Lisa Hull

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A lot has happened since I last posted on my blog.  I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach) associated with the procedure to fetch the foreign body from behind my stomach (believed to be half of the lap band).  I'll be having my stomach removed on December 19th.  I have mixed emotions in regards to the procedure.  I think it's mostly fear associated with the procedure I had in Feburary.  I really want to be able to eat and get rid of the pills I take (17 a day to be exact) just to be able to drink liquids.  I've lost a ton of weight and will lose a lot more.  Stay tuned.

 

I'm counting down till I have the gastric emptying study (I'll have to eat oatmeal on an empty stomach and they will watch to see how long it takes to digest).  I'm taking anti-nauseau meds faithfully every four hours as well and a antacid.  Last weeks endscopy showed that the food is not moving or moving very slowly into the stomach.  I'm very uncomfortable and not enjoying this at all.  The gastroenterologists is telling me to be patient.  It's very difficult. 

I now know why I was so gassy after surgery.  The surgeon, in an effort to remove the half a band, cut along the outside of my stomach and either badly bruised or cut my vagas nerve.  I've been in and out of the hospital and emergency room and had a battery of tests to get the diagnosis of gastroparesis (my stomach is now paralyzed).  I'm on a liquid diet (low fiber if I can tollerate it . . . which I have not been able to).  I'm so frustrated and angry

I'm so disappointed, my surgery was on 2/28 and after nearly 4 hours of surgery the piece of the band left in me was not recovered.  the surgeon believes it has eroded into my stomach.  I will not be able to get another band however he is willing to perform the sleeve procedure.  I'm going to have to do some research now.  Not sure what direction I should go in, my stomach is not taking to food too well right now and I'm super gassy.   Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I will be having preadmission testing on the 27th, in one week I'll have the remaining piece of the lapband removed.  I have an appointment with my current surgeon on the 23rd of March to discuss installation of a new band.  I can't wait till these extra pounds are melting away!

I will be having the remainder of the band removed on February 28th and it's a 23 hour stay.  I've contacted my current surgeon to see when I might be able to schedule having the new band installed.  In speaking with my former surgeon he advised the band that I had installed "lap band" versus the realize lap band he has had a lot of trouble with the band and will only install the "realize band".  I'm counting down . . . . I just want to have some changes in my life.  I need something positive for a change.  My husband has been drinking again and telling me that I look better to him if he drinks.  It hurts so much.

The surgeon confirmed half of the old lap band is left in me and needs to be removed.  I have the older model and most surgeons don't use it anymore due to issues.  I'll be having the realize band when I have it reinstalled.

I have an appointment on February 10th at Baystate to discuss the findings of my CAT Scan.  I've been placed on metformin for my diabetes and meet with my PCP on thursday.  Lets hope that we are on the right track

Still waiting to hear back from Baystate.  I've sent two emails and placed two phone calls.  I'm getting very frustrated!  My pre-diabetes has turned into diabetes.  I'm continuing to set my sights on the prize but, I'm starting to feel defeated!

I heard from the surgery scheduler at BayState.  The surgeon is in receipt of my cat scan and will be reviewing it later today.  I should be hearing back from him later today as to what he recommends I do.  I hope I hear back soon!