ravenjeh

Today I had my fourth major attack. From everything I've read, it's gotta be gallstones. Two weeks ago, I called every GI doctor in my area and next Wednesday, the 15th, is the earliest anyone can see me. But that seems like an eternity with these attacks. I've vowed to go to the ER, a much bigger/prestigious ER mind you, if it happens again tonight. This is the pits

I am under 10 months post op. I've hit my goal and could not be happier with my sleeve. But for the past month, I have had bouts of pain in my back around my ribcage, sometimes going to the front of my abdomen. Very uncomfortable; I can't seem to get in a position for relief. But the pain isn't unbearable. This happened about 3-4 times a week, for a couple of hours each time. I assumed it was just back pain. Last week after supper, I began having this horrid pain that started in my back that expanded around my rib cage to my stomach area. I was crying and couldn't find a position for any relief again. Incredibly painful, but I was afraid to go to the ER for fear of it just being an unimaginable case of gas. So the next day I went to my doctor and he thought it might be kidney stones. I went for a ct scan (no dye) and it came back normal. That very night I had an attack of pain so severe that I couldn't hardly breathe. The pain started just to the right of my stomach and flared all the way to my back. I dropped to the floor screaming and writhing from the worst pain I have ever experienced. My husband came home to take me to the ER and after 20 minutes, the pain immediately stopped. We went to the ER anyway and they did a ct scan with the dye, along with bloodwork and a urinalysis, and I could not believe it when they told me it was all normal too. While it has not happened since, I've been wondering if it could have been a gallstone that passed. I'm not sure if it would show up on a ct scan a few hours after passing. Has anyone else had gallstone pain post op or gallbladder attacks? I truly don't think that pain could possibly been caused by gas. My sister had to have hers out a few years ago.

You will be so glad you that you did it! This was hand's down the best decision I have ever made. It can be a little nerve racking in the days pre-op, but it will be so worth it. I haven't had any problems. The only pain I had post-op were stomach spasms the first week or so. But that's what the sleepy pills are for Good luck!

Ok, just tried Lactaid with my whey Protein shake... does NOT work, at least for me. I'm off to order soy Protein Shakes now : /

Still here and loving my sleeve! Good luck on your upcoming surgeries, guys!

So has anyone tried taking Lactaid before drinking your shake? I think I might go buy some today and try it.

I drink Body Fortress whey isolate. Every time I drink it, I get horrible stomach cramping and diarrhea about 30 minutes to 1 hour later. But, I've been living with it just to make sure I get my Protein in. I can still eat other dairy product just fine. Anyway, I'm tired of it so I'm thinking about switching to soy protein. Is there a difference taste wise? Or are there different types of Protein Shakes that are lactose free?

I'm 5 months post op by Dr. Borland, and I haven't had the first problem. My experience with him, his staff and the surgery center was awesome. I can't say enough great things about him. Good luck with your surgery!!

Ok, ever since surgery I've had this problem. Before surgery, I would have it every once and a while. Now, its every time I stand up fast, and a lot of the time when standing slowly. I know it's a blood pressure thing. Does anyone else have this problem? It's getting really annoying

Just an update: For the past 5 days, I have been taking my Vitamins at night right before bed and it seems to have helped a lot. The first night I did get a little nauseous, but I've noticed that since surgery if I so much as think about the possibility of throwing up, I get a little queasy. No problems since. Now I don't dread taking them

Yep, the anesthesia causes it. Not fun, but normal.

Sounds really crazy, but try putting mayonaise on your hair and letting it sit a few minutes before washing it out.

Ok, so if I take all my Vitamins at bedtime, would it mess up the absorption of my other bedtime tablet- antidepressants? Geez, who knew simple vitamins could be so confusing...

Don't worry too much about getting enough Protein at first. I was on clears for the first week, then on full liquids, and THEN started Protein Shakes. It's just part of the process; it will get easier to get your protein in later. As far as the hair loss... I don't think there is too much you can do to prevent it post op. Some people have better luck than others, but mine started at about the 3 1/2 month mark. While I lose a lot of strands in the shower, it isn't really noticeable otherwise.

I can't seem to prevent the nausea, even went I take food with them. I drink my Protein Shake first. I wait a few minutes and then take my Multi-Vitamin, Calcium, and Fiber therapy capsules at the same time. Then I eat a little something just to have real food on my stomach. And I still get a little nausea/sour stomach feeling a few minutes later. It really tempts me to not take my Vitamins, but I know I must. Anybody else have this problem?

The "tube" is removed before you wake up. You don't have to worry about that at all. And not everyone vomits after surgery. I never got sick and my surgeon said there is a 50% chance that people will or wont have nausea/vomiting issues immediately post op. The surgery and post op life isn't nearly as bad as you are probably imagining it. It wasn't for me, and I'm a cry baby too

I was self pay in New Iberia, Louisiana with Dr. Borland. Total cost $9800. I'm extremely happy with my experience.

You might try other acid reducers, too. I started off with prilosec, but it didn't do anything for me- I was having to chew a lot of Tums still. Now I take Pepcid in the morning and rarely need Tums.

Congrats on the 32 lbs!

Unfortunately, no

My head hair is falling out in droves, though. Weird how your body lets the good hair fall out, but clings to the bad hair, lol.

Hands down, Dr. Thomas Borland in New Iberia. I could not have had a better experience and still only paid $9800. While that does not include the pre-op labs, if you have insurance, it should take care of it as it's only simple bloodwork and chest x-ray. It does include the hospital stay, but it's outpatient- that's how he keeps the price so low. He has you stay in any local hotel so that he can visit and check up on you for the next couple of days. I love him!

Just an update- I started taking Pepcid and my acid is virtually gone!!! I take one in the morning and one at night, and rarely I still need a Tums after a meal. And the best part is... the generic is only $4 a bottle at walmart! Thanks for the advice, guys!

5 incisions, the largest being a few millimeters below my bellybutton.

I take both Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen all the time and haven't had any problems.

Oh, wow, this sounds good! I use this same recipe with marinated artichoke hearts without the seafood. Yum! Can't wait to try this one

I have tried Prilosec, Nexium and Zantac. They might have helped some, since I don't remember having quite this much acid before. I'm definitely getting something to take today.