Failed Almanza Sleeve

[tfletch23 4]

(sorry to highjack your post, Vickie!)

 

So, the important question to ask the MD is how far away from the SIZE of the Bougie do they sew then, not necessarily the size of it, correct?

[KellyL 173]

In regards to the size and restriction of your sleeve, yes asking the size of the bougie, what capacity that would leave you with, etc is important. Also what is the success rate of the surgeons other patients with the size he states that he uses.

 

 

(sorry to highjack your post, Vickie!)

 

So, the important question to ask the MD is how far away from the SIZE of the Bougie do they sew then, not necessarily the size of it, correct?

[DebiC 181]

when I had my VSG surgery my surgeon discovered that I needed to have my gall bladder out. He said that he would do it after I lost 150# and that he would also "tighten up" my sleeve at the same time.

 

During our initial consulation, when he wanted me to do a bypass, but I was vehemently opposed to it, my surgeon said it was always an option if I didn't lose what I wanted. I read somewhere that initially the sleeve was done as a precursor to bypass for those patients who were too heavy to initially undergo bypass surgery. Because the sleeve can be done easier on super obese patients than the bypass.

 

I'm hoping that I will be successful with the sleeve, as I certainly don't want to have to undergo one of the other WLS's with all their complications.

[KellyL 173]

Yes, the sleeve was initially the first part of the Duodenal Switch. Patients with a high BMI were given the first part of the DS, in essence the Sleeve, in order to lose a portion of their weight. This made it safer for them to be able to perform the second part of the DS later on, which is the rearranging of the intestines for the malabsorption. They found that a high # of people lost a significant amount of weight, not needing the second part of the DS surgery. That's when the Sleeve became a stand alone procedure.

The RNY (Gastris Bypass) is different, in that they don't have a sleeve at all, they have a pouch that is made from their intestines, which is much stretchier than our sleeves, that are actually our own natural stomachs with the greater curvature removed. The portion we're left with of our stomach is the least stretchiest part.

I would much prefer to not have to revise to any other surgery, but if I did it would definitely be the DS over the RNY.

 

when I had my VSG surgery my surgeon discovered that I needed to have my gall bladder out. He said that he would do it after I lost 150# and that he would also "tighten up" my sleeve at the same time.

 

During our initial consulation, when he wanted me to do a bypass, but I was vehemently opposed to it, my surgeon said it was always an option if I didn't lose what I wanted. I read somewhere that initially the sleeve was done as a precursor to bypass for those patients who were too heavy to initially undergo bypass surgery. Because the sleeve can be done easier on super obese patients than the bypass.

 

I'm hoping that I will be successful with the sleeve, as I certainly don't want to have to undergo one of the other WLS's with all their complications.

[circa 333]

I'm concerned that people automatically blame the surgeon. My mother in law had a bypass and lost her weight and has gained it back - not because the surgeon failed, but she refuses to eat correctly. I am NOT saying that this is the case with this person, however, once again, the sleeve is not a guarantee There was weightloss, which means there was restriction. Is there no longer restriction? Have you had an xray to see if your stomach is stretched?

Have you followed a low calorie diet? Have you been exercising?

This is not necessarily the surgeon's fault or the patients. Sometimes the body chemistry is such that this procedure does not work - just like other procedures. But this does not mean that any person is at fault.

I know that the person that's in this situation is upset, I would be too. However, just blaming someone whose work was basically done when you left the hospital and you did have weight loss isn't a good idea in my opinion. You don't have to like my opinion, but I think its worth listening to. Again, I never said it was the poster's fault - but its something to reflect on - are you following a proper diet? If you are, then you might want to see an endocrinologist to find out if there's something else going on - you might have a severe thyroid issue going on that is affecting you. It might not be a problem with the sleeve at all.

[vickie6866 4]

I never said I was blaming the surgeon because I am going back to him on Feb 27th to have this fixed with either a resleeve or a resleeve with a DS. I have always been able to eat more than I felt I should and have been hungry often, and this was something that I shared with the doctor and his staff early on. I am sure that after having had a lapband removed that I had scar tissue and I am thinking maybe some of that has something to do with the out come of my sleeved stomach shape. Yes I do know what to eat and how to exercise because I had the band for year before and was sucessful with it, it was removed due to numerous port flips that lead to and errosion and then band infection. I didn't come on here for a lecture, if you read my post again you will see that I was just venting and hoping to find someone who may have wen tthrough a similiar situation. Thanks to everyone for the words of incouragement and care and for answer the questions that others have had.

[KellyL 173]

That makes total sense, I don't suppose you are blaming him if you are considering going back. I know it must be very upsetting and frustrating. First the Band, now you're having trouble with your Sleeve. You're right, it could very well have been scar tissue that determined your sleeve size. I know it must be disheartening. I commend you for not giving up completely and doing everything you have to do to reach your goals of becoming healthier. You are a very strong and determined person. Please keep us updated on your situation and what you decide to do.

 

 

 

I never said I was blaming the surgeon because I am going back to him on Feb 27th to have this fixed with either a resleeve or a resleeve with a DS. I have always been able to eat more than I felt I should and have been hungry often, and this was something that I shared with the doctor and his staff early on. I am sure that after having had a lapband removed that I had scar tissue and I am thinking maybe some of that has something to do with the out come of my sleeved stomach shape. Yes I do know what to eat and how to exercise because I had the band for year before and was sucessful with it, it was removed due to numerous port flips that lead to and errosion and then band infection. I didn't come on here for a lecture, if you read my post again you will see that I was just venting and hoping to find someone who may have wen tthrough a similiar situation. Thanks to everyone for the words of incouragement and care and for answer the questions that others have had.

[exfatsowannabe 5]

From the description, it makes little sense to blame patient or surgeon. There are just too many variables patient to patient to do that. But vickie, your disclaimer aside, the title of your post screams you are indeed blaming the surgeon. No reasonable person would conclude otherwise.

That said, I wish you all the best with your follow-up surgery.

[circa 333]

That's why I said that not one person was to blame - it wasn't you that was blaming the surgeon - other people were.

[vickie6866 4]

the title of your post screams you are indeed blaming the surgeon. No reasonable person would conclude otherwise.

 

Sorry if others thought I was trying to be "unreasonable" or was trying to "scream" anything with my title. I was only trying to draw attention to the fact that I had a failed sleeve. I named the doctor because I was hoping to talk to any of his previous patients that had went through a similiar experience. I was wanting to talk to these patients because from the way I have been told that the resleeve will be done it is a different technique from other doctors and would be one that only his previous patients would be familiar with. I am not trying to assign blame but just seeking all the information that I can get before I go in for another serious surgery. So far I have only talked with one of the previous patients who went through the same think as me, and that was a great help so I was hoping to built on that knowledge. This board has been and continues to be a great source of information for me as I make lots of hard decisions about my healthcare. I want to thank all those who have been a great help with these issues, wish me luck and keep me in your prayers, I"ll update after I get back from Mexico.

[exfatsowannabe 5]

Vickie, FWIW, I didn’t write that you were being unreasonable, but rather that from the title of your post any reasonable person would conclude you are blaming the surgeon.

I can accept that blame wasn’t your intent, and you cyber screamed to gather more information in a timely fashion from other Almanza patients that may have had the same problem. But the title of your post is what it is. Until I open the thread, I thought you might be near death and warning others about a butcher surgeon wannabe that destroyed your life.

[Sleeved&Hopeful 182]

Vickie, please update us on how you are doing now. I have been thinking about you ever since your surgery in late Feb. Did you get a resleeve or a resleeve with duodenal switch? I would love to know how you are doing. I am worried about you. Just know that I care! My prayers have been going your way

-Misty

[vickie6866 4]

Misty, thanks so much for your prayers that is best thing that anyone has ever done for me. I am doing great. When I got there doc didn't want to do the DS so I just got the resleeve. He said before surgery that the area of stomach where previous lapband was could be too big, but I am not sure about that cause my band was removed six months before first sleeve in states. I have lost 20pounds at six weeks post-op and my sleeve is now working like everyone elses does. I have more restriction and don't feel hungry all the time, I just pray that these postive things cont. Thanks again for caring enough to checkup on me.

Vickie

[MINI-Me 196]

Misty' date=' thanks so much for your prayers that is best thing that anyone has ever done for me. I am doing great. When I got there doc didn't want to do the DS so I just got the resleeve. He said before surgery that the area of stomach where previous lapband was could be too big, but I am not sure about that cause my band was removed six months before first sleeve in states. I have lost 20pounds at six weeks post-op and my sleeve is now working like everyone elses does. I have more restriction and don't feel hungry all the time, I just pray that these postive things cont. Thanks again for caring enough to checkup on me.

Vickie[/quote']

 

So glad to hear this update! Just keep rocking' your (re)sleeve!

[Imlosing big 112]

Congrats and i hope you continue to do well.