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Post by calidreamer on Jan 24, 2014 16:45:21 GMT -5
Hello all. I have been reading and rereading these discussion boards for months now. I'm nearing the time for my rny to ds revision with Dr. Keshishian in CA.
My question is this : Would you or did you have the revision while parenting small kids? I am just terrified of leaving them motherless should the worst happen. Of course I realize there is no good time to have it and I feel that I could be so much more involved with them if I lost the weight. But the revision seems so much more daunting than the initial surgery. Any advice on this dilemma?
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 24, 2014 18:21:49 GMT -5
Hi Calidreamer, and welcome, we're glad to have you here! I'm Sharyl, also had an RNY to DS revision with Dr. Keshishian. When is your surgery date, can you include some more stats about yourself so we can better help you, like when you had your RNY, your weight, age, height? I'm single with no children, was for both surgeries. I know this decision is very difficult for people who are parents, for all the reasons you mentioned. Just like undergoing any major surgery, these are things any of us would worry about when going 'under the knife'. We also carry around a lot of guilt, feeling of failure, 'why can't I be normal and just diet to lose weight', we look at this as an elective surgery. Really though, it's a step to making us healthy for the long-term, wanting to save our lives, be around longer and better, especially when children are involved. Anyone facing a decision like this has to consider all the options relevant to themselves - your weight, what co-morbids you might have (diabetes, sleep apena, GERD etc), other health issues that might affect surgical outcome, what if any known damage/problems you have resulting from the RNY, and whatever he might find once he goes in, like more scar tissue, adhesions. The RNY to DS revision is the most complex, with the exception of revising from the old VBG surgery. The RNY has to be full undone and the DS performed. I have been very fortunate to have had a smooth procedure and recovery, thought it was definitely longer, and I had no co-morbidities, actually in great health thanks to the RNY (though it failed me in long-term weight management), learning a high protein/modest carb eating before surgery and, years of exercise. I did however have complications after my RNY, including weeks of hospitlization, nothing by mouth, a second surgery, bad infection and wound vac. So, I knew the risks involved with major surgery and I went forward anyway with the revision. All each of us can do is share our experiences with you, but first and foremost, this is a decision you have to make for yourself based on your own health as mentioned above and the opinion of your surgeon. I can also add you are in the excellent hands of a top shelf, vetted surgeon who specializes in revisions and complex cases. My Revision Annivesary post is here on this board, the link below, and the post has links with my 3mo-on post op updates. weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/8520/post-year-surgiversary-rny-revisionIt's good to read about other people's experiences to get perspective; just know yours will be unique. Other revision names you can research: nyuboi - he had a pretty complex GI history too, very detailed multi-page thread with a lot of good advice. It got snarky in spots, tune out to that, he had a lot of difficulty making a decision and was all over the place. Invaluable information, medical advice: weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/7138/ds-mePrettygirlbounce Maggiesara MsVee Smileyjamie Paula DeeDee484 (she's newly post-op) mlleelise kyal Also, the best way to use the search function here on Proboards is to choose the section on the bottom right (they offer four sections) called "Who to Search" By at least one of the members - put username except posts by the members - put username in threads created by - member Hit search and you'll pull up their threads. You can also then click directly on their user name to see all their postings. |
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Post by clpeltz on Jan 24, 2014 19:57:12 GMT -5
You will be fine  I had my original RNY in May of 2008 when my quintuplets were 4 years old. I had my revision to DS in April of 2011, when they were 7 years old. I had my RNY lap and the revision open. For me, the recovery was easier with the revision. It still took a while to feel normal, but less pain. Focus on the healthy future you'll have to share with your children! |
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Post by calidreamer on Jan 25, 2014 0:58:20 GMT -5
Sharyl, thank you for all of the great info. So nice to hear you also had Dr. K and had a good experience. My open RNY was done in 2002 when I was 22. I started at 420 lbs and dropped to 220 lbs. I am 5'9". I'm now 35 and after having 2 kids 1 year apart, I'm up 70 lbs to 290. I feel I can now eat anything with no restriction from the RNY. I lost 25 lbs with WW between pregnancies but that returned and then some. I suffer from severe dumping syndrome, with reactive hypoglycemia (as low as 35-45 blood sugar). My stoma is very dilated and I've been told by the doc that most likely occured during the back to back pregnancies. I am lucky in that I have few other co-morbidities. What bothers me most is lack of mobility. I was able to be very active even at 220-240, but at this weight my joints and back are very affected. So that's my long story I will def look into the other resources you gave, thanks again. Has your mobility improved with the weight loss? I worry about the DS and osteoporosis. ...I know supplements are crucial, but have they been enough? Clpeltz I'm sure you're used to hearing this, but WOW quints! You definitely inspire me hearing that you did well and have young kids - thank you for your story. Do you find that you have enough or more energy now that you are recovered? |
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Post by Leonie on Jan 25, 2014 3:41:07 GMT -5
Hi Calidreamer.
Although a virgin DS, I am an avid Dr K. fan.There are probably half a dozen more DS surgeons who deserve the same adulation. Once you have found a trustworthy surgeon, TRUST HIM.
Many here can testify with you that life with the RnY can be miserable. And we all know what it is like living with 100-150 pounds too much. Sadly I waited till my kids were grown before I explored the possibility of WLS. Crawling and running with my grandchildren is the most wonderful thing. Oh, how much i missed out on!
Unfortunately this revision is very complex. We have seen people take a year or more to recover from various complications. There are also some folks who have struggled to lose weight. Yet noone that we know of has died as a result of their revision.
I can see that you are counting the cost, have chosen a great surgeon, and have your priorities straight. You are well on your way!
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Post by clpeltz on Jan 25, 2014 11:17:59 GMT -5
Yes, I definitely have more energy. I can move around and keep up with them so much easier as well. I was 320 at my highest. I am now in the low 160's.
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 25, 2014 15:23:43 GMT -5
Calidreamer, thanks for filling us in on you, not too long at all. As an FYI, putting some of that general stat info into a signature on your profile helps people provide you better answers specific to you. Not mandatory, but it does make it simpler. Ok, back to the topic I think you've given very careful consideration to this; and it's true, many of us like myself and Cpeltz have had smooth recoveries and as Leonie noted, others with complications and extra slow weight loss. Sounds like as expected, Dr. K is on top of your situation and will help design the DS best for you. Can I digress just a moment... Cpeltz - all this time had NO idea you had quints, wowza! I bow to you and how wonderful! Calidreamer, if you would like angel support for your surgery, whether via email, personal message, phone let us know. I have also been an in-person angel for many Dr. K patients, some who traveled, some local. I live closest to the Verdugo/Hungtington hospitals (I'm in Hollywood). We also have a good amount of Dr. K patients here who went to Delano and live in Bakersfield/areas. If you would like angel support of some kind you can post a thread here or send me a PM. So glad to have you with us so we can help and cheer you on! |
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Post by calidreamer on Jan 27, 2014 18:50:54 GMT -5
Girlrocker - that would be great, thank you! I live in the Antelope Valley, but we just moved to CA recently so I'm not too familiar with the area yet.
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 27, 2014 21:11:59 GMT -5
Girlrocker - that would be great, thank you! I live in the Antelope Valley, but we just moved to CA recently so I'm not too familiar with the area yet. Wow, well you have all kinds of new going on, don't you! Ok, so you're likely in either Palmdale or Lancaster, which is about an 50 min-hour from Glendale and Pasadena, so I'm going to assume you're likely at one of those hospitals. Not sure when your surgery is? Do you know how to use the PM function here? You can message me via PM or via email at girlrockltd@gmail.com if you'd like angel support. I live in Hollywood so you're about an hour away from me. |
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Post by calidreamer on Jan 29, 2014 2:02:38 GMT -5
Girlrocker - Yes I'm in Quartz Hill/Lancaster. Dr. K's office said it would be Verdugo Hills. My insurance company has given the tentative go-ahead & I've had the psych eval. Now I'm just waiting on the EGD and then Dr. K's office will discuss a date assuming nothing weird shows up!
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 29, 2014 12:15:04 GMT -5
Hi there, and nice to "see" you, pretty avatar! Ok sounds like you are progressing along, keep us posted and reach out if/when you're ready for angel support, can be done phone, email, message, or coordinate meeting in person before surgery.
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Post by calidreamer on Feb 2, 2014 4:34:49 GMT -5
EGD Monday morning! Wish me luck, I'm hoping it goes well and Dr.K sees that things look ok...
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 3, 2014 2:32:01 GMT -5
EGD Monday morning! Wish me luck, I'm hoping it goes well and Dr.K sees that things look ok... Wow, and wishing you TONS of luck, how long til the results and let us know how things go! |
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