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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 12, 2013 21:43:08 GMT -5
Hi everyone haven't been on for a couple weeks. I finished all my tests and my weight continues to drop at 128 now. Still dumping of everything I eat so my Dr wanted me to consider a lap band over my bypass but I've read to many bad stories about that. My insurance don't cover DS I've already talked to Dr ks office and Rabkin and its a no go due to my weight being so low and the insurance thing. So my Bariatric Dr Milton Owens has decided to do a reversal for me. I'm looking for if maybe anyone knows someone that has had one. I'm nervous and scared but I just turned 33 today and want to see my next bday. So I told him I want a permanent fix not a band-aid with the band. Thanks everyone for the posts to my questions over the last few month's.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Oct 12, 2013 22:41:14 GMT -5
What did your doctor indicate would be the benefit of a band-over-bypass anyhow as it relates to your current issues? I'm really curious.
While I do not personally know anyone to have a straight reversal with no other revision, I am certain one of the long time vets will chime in and hopefully guide you in the right direction.
I am do sorry you're having these issues. Keep your head up!!
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 13, 2013 10:34:40 GMT -5
He said it may slow the food down which may help with the dumping and reactive hypo. But all I can eat now is meat and limited veggies and still dump. I read your story before when I was looking into DS and it was one of the reasons I do not want that band. He said if it didn't work I would have to have a surgery down the road which would be a reversal anyway. I feel like I'm dying everyday between my hair falling out the weight dropping I have weakness, nonstop nausea feet sweat and I try to eat every 2 hours to control it but not much luck. Ive also tried about 10 meds with no luck. Its werid after 6 1/2 years out my pouch did this. Unfortunately my insurance through the military I'm a spouse only will cover for the band or hopefully this reverse they just submitted for so I'm all kinds of nervous.
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Post by larra on Oct 13, 2013 11:43:57 GMT -5
I'm so sorry you're having such terrible problems. I agree with your feeling, though, in that I don't see how a band over bypass would fix your dumping or excessive weight loss, which seem to be your problems.
Do contact Dr. Martin if you can. You have nothing to lose at this point by asking.
Larra
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 13, 2013 14:34:51 GMT -5
Thanks guys I have looked into the facility up there. I will look at contacting them on Monday. The problem I'm having is my weight continues to drop every week and the DS drs said I would continue to drop even more with the DS that the DS was for those that have a high bmi again. But it dosen't hurt to ck into it. I had to fight my bariatric for this reverse I brought forth case studies and patient stories and trust me I want to do what is best I have 2 kids a husband and a job I would like to get back to a semi normal life. But I will see how to get a hold of him. Thank you.
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 13, 2013 14:46:02 GMT -5
Hi guys I took your advice I found 3 numbers for him and I called all 3 left messages so hopefully here something soon.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Oct 13, 2013 16:42:15 GMT -5
Thanks guys I have looked into the facility up there. I will look at contacting them on Monday. The problem I'm having is my weight continues to drop every week and the DS drs said I would continue to drop even more with the DS that the DS was for those that have a high bmi again. But it dosen't hurt to ck into it. I had to fight my bariatric for this reverse I brought forth case studies and patient stories and trust me I want to do what is best I have 2 kids a husband and a job I would like to get back to a semi normal life. But I will see how to get a hold of him. Thank you. I am living proof that this is not the case (not for me anyway). I was no longer overweight either when I revised to DS. My band over bypass led me down a disgusting, wicked, dark place. I could barely eat, still dumped when I did and lost more weight due to malnutrition resulting from it. Sure, with my DS I am thin and finding a balance to stop the weight loss...BUT I FEEL HEALTHY and nourished. Same low weight but a completely different quality of life, happiness, food satiation, etc. Im not thin and frail from not eating and dumping...I'm thin and feel awesome overall. My diet is rich and satisfying. My skin is healthy and my overall color is good (before my revision I was like greyish and pale...just NOT good at all). Sure my hair is falling out cause I'm at 6 months and that's normal. But before it was just lifeless, limp, brittle (nails too), etc. I finally found a great balance now that is really working well for me. Its hard to explain, but being this weight with a BOB and being this weight with a DS is wholeheartedly different...NO COMPARISON. I'm still getting used to my new food requirements. I strive to eat over 2200 calories, 150g of fat, 150g of protein and 100g of carbs a day to maintain my current weight. Doesn't suck. Could be worse. MUCH better than my previous "diet" Lol. I know its hard to see the big picture when you are going through your troubles, but I've been there and we are here for you. Hope that helps.
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 13, 2013 19:46:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the support i talked to Dr Ks lady nurse on phone and emailed inquiry they did call my insurance but they said no to DS she did also mention my weight be low as a factor. I really wanted to see him he is a 4 hr drive for us but my husband would take me anywhere if it would help. She told if I had $28,500 they would do it. So not a whole lot of options for me my original Dr is in orange CA which is almost 8 hours which is ruff with my system so out of whack but Dr Owens has 40 yrs experience so I have to trust he can fix me.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Oct 13, 2013 21:03:04 GMT -5
I guess my worst fear...regardless of where you go...is that you will be swayed into a sup-par procedure that can potentially cause complications worse than you are currently experiencing which may leave you with irreparable damage. That's scary! Just make sure you are 100% comfortable with your surgeon and surgery. Peace of mind goes a long way emotionally and mentally...while skill level of your surgeon and appropriate resulting surgery goes a much longer way physically (and by longer I mean lifetime). In any event, best of luck and know that we are here to support you.
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Post by kennyk on Oct 13, 2013 21:12:15 GMT -5
Lisa the more I read that kind of advice(and you know I did not read it pre-op) I realize what a lucky bastard I am. Thank god it was only a virgin DS and I was lucky enough to get A pretty unknow, although apparently good surgeon. Sheesh K
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Post by Deleted on Oct 13, 2013 21:15:35 GMT -5
Dr Keshishian takes Tri-Care Standard. They were my secondary carrier and automatically approved if primary covered and found medically necessary. I am now 10 months post RNY to DS.
Look into all of your options.
Best, Whit
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 13, 2013 21:28:14 GMT -5
thanks lisa are you saying you think the reverse is worse? Whit I have tricare prime through united healthcare west and Dr k office called them they said no to the DS is what she told me. Im just done being sick I cant work, drive live on meat and lettuce pretty much. Ive called so many Drs in the bay area and they recommend different Drs that are not on my insurance provider list. Dr Rabkin was but for liver procedure not baratric. I talked to his office to he would see me for 300 a consult and $10.000 down for procedure. They don't realize you don't get paid that great in the military and I have no income now. Tried loans and turned down. I just feel so hopeless
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Oct 13, 2013 22:02:29 GMT -5
thanks lisa are you saying you think the reverse is worse? Whit I have tricare prime through united healthcare west and Dr k office called them they said no to the DS is what she told me. Im just done being sick I cant work, drive live on meat and lettuce pretty much. Ive called so many Drs in the bay area and they recommend different Drs that are not on my insurance provider list. Dr Rabkin was but for liver procedure not baratric. I talked to his office to he would see me for 300 a consult and $10.000 down for procedure. They don't realize you don't get paid that great in the military and I have no income now. Tried loans and turned down. I just feel so hopeless No no no love...by no means do I think a reversal is worse! It would be better IMNSHO to simply have a reversal with no revision than to live with these complications you are currently experiencing with the RNY. I've been there and it was unbearable to me. Nobody should have to live like that! My concern was/is that some docs really like to push the up-sell once you have hired them. Just don't let them talk you into something that you're not sure about, whatever that may be, after your consultation and decision. I mean adding on procedures other than just the reversal that you aren't 100% sure about and/or trying to change your mind last minute. I'm sorry to hear about the insurance problems. Ugh, so frustrating. Hopefully something will come together for you soon so you can get the relief you need. Hugs!!!
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 14, 2013 11:48:00 GMT -5
oh ok thanks Lisa. I know my Dr was really pushing the band over the byass but I've done so much research and gave him all the research and he said wow I'm glad to have a patient that advocates for herself. I told him I want to live and since I'm not getting much help I have to advocate for myself. After are conversation he to agreed on the reverse so now I wait for insurance approval. thank you so much for your positive support.
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Post by Girlrocker on Oct 14, 2013 14:10:42 GMT -5
I just wanted to stop by and give you a big 'ol hug! I am so sorry you are going through this. I don't have any medical guidance to offer but concur with what has been said, about not settling, taking the time you need to sort this out. I really hope you find resolution on all fronts, please stick around so you know you don't have to go through this alone!
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 14, 2013 16:56:35 GMT -5
Thank you
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 15, 2013 16:23:21 GMT -5
So i heard from Dr owens today and he said I'm looking at the 25th of October for surgery. I haven't been able to find anyone with a reverse. He did say that if everything goes well he could than turn me into a sleeve if I would like. I'm not sure I just want to feel better.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Oct 15, 2013 17:28:44 GMT -5
Wow, that's promising! I mean, if he says he can revise you to a sleeve and has extensive experience and comfort level doing such, you might really want to consider it. You could very well enjoy having a sleeve for the purpose of weight maintenance (since you have none to lose right now) without all of the ill side effects you are currently experiencing with your RNY. Also, in the event that you *do* gain weight in the future (hopefully/probably not but I'm just trying to give you the big picture here), it would be easier to add the intestinal part of the DS to your sleeve. Again, nobody *wants* to plan for a potential future revision (think twice, cut once kind of deal), but since you aren't getting the full DS now, at least you are in a better position later on should the weight gain occur. Glad you are making progress!
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 16, 2013 9:38:12 GMT -5
Lisa Do you think the risk for leaks would be higher getting the sleeve on top of the reverse. Im just nervous because when we leave there I well be 8 hours away and the base hospital here aren't that great.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Oct 16, 2013 14:23:34 GMT -5
Well, I do not have any statistical data to throw your way about the subject, but I can tell you that there are many, many RNY to DS revisions happening which is basically the same thing without the intestinal portion being completed at the same time.
There is ALWAYS a chance for leaks and other complications unfortunately. That just comes with the territory. But I mean the same kinds of risks exist for the reversal as a stand-alone procedure, ya know? I know for *me* personally, it was worth the risk if that's what it took to rid me of my ailments associated with my RNY and band. I simply could not live like that anymore. It was slowly killing me...so as far as I was concerned, taking that risk was the only option if I wanted to get better.
Having said that, I completely understand your concerns with the long-distance care and such. My advice would be to research your options and their statistics AND research the surgeon's and hospital's stats regarding leaks, complications and death (sorry, I really hate that word but it needs to be said).
Once you have all of that information and get *all* of your questions and concerns addressed, you will be in a much better position to make an informed, educated decision as to whether you want to have the reversal as a stand-alone procedure or a RNY to Sleeve revision.
Hope that helps.
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 16, 2013 16:54:06 GMT -5
Thanks I will try to research the statics I know he does revisions Im just not sure how many of these he has done. Is there somewhere we can find these online.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Oct 17, 2013 20:45:41 GMT -5
Thanks I will try to research the statics I know he does revisions Im just not sure how many of these he has done. Is there somewhere we can find these online. I'd say go right to the source when researching his personal statistics. It is a perfectly normal and acceptable thing to ask him directly and he should have no problem providing that information to you. Does he respond to e-mails? If you don't know, call his practice and ask how you would be able to get an e-mail to the doctor. Sometimes, they will give you his direct e-mail but a few doctors prefer their patients to go through the front desk or coordinators. Regardless, figure out how to get an e-mail to him. This way, it is in writing and easier to address your concerns. Something like this: "Hi Dr. Blank, I am doing my due diligence in planning my upcoming revision surgery. As such, can you kindly provide me with the following information? 1. How many RNY reversals have you done to date? 2. How many RNY to Sleeve revisions have you done to date? 3. What are your statistics regarding post-op leaks? 4. What are your statistics regarding post-op complications? 5. What are your statistics regarding deaths resulting from surgery, leaks and/or complications? 6. Will there be another surgeon in the operating room during my surgery? 7. How many hours do you estimate my surgery to take in its entirety? I really appreciate your feedback as it will help me make a final decision regarding this life-changing reversal and/or revision surgery, which is quite important to me. Thanks again, Sunflower Loaf (lol your real name though)" Hope that helps!
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 17, 2013 21:11:14 GMT -5
Thanks so much I do have his Email. I will send this right over. I did research on line and found nothing bad so far but your right it is very limited. Thank you so much Lisa for all your help.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Oct 17, 2013 21:21:11 GMT -5
Anytime! Just trying to "pay it forward" and help as the others did for me when I was in your position. Let me know how it goes!
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Post by sunflowerloaf on Oct 26, 2013 15:22:29 GMT -5
Hi everyone just a update was suppose to have my surgery on Friday but just as I was getting rdy to go back it got postponed tell Monday. I have decided to just go with the reverse. I'm now down to about 124 and my Dr has been doing skilled revisions for many years but I'm the first reverse and he has never did a reverse to a sleeve. I've been eating right for almost 7 years and plan to keep it that way so i didn't want to take more of a risk getting the sleeve on top of it. I'm going to have my surgery at Chapman medical center on Orange CA at 7:30 am very nervous but I'm going to have 2 surgeons instead of one so I should be in good hands. Thanks everyone for the support.
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Post by brooklyngirl on Oct 26, 2013 15:41:41 GMT -5
Good luck to you!
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Post by larra on Oct 26, 2013 16:33:09 GMT -5
Best wishes! I hope this is the solution for you. Please stay in touch with us and let su know how you are post-op.
Larra
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2013 17:35:02 GMT -5
Good luck! I'll be looking forward to updates and hoping for a nice, flawless procedure.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2013 17:36:16 GMT -5
Dr Keshishian takes Tri-Care Standard. They were my secondary carrier and automatically approved if primary covered and found medically necessary. I am now 10 months post RNY to DS. Look into all of your options. Best, Whit Tricare does not cover the DS except when done in a military treatment facility. This is true of all the Tricare plans.
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Post by Girlrocker on Oct 26, 2013 20:00:55 GMT -5
Wishing you a very smooth and successful surgery and hope to hear updates from you as soon as you are able! You are very brave, you have a great outlook and have much to be proud of. Sending you positive thoughts and vibes.
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