Received VSG when DS was not completed

[sixrealms]

I expect to be one of the oldest members on this forum, I'm 67 years old. After many recommendations from my PCP to have WLS to resolve my metabolic syndrome (222 lbs, 38 BMI, T2, high LDL and Tri's and bp). I did the research. I could only accept surgery that maintained the pyloric valve function, DS offers the highest probability of T2 resolution and Medicare did not cover VSG at the time. I attended an introduction at the University of Chicago Hospital in 10/2010 and decided to have DS. Dr Prachand at the University of Chicago Hospital is one of the few Lap DS surgeons in the nation. It looked to be a go ~ until I called to request surgery. UC discontinued DS for Medicare beneficiaries because Medicare had refused to pay for a DS surgery the surgeon decided medically necessary to interrupt after the VSG was completed. Rather than classify the event as an interrupted DS, Medicare classified it as an uncovered VSG. Many protested, and it took more than a year for Medicare to add VSG as a covered procedure.

The morning of January 11, 2013 I went in for DS surgery. The doctor found my liver to be in questionable condition and performed only the VSG. I was disappointed as the DS has a much greater probability of resolving T2, but more disappointed to find my liver is cirrhotic stage 4 ~ likely caused by NAFL and T2. I'll see a specialist on 2/19.

My Friday morning surgery went well and I left the hospital on Monday afternoon. The Saturday was hell with difficulty changing positions (Sunday was better) and discomfort caused by the nurses pushing food containing crushed meds ~ Nexium, Magnesium, stool softener ~ My stomach couldn't take in more than an ounce and they're giving meds 6 times a day. Arriving home was heaven ~ I live alone and had the house prepared with disposable serving supplies and an assortment of allowed soft foods. The hospital offered little of what was allowed for my Phase I ~ refried beans, melted cheese, most anything pureed. My energy was high and walking was easy. By the Saturday at home, I no longer needed codeine, and very little Tylenol thereafter. For home, I was prescribed 14 days of Lovenox, but day 5 it gave skin swelling and rash and was discontinue with instructions to walk/exercise 8 times per day. Tomorrow is the 14th day, so it seems I've cleared the surgery/blood clot connection. I am prescribed anti-gallstone med for 6 months.

My post-op appointment was 12 days after surgery and at that time I was given the Phase II diet ~ poultry, ground meat, low sugar and fat, fruit, veggies, bread, but no fiber. Variety is important as I seldom want a food more than once or twice. While I'm only taking 3-4 ozs per meal, I'll take 8-12 ozs of soup. Delightfully, pea soup is high in protein. At the deli, I purchased stuffed cabbage (for the tasteful meat), tuna salad, a small pot pie, and in the freezer section, crab cakes, Angus burgers, stuffed potato skins... its easy to have 3 oz servings of these. During the 16 days post surgery, I've lost 13 lbs. My problem at this time is that I'd like to eat most every hour or two. And, my blood sugar readings show no improvement.

Searching for info on gallstone meds is how I found this site.

[Dyanne4293]

Hello. I'm 49 years old. I had VSG July 17, in Mexico. I did it to lower my blood sugar. I'm diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes. Chronic. In 2011 Ihas hospitalized 4 times due to dangerously high blood sugar readings (700+).
Post op - 6 months. I've lost 60 lbs and 20lbs to go. It took nearly a month before my blood sugar readings showed improvement. Granted they were below 300 in week one, and stayed around 170-200 weeks 2 and 3. Then BOOM (21 lbs loss in week 3) my blood sugars were running 130-150. 6 months post-op and my blood sugar remains 98-100. Once I had a reading over 200. I drank a glass of hot apple cider. Silly me. I still avoid sugar and most carbs. High protein! I still eat every 2-3 hours. I only eat 1/2 cup of food at a time.
Good luck with your liver and other health problems.

[Elbie]

Glad to have you with us! I am sorry that you ended up with a different procedure than what you expected and for the news about your liver, but I hope that the weight loss will eventually help your health overall!

[pieganjane]

I think you are still not far out enough from surgery to see drastic results. I'm 66 and also live alone and it is tough. I suspect you had some very good doctors in Chicago so I would tend to trust them on choosing the procedure.I was also told that they could not promise me whatever until they saw my liver. For the first 3 weeks I had nothing but liquids, go slow, and yes I am on the gallstone meds as a precaution.

[mletort]

Wow! You have had quite the experience! I'm so sorry to hear about the NAFL. I hope the specialist is able to help you. I'm glad that you are doing well with your recovery! Good luck and God Bless!

[sixrealms]

Thanks for the share. Only a few of those having wls are T2 and it is appreciated that you shared your results. I believe my highest reading was 349, in the hospital and considered due to the stress of surgery. Other than that my highs have been in the lower 200. Like you, I don't tolerate carbs. Great that you've done so well. I hope I will accomplish nearly as much.