Maybe the third time's the charm

[G33kg1rl 36]

My journey toward gastric sleeve surgery has been frustrating and far from typical. To make a long story semi-short, I have liver disease. A couple of years ago my liver doctor suggested that I get weight loss surgery so I could be put on a transplant list if I needed to be. You need to have a BMI of 35 or less to go on the list. I first went to the Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti, MI, and everything went smoothly up until the day of surgery. I was actually on the gurney with an IV stuck in me when the dr. told me he was backing out--he was worried about my liver. I have no complaints with him saying he was uncomfortable doing the surgery, but I really wish he could have come to that conclusion earlier than the morning of. Anyway, he referred me to the University of Michigan Bariatric Clinic in Ann Arbor. I spent several months going through their program, but in the end I was denied. I got a letter saying that there was too high a risk of complications. They didn't say complications of what, but I'm assuming they were worried about the liver again. (My actual liver doctor sent clearances to both Barix and U of M, but apparently that didn't help.)

In theory, it would make sense just to give up, except for the fact that I might die of liver failure if I don't lose a lot of weight and keep it off permanently. Statistically, people at my weight don't keep the weight off if they just diet and exercise. (Of course I'm aware of the exceptions, but I've never been a terribly exceptional person.) Anyway, I've recently gotten in touch with a new bariatric surgeon, Dr. Hawasli of St. Clair Shores. He says he would be willing to help me if my liver doc sends yet another clearance, and if my liver test scores improve after a 2 week liquid diet.

Right now I'm in the middle of the liquid diet. On the plus side I'm down 13 pounds, although on the not-so-plus side I'm really hating living on Protein shakes and diet drinks. I'm doing it though, because A) who knows if I'll ever find another doctor willing to work with me, and B ) I do actually want this process to be as smooth and safe as possible. I guess the positive aspect of having to try 3 times to get surgery is that I'm very determined, and I feel like I'll follow all the dr's directions, even if the experience sucks.

Hopefully, my test results will be what the doctor wants to see, and he'll be willing to help me!

Edited August 28, 2016 by G33kg1rl

[AgentSmith 39]

Stay focused and go at it one day at a time. I'm sending you good vibes and strength. You got this!!!!

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[4MRB4PHOTO 3,900]

Remain positive, the third time WILL be a charm.

Wishing you a positive outcome.

[RickM 1,753]

Best of luck in getting through this, I have also gotten quite familiar with the trials and tribulations of dealing with offbeat medical problems/combinations of problems.

If this opportunity doesn't work out, try contacting Dr. John Rabkin in San Francisco (yeah, a bit of a commute for you, but that's sometimes what it takes to resolve complex issues.) He did my sleeve about five years ago, but more specifically for you, his background and alter ego is that of biliopancreatic transplant surgeon (his brother brought him into the bariatric practice some years ago as a means of treating the liver problems early.) Since he is qualified in both disciplines that you need, he may just be the ticket to get you through this. Although a rare combination of skills/qualifications, he may also know of other similarly qualified surgeons closer to you, so it may well be worth contacting him.

Best of luck to you in getting through this...

[Butch Luce 100]

Hang in there. I've had a lot of delays mainly because of my heart. I did not have a heart attack thank goodness but was close to it when they discovered an 85% blockage in a coronary artery. Anyway, they placed a stent in the artery in July 2015 and my cardiologist just now released me for the gastric sleeve surgery. I'll turn 70 this year so my time for doing something is running out. Good luck.

[G33kg1rl 36]

Yeek . . . after 16 days of following the surgeon's liquid diet instructions to a T, I had my blood work re-done to see if there was any improvement. Well, it was worse. ALT and AST are higher, and platelets are lower. I still have one more test to go, so maybe there will be improvement there.

I really hope I don't get turned down for a third time!

[LizHobbs 27]

Hi there. Sorry about your hard times just stay strong and everything will be ok. If you don't mind me asking what is the problem with the liver? The good thing about the diet is that will make some of the liver fatty dissapear some. I wish everything goes well for you.Love and Light.

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[Christinamo7 4,042]

I hope you are able to get the surgery!

I have probable mild lymphoma so I had to jump through a LOT of hoops and delays before finally having my VSG performed and I know how maddening it can be.