure when the medical bills start piling up it will be in excess of $30,000. As hard as my doctors tried to - not one bariatric doctor in the Atlanta area would see me becasue of liability reasons. I am under the care of an internist / nutritionalist now.

I know this forum is a positive place for research and I think that is wonderful. But I do wish that some of the regular posters who have had complications would give more attention to them. Or maybe once the complications are over and we accomplish our goal of loosing weight we forget the trials? I dont know. I only pray one day I will feel "normal" again.

Thanks for listening.

[Lee 19]

Lucy, I'm so sorry to read your story. I hope that your energy picks up and that you start a smooth road to recovery. Please keep us posted on how you're doing.

[3636millie 3]

Lucygoose, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. I'll pray that you feel better every day.

I had a horrible period of time starting about my 2nd week out from surgery. Woke up one night with vomiting. Everytime I tried to move my head or get up, I would feel like my whole world was spinning, then begin with retching and vomiting. Couldn't even get up to go into the bathroom to get sick as would loose my balance and just any movement of my head caused vomiting. Had to stay in bed with an emesis pan by my mouth. Finally went to see the Doctor and was diagnosed with labrynthitis. It is Fluid in the vestibule of the inner ear. She placed me on diamox to get the Fluid out and some valium to help with calming me down. It is slowly getting better. It has now been about 2 weeks. Still really dizzy but able to keep fluids and Protein shakes down and can walk in a straight line if I hold onto the walls. I did go to work for 2 hours a day on Thursday and Friday only because someone drove me and picked me up. I'm pretty sure that it wasn't caused by surgery but man......... I hear ya about the vomiting.

Is there any way that you could have had an inner ear problem? Just a thought........ Anyway, not sure what kind of insurance you have but if the sleeve was deemed o.k. I would definately fight the insurance company if they didn't want to pay for the hospitalization.

Good luck and I am so sorry for your troubles. <<<<<HUGS>>>>>> Please keep us posted. Marilyn

[Tiffykins 673]

Lucy, first off I want to say that I'm so sorry you had to endure all of those visits and frustrations. I know complications are very difficult physically and emotionally.

I try not to forget about my complications, and I do try to be there others who have or are struggling. Please know that if you need anything, I'm here for you.

You'll be in my prayers, and I honestly believe things will get better. There are many trials that I've endured during my recovery, but I overcame them, and am better today than I have been in years.

Unfortunately, somethings, some people just need more time.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Did anyone ever tell you what is causing you all these problems? If there is nothing wrong with your sleeve, and all your tests came back with no problems showing, what is making you so sick?

I am sorry you're going through this. I know it has to be miserable. I hope you feel better soon.

As long as I have been visiting this board and obesity help, I have never heard of anyone having these kinds of problems, unless they have a leak, which you don't seem to have. Please keep us posted.

[*susan* 1,709]

Hi Lucy,

I am also so sorry for all of the problems you are experiencing. I can honestly say my first five weeks after my sleeve surgery was pure hell. I too was constantly nauseous, had vomiting, no energy and felt completely miserable. Like you, I was out of work that whole time as well. My sleeve itself was fine. Like you, I spent enough time in and out of the hospital and emergency rooms during that month to last me a lifetime! I was an emotional wreck, crying all the time, feeling hopeless and scared that was what the rest of my life was going to be like. Finally, a friend of mine referred me to a bariatric doctor here locally whom she said had experience with sleeves and a great deal of experience with people who suffered complications. He saw me right away. Of all the doctors I saw, he was the one who finally got me on the road to recovery. My body was a mess. It was basically in shock over everything it had gone through. He took me off of all the medications all the other doctors had me on, which he said was only further weakening me. He gave me an injection of something, of which, unfortunately I can't remember what, and gave me a very specific meal plan to follow. I literally did a complete turn around in a matter of days. It turned out, I suffered from major dehydration, one of my incisions was infected, and I had major urinary and kidney tract infections, amongst other things. I had also managed to develop an ulcer shortly after my surgery.

I just wanted to let you hear my story, so you know that you are not alone, and there are those of us who do not recover well after this surgery. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I feel great now, and do not regret having this surgery one bit. I would do it again in a heartbeat to feel as fabulous as I do now.

Keep your chin up, and your spirits as well. Make sure you are getting enough fluids in. If not, have them check you for urinary and kidney infections. I had no idea I even had one, I didn't experience the usual physical symptoms. But, they were there and they were major, and draining all of the energy out of my system.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing.