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In a message dated 10/28/02 6:31:44 AM Central Standard Time, dee@...

writes:

<< I'm doing what I'm supposed to, it just doesn't matter. >>

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Dee,

Have you had your plumbling checked out 2c if everything's still as it should

be on the inside? Scope? Upper GI? watever?

Carol A

[Guest guest]

Carol A asked:

> Have you had your plumbling checked out 2c if everything's still as it

should

> be on the inside? Scope? Upper GI? watever?

First, I've got to say thank you to all those that have written privately

and on the list. The kind words - and just knowing that I've been heard -

makes all the difference :-)

No, I haven't been scoped, for a couple of reasons.

First, we have LOUSY health insurance (if you can call it that). Anything

related to the WLS falls under pre-existing conditions. They also don't

cover ANYTHING related to obesity - last time I had labs done I was hit with

over $350 in bills because it wasn't covered. This time when I go for labs

I'm going to ask the doc to put a different code on the form - new doc, I

hope she's agreeable.

Second, unless my transected pouch has grown back together with my old

stomach (which I do understand is a possibility, however unlikely), I think

everything is still working fine, mechanically. My quanities are still

down - about 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of really dense food, 1 cup or more of

salad like stuff. As long as I don't drink with eating. Stoma I don't

think is stretched as I still have serious problems if I don't chew

thoroughly. Also, right after surgery my astmosis tried to heal shut, and I

was scoped and dilated, and the GI doc commented on the thick scar tissue,

and that it should keep the stoma from stretching in the future.

What I do wonder - and don't know if there is a way to test for it - is if

my intestine has compensated to start digesting food? I remember a

discussion awhile back about sections elongating, etc, trying to

" normalize " . And I don't remember if anything can be done, except cut it

out.

ly, I'm reluctant to have another surgery (I WILL have to get this

hernia repaired) until I can be really sure it is going to do the trick. I

THOUGHT I was sure with this one.

An added complication is that sometime in my future it is likely I will have

to have a 360 fusion done - where they do a frontal approach to your spine,

and then a second surgery from the rear. I've had two attempts at a lumbar

fusion, both have failed, and they told me that I could expect in 10 to 15

years the hardware I have in place will break. I'm at 12 years now. So do

I have the hernia repaired, more belly surgery, when I know at some point it

is all going to have to be cut thru yet AGAIN to get at my spine?

Then, what does that bode as far as adhesions (which can start an endless

cycle of surgeries) and other complications?

Sigh. It seems overwhelming - I don't even know where to start.

It does look like we might be able to get better health insurance in a few

months, but it also might be temporary.

My mind just goes 'round and 'round.........

dee

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/30/02 6:28:58 AM Central Standard Time, dee@...

writes:

What I do wonder - and don't know if there is a way to test for it - is if

my intestine has compensated to start digesting food? >>

-------------------------------

And maybe another possibility is a fistula?? At any rate, with the number

this standstill is doing on your mind and emotions, it just might be worth

checking out the mechanics even if you have to pay for it yourself. I know

that's not easy, but peace of mind is sometimes priceless.

Carol A

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/31/02 4:19:46 PM Central Standard Time,

marthahall888@... writes:

<< What's a fistula? >>

--------------------------

I'm not sure of the exact medical definition as it relates to WLS. But in

general, it is an abnormal duct or passage that connects an abscess, or a

cavity or a hollow organ to the body surface or to another hollow organ.

All I know is that I've read on these boards of people developing a fistula,

and that sometimes they can be " filled " and that if the filling procedure is

successful, then they stop regaining weight and/or are not hungry all the

time.

Maybe someone who has had a fistula can give you a better definition and

explanation.

Carol A

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/31/02 4:19:46 PM Central Standard Time,

marthahall888@... writes:

<< What's a fistula? >>

--------------------------

I'm not sure of the exact medical definition as it relates to WLS. But in

general, it is an abnormal duct or passage that connects an abscess, or a

cavity or a hollow organ to the body surface or to another hollow organ.

All I know is that I've read on these boards of people developing a fistula,

and that sometimes they can be " filled " and that if the filling procedure is

successful, then they stop regaining weight and/or are not hungry all the

time.

Maybe someone who has had a fistula can give you a better definition and

explanation.

Carol A

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/31/02 4:19:46 PM Central Standard Time,

marthahall888@... writes:

<< What's a fistula? >>

--------------------------

I'm not sure of the exact medical definition as it relates to WLS. But in

general, it is an abnormal duct or passage that connects an abscess, or a

cavity or a hollow organ to the body surface or to another hollow organ.

All I know is that I've read on these boards of people developing a fistula,

and that sometimes they can be " filled " and that if the filling procedure is

successful, then they stop regaining weight and/or are not hungry all the

time.

Maybe someone who has had a fistula can give you a better definition and

explanation.

Carol A