Post by velvetsky on Feb 7, 2013 1:29:58 GMT -5
I had RNY June 2005 that was to be done Lap, due to surgeon error in the spleen area I was opened up to locate the bleeder as I nearly died on the OR table. Recovery was rough but in 8 wks I recall feeling somewhat 'normal' and didn't hate my surgery. My story like many others is not as unusual as many RNY surgeons would have you believe. After surgery, the pressure and therefore, blame, falls on the patient if you don't meet expectations or their "goal" for you. The failure label is easy to accept as I was used to feeling that way. I was not aware of the DS procedure and the benefits it offers for obesity and the related co-morbidities. How I wish I had been. Now, many years later and a total weight regain to where my BMI is 55 again, I am DAYS away from a Revision to DS and large hernia repair. Very thankful to all those who have been advocates for the DS and also revisions. I regained the belief in my ability to find the correct solution for my obesity issues when it comes to revision surgery.
My surgery is scheduled for Feb 18th with Dr. Roslin in NYC. His biggest concern is the large hernia (with bowel) repair in my upper abdomen. He feels the best solution is to insert a mesh bridge and do this part open and the revision DS lap. Hospital stay is expected to be 7 - 10 days or more if complications arise. The hubby is going with me and we have his brother coming to stay with our 9 yr old daughter for those first few days until hubs can return home. I must say this time around and to my astonishment, approval from the Insurance Co came swiftly. Perhaps because I have such a large hernia, but I don't know and I'm not questioning lol. The revision journey has in total been long yet this part has been head-spinning fast. I was almost certain i'd be denied (we just started with a new Ins Co the first of the year - I saw Dr. Roslin in December). Yet when I was told they were submitting my paperwork in January, I never thought I would be scheduled for Feb. and that it would not be changed for whatever reason.
My surgery is scheduled for Feb 18th with Dr. Roslin in NYC. His biggest concern is the large hernia (with bowel) repair in my upper abdomen. He feels the best solution is to insert a mesh bridge and do this part open and the revision DS lap. Hospital stay is expected to be 7 - 10 days or more if complications arise. The hubby is going with me and we have his brother coming to stay with our 9 yr old daughter for those first few days until hubs can return home. I must say this time around and to my astonishment, approval from the Insurance Co came swiftly. Perhaps because I have such a large hernia, but I don't know and I'm not questioning lol. The revision journey has in total been long yet this part has been head-spinning fast. I was almost certain i'd be denied (we just started with a new Ins Co the first of the year - I saw Dr. Roslin in December). Yet when I was told they were submitting my paperwork in January, I never thought I would be scheduled for Feb. and that it would not be changed for whatever reason.
My revision journey was swift too - from thinking about it to having consults to being scheduled - within less than 3 months. Had my RNY in 2002 in Chicago where I'm from (and besides the eventual failure of the surgery, I had a lot of complications, second surgery, infection, open wound etc). It took meeting Dr. K here in southern Cali (where I also now live) to finally take myself off the blame and failure hook. Our revision is the biggest of them all, but you are in great hands, and, there are several of us here. If you would like an angel, post here - can be via phone, email, someone for you to talk to pre and post surgery, who will post for you if you like. You can PM or email me any time. 
I will make another post about my first 10 days and maybe some surgery hopefuls will find that interesting. My eyes are blurry and sitting up straight in a desk chair is a bit difficult right now, good thing I can type blindfolded if I had too. I had 2 drain sites while in the hosp., now I have just 1 and it's gross so I cant wait to get rid of that. I'm on a liquid-diet still because Dr. Roslin wants to be cautious and go easy, and I listen to him. Craving something real is growing more intense. Nausea is a battle and my darling girl has had the Flu since Friday (I came home on Wed.). So I am praying I don't get the Flu, she's perky today and hope that it's finally past the worst stages. Oh and one last mention while i'm on a rambling, pain-pill induced posting adventure... My husband is my knight in shining armor who has done some very gross nurse work on me since we've been home. I stopped feeling humiliated by having to "ask" for things... especially those horrible things nobody ever wants to need help doing. He told me, I've skinned and cleaned deer that I hunted, and I didn't love them so I can do this. He's been so awesome and i'm very lucky to have his support and assistance. He's been my daughters nurse these past few days as well with her vomiting and other messes that occur when the Flu is turning your body into a squirt machine. So I want to exalt all hubbys, significant others, friends and families who have to endure this odd journey with us and are fine with that. And if you are still reading this, I salute you! hehe Blessings and speedy recoveries to all! ~ Tami
