Hernia scars means I can't have the sleeve?

[purplefaery 48]

So, I met with my doctor for the first time yesterday. I was approved for my sleeve last week after 6 months of "medically monitored weight loss." During that time, I've lost over 70 pounds (woo-hoo!) Anyway, my doctor was asking about my medical history. I have had two hernia repairs. I don't have the operative reports for the second repair, but my physician seems very concerned that they did it in a way that may have caused my intestines and stomach to create scar tissue to the mesh that may have been used for the repair. If this is the case, as my physician said, "We're done." I have heard of people having a lot of surgery and this causing scar tissue issues, but I never imagined that my history of 2 surgeries would create this problem. Has anyone else heard of this? Today, I get to scramble to get those records to my doc and hope and pray that the other surgeons didn't end up screwing me over for my sleeve. Honestly, when he told me that it was the first time in my adult life that I've cried in front of a doctor - how embarrassing for my first time meeting him! He did go ahead and schedule the surgery - November 21st - but that is pending his receipt of my records and an additional discussion we'll need to have about whether it is likely to be do-able or not... Bah, I'm just venting and frustrated.

[mamaof5heathens 18]

So' date=' I met with my doctor for the first time yesterday. I was approved for my sleeve last week after 6 months of "medically monitored weight loss." During that time, I've lost over 70 pounds (woo-hoo!) Anyway, my doctor was asking about my medical history. I have had two hernia repairs. I don't have the operative reports for the second repair, but my physician seems very concerned that they did it in a way that may have caused my intestines and stomach to create scar tissue to the mesh that may have been used for the repair. If this is the case, as my physician said, "We're done." I have heard of people having a lot of surgery and this causing scar tissue issues, but I never imagined that my history of 2 surgeries would create this problem. Has anyone else heard of this? Today, I get to scramble to get those records to my doc and hope and pray that the other surgeons didn't end up screwing me over for my sleeve. Honestly, when he told me that it was the first time in my adult life that I've cried in front of a doctor - how embarrassing for my first time meeting him! He did go ahead and schedule the surgery - November 21st - but that is pending his receipt of my records and an additional discussion we'll need to have about whether it is likely to be do-able or not... Bah, I'm just venting and frustrated.[/quote']

I am so sorry. How aweful to be stressed when you should be excited! Prayers with you. And in the event of bad news, get a second opinion. All your hard work should be for something.

[SuzyB 182]

Fingers crossed that the previous surgeries do exclude you from the sleeve.

[Arts137 1,811]

I had an "old fashioned" GB removal with a 15 inch "z" scar. The sleeve surgeon had to work around it and dissect some adhesions, but he done it anyway.

If the first one says no, take all your records to a second group for another opinion!

[mich 74]

If he says no, maybe get the opinion of a surgeon that does revisions. My surgeon had to dig the band out of my stomach. It was encapsulated in stomach and scar tissue. But he had no problem doing the sleeve at the same time. It's not like a virgin sleeve. But it is working great for me.

I'm sorry for your bad news appointment. Sounds awful. But it's probably just another bump in the road put there to test us!

[purplefaery 48]

Thanks for your support guys. My doctor does work at a center of excellence and does do revisions. My huge problem is that my insuramce is changing Jan 1 and none of my options for a new plan cover bariatric surgery... :-( I just keep reminding myself that if this is supposed to happen, it will. I'll do my part to get my records and just keep planning for a surgery date of Nov 21!

[purplefaery 48]

Went and picked up my records and brought them to my surgeon. Ran into my nurse clinician that I've been seeing throughout the process and she went back and talked to my physician right away. He said that it all looks good and we're going forward. While there is no guarantee that it didn't heal weird and create problems he won't see until he gets in there, we're moving forward expecting it to all work out well. So, I'm all set for November 21st and just hoping for the best! As the nurse reminded me, I have an excellent surgeon who will certainly do the surgery if he can do it safely. And if he can't, I really don't want him to anyway.

[hiddis 12]

I have had a hysterectomy, gall bladder removed, lap band installed and taken out. All in the past 4 years. I have 20 different scars on my tummy area from incisions, two of which are in my belly button. The longest one is 3 inches and just to the left and above my belly button. I'm getting sleeved on November 13 and my dr was the one that suggested it. So it can be done and I'm sure your surgeon will be extra careful.

[SuzyB 182]

I am glad to hear that they are moving forward.