Re: Re: Feeling Hopeless/Helpless--long

March 29, 2000

In a message dated 3/29/00 6:46:30 PM Eastern Standard Time,

kelly_ossg@... writes:

<< I feel that since the opening from my stomach to my intestines (is that

the stoma?) is stretched, my stomach empties too quickly. I just believe if

it could be repaired, I would be able to eat less, stay fuller longer, and

lose the weight again, and God willing that it stays intact, keep it off. >>

Sharon,

You saw your WLS surgeon and he said you would not redo you, right?

From what I have learned from the various email lists revisions have been

done for many reasons: staple ruptures, failed VBG converted to RNY; and I do

believe I have read for stretched stoma (not sure on it though).

My response to you is seek a SECOND OPINION!!

Good luck! and hang in there ;^)

March 29, 2000

--- Anita Hays wrote:

> Sharon,

> You hit a nail smack on the head! In Feb. I had

> an insurance physical with

> an internist from a 6 partner group in Atlanta. Of 7

> patients she and her

> partners had referred for WLS, 5 had unsuccessful

> weight loss or were

> regaining and 2 were absolutely miserable physically

> and mentally. The group

> had stopped referring patients for WLS; all the

> specifics I could gather were

> the surgeries included RNY and VBG, open and lap

> procedures. In this

> physician's eyes, 8 WLS patients, 1 success (and I

> was only there because of

> the insurance requirement).

> I hope that the surgeons who gather in Memphis

> will address the relapse

> rate for all procedures. It can be difficult to

> track since patients who

> don't achieve or maintain a significant loss may

> drop from the surgeon's

> sight. That's unfortunate for all patients.

> Is WLS something that will work best for some

> patients in conjunction with

> drug therapy? Will maintenance of weight loss for

> some patients require

> surgical revisions over the course of a lifetime?

> As the number of completed

> procedures increases, so does the individual

> variability of results. Our

> surgeons need to know that we are works in progress

> and may require

> adjustments.

>

> Anita in Georgia

> Lap GB: 10 Apr 98

> -114.5 lbs. (no red meats, no carbonation, NEVER

> drinking with meals, no

> alcohol...sigh, sometimes I miss Dr. Pepper)

Anita,

Thanks for your reply. It's scary to be hearing of

these failures. At first I thought I was the lone

loser in the world for whom WLS would not work, but

wow...

I hate the thought that they are no longer

recommending surgery, though. Still, even given what

I've experienced and learned, I don't regret having

had it done for a minute. Even though having achieved

a somewhat normal size and watching it disappear daily

is heartbreaking....I am truly glad to have

experienced being a size 10, to have been attractive

to strangers, if even for too short a time....better

to have loved and lost they say??

Perhaps it sounds naive of me, but given the fact that

the surgery worked so well for me for the 1st year, I

truly believe that it works. Like you say, perhaps,

for some, it requires adjustments. I feel that since

the opening from my stomach to my intestines (is that

the stoma?) is stretched, my stomach empties too

quickly. I just believe if it could be repaired, I

would be able to eat less, stay fuller longer, and

lose the weight again, and God willing that it stays

intact, keep it off. I so truly believe in this

surgery, but like you say---perhaps it needs

adjustments from time to time.

Then again, maybe I'm just a dreamer...guess that's

what I get for dreaming of losing weight my whole

life....it's still a dream....

Just thinking out loud---thanks for letting me,

Sharon

__________________________________________________

March 30, 2000

When I first decided to have surgery I was excited and thought that being

thin would make me happy. I would have a perfect life, being a perfect

size. The first few months post op I cried often for several reasons. My

weight and food had always been an excuse or protection from actually

dealing with problems. A great example would be after I gave birth to my

son 4 years ago. He was born with special needs and had to stay in the

hospital for many months. When i came home from the hospital I ate a

Pepperidge farm cake. I never dealt with reality right away. I ate the

pain away for a while. My weight also helped me not deal with my bad

marriage. i just kept thinking he is not sleeping wiht me anymore because

of my weight. People treated me poorly and always thought it is because of

my weight. (I think it had a little to do with my bitter personality at

the time).

Now that I am considered a thin person, I have the same if not more

emotional issues. I can no longer turn to food as a remedy. I deal with

my issues head on. Yes I am a stronger person, but lately I have noticed I

have a tendacy to turn to other bad behavior in the wake of my twins death.

I drink lately. Socially, but I noticed this weekend I drank to excess.

(Don't worry, I decided to stop completely). I have started dealing with

my grief. I no longer tell people I am okay. I am not okay, this really

hurts. I am depressed and don't mind talking about it anymore. I need to

release things.

Weight is a bothersome issue I ahve dealt with it for many many uears as

most have on this list. I have a cute little body now. Sure people notice

me, but I still have problems. No longer turning to food, I am trying to

find other outlets.

March 30, 2000