Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery

Cases involving gastric operations for obesity or surgical treatment of obesity. Gastrointestinal leaks, intra-abdominal leaks, surgical leaks, anastomotic leaks, imaging in bariatrics,  RYGB, gastric bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty, biliopancreatic diversion, LAP Band, sleeve gastrectomy, minimally invasive bariatric surgery, laproscopic bariatric surgery, stomach stapling, jejunem, morbid obesity, complications, deep venous thrombosis and pumonary embolus, abdominal catastrophe, peritonitis, sepsis, Centers of Excellence, American Society for Bariatric Surgery, ASBS, post-operative management, post operative leaks, perforations.

Ms. Watkins vs. Dr. Rebok and Triad Medical Center  Ms. Watkins undergoes routine bariatric procedure - Roux-en-Y.  Physician fails to recognize signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal leak at staple line.  Nurses fail to communicate signs and symptoms to physician.  Leaks continues for days despite patient's obviously poor recovery.  Exhibits tachycardia, tachypnea, pleural effusion, pain, fever and other indicators of peritonitis. Dr. finally re-explores abdomen on Day 6 post surgery and repairs leak, however, but this time, patient is septic and and other internal organs have been compromised.  She endures years of reconstructive surgeries, drains, discomfort and total disability.  Requires over 70 additional hospitalizations and surgeries in a three year period.  At 6' tall, Ms. Watkins'  weight has dropped from over 300 lbs to an anorexic, mal-nourished 120lbs. Case ongoing.