"My original RNY was done at a bariatric center in Illinois in 2001. I recently revised to the Distal RNY Nov. 26, 2012 with Dr. Frantzides. Mind you, this goes against the grain since everyone today seems to advocate for the Duoedenal Switch (DS), these days. I believe everyone should make the best choice for themself. This is not a cookie-cutter process. For me the DS was just a little too radical, especially since my original surgery was successful. I knew I needed help getting back to the basics and this time making sure I followed all the rules. During my original surgery I went from 267lbs to 169lbs. By the time I found Dr. Frantzides, I had gone up to 243 lbs. Thats 24 lbs away from my original weight.
Dr. Frantzides recommended the Distal RNY and also would reduce my pouch. He said he would do all of this laprascopically and I was quite relieved.
The day of surgery I remembered all the pain I went through during my original RNY, from the moment I woke up in the recovery room. I had felt like I was runover by a mack truck and the memories caused me to become apprehensive. I expressed my fears and Dr. Frantzides assured me the pain would be manageable.
Waking up from my revision surgery, I didn't feel an ounce of pain. I was incredulous! The next day the pain was minimal and knew I could get through this. I was out of the hospital in a jiffy WITHOUT A DRAINTUBE!! It only gets better, within a day of getting home I was off of my prescription meds (which Theresa kindly called in ahead of time to prevent delay)and I was walking up and down the stairs of my home and showering with very little discomfort. This is a far cry from my initial surgery, which took me a month to recover from; even though it was also done laprascopically. My original surgery sent me home with a drain tube sticking out of my side and I was on pain meds for weeks.
I am currently driving, running errands and doing schoolwork on my masters program and will also return to work full time on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 by choice; not need. And the best news: I now weigh 223lbs!! I've lost 20lbs in 10 days! My bowel movements are normal and I do not have body odor, which is a complaint I've heard some people had after their Distal RNY.
I'm just so overwhelmed with gratefulness. Dr. Frantzides has been my biggest support and fan. He believes in my successs and he knows his skills will help me get to where I need to go. His amazing personality translates to everyone he meets. My kids are in love with him and my niece was enraptured. Theresa is also amazing. Kind, understanding and a fountain of knowledge. She has been very helpful on this journey so far. I'm so excited to see what is in store for me."
