Been a long road - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Kevin · 04-06-2009, 11:50 AM

I've known about the board for years and a while ago I was very active in participating. It seems like so much has happened. I had my gall bladder taken out. I've had bleeding ulcers. I had to have a PICC line put in my arm to feed me calories because as a 5'10" 27 year old male I was down to 115. I looked like I was going to die at any minute. Whole family cried and prayed for me. With the PICC line and medication I was able to get my weight up but ever since then its been a struggle. It seems like I cant eat as much as I should. I am almost three years old, how much should i be able to put in my pouch? Is half a sandwich ok or should I be eating a whole sandwich? Should I be able to eat a whole chicken breast or some/most of it ? Last monday I had open surgery on my stomach to fix a twisted intestine or bowel block that herniated. I felt like I was gonna die! I just got out a day ago. This was a general surgeon as unfortunetely I had to move away from my GB surgeon in MA and come to Iowa. He says as a result of losing so much weight there was a lot of extra space that allowed this to happen. I am at at steady weight now, but just depressed

I used to be fat and unhealthy but now it seems like Im just too thin and unhealthy. I guess all Im asking is....pray for me. My name is Kevin and im struggling to move forward and live a normal life. I pray all of the people I have talked to on the board are doing great, and to those who I havent the same.

Helena · 04-06-2009, 12:39 PM

Hey Kevin I had Rebecca Shore also....Do you need to get in touch with her??? I can get phone numbers or e-mail adresses for Dr shore or the nut if you want me to...Just let me know.....Or do you have a new surgeon you are using there...

mistymee · 04-06-2009, 12:42 PM

Wow, Kevin.. it sure sounds like you're been through hell and back.

I have no idea what a man your age & height should be eating.. any chance you can get on the phone with your old surgeon/Nutritionist (or try email? I can talk to my nut via email)

Or maybe you can look for a bariatric surgeon who would be willing to take on your aftercare more locally? I would think that would be the best option, but contacting your former program would be the second best option.

Do you know what it was that caused you to drop down so low? (115 at your height? WOW)... you and your family must've been so frightened.

jerseygrl684 · 04-06-2009, 12:46 PM

I'm glad to see this post, not because you are sick, but because it shows what CAN happen. My sister is going through this sort of hell right now.. she's on a PICC line still and it is a real serious side effect that can happen.

I hope you continue to post, and update us on your progress.

watfam4 · 04-06-2009, 12:51 PM

Not all bypasses are created equal. Have you spoken to a surgeon about a revision to make your bypass less malapsorptive?

LyndasRoom · 04-06-2009, 03:46 PM

Hi Kevin,
I hope you're on the road to recovery now. Just do the best you can every day to become and maintain your healthiest you. I'm sorry you've had such a rough road.

Kevin · 04-09-2009, 12:43 PM

I appreciate everyones concern. Tis why I love this board so much. Dr. shore was AWSOME and Helena if you have any numbers I would love them. I know a while back she moved her office and I lost touch. JersyGrl, I agree. I even take time to look at my situation and really try to let people interested in this surgery know, things CAN and DO go awry. I know im part of a small group who has had almost all the side effects but when you are one of those people.........it's a bad place. To the other poster, If I can get those numbers from Helena I will be definetely talking to the nutritionist as well as the doc. Thank you!!!

fyremanjef · 04-09-2009, 12:58 PM

Kevin hang in there. I know you are down right now, but you are back on the track.. Try to stay positive. and follow your nuts advice. Maybe a lot of small meals like 1/4 of a sandwich every 30 min instead of half of one at once.

We are thinking of you

Jeff