twinmomC

I had RNY 9/15/15. Like you, I developed symptoms at about 3 weeks. My surgeon and facility is about 3 hours from my home. I didn't trust anyone locally to deal with my "new anatomy" (small, rural towns). I end up back in the big city for my one moth follow up after nearly a week of struggling to keep anything down. Being the "smart one" I am, I also NPO'd myself the night before my appointment to make sure they could scope me on the spot. Well... I DID get admitted for severe dehydration, but the procedure did not happen until the following day. IV fluids to the extreme. I didn't pee for a long time which had some nurses worried (again really dehydrated), but once I started- LOOK OUT!! EGD dilation #1 occured there, they let me eat the next morning and sent me home on a Friday. By Tuesday, with consent of my surgeon in "big city", I was re-admitted through a local ER and seeing a local GI. He also dilated me. 3 more times, at one weel intervals. After his 3rd (my 4th) he threw in the towel and said I needed to go back to my surgeon recommending revision. I returned to "big city" with complications once again and he had me worked on my an INTERVENTIONALIST GI. Apparently with the approval of my surgeon, she was able to be a little more aggressive with the stricture. This was #5. She was able to take my anastimosis to a 15mm. (When this all began- 3 weeks in- I was at 3mm, a pinhole!). She also shot it with steroids, but wanted me back in two weeks if symptoms persisted. Things improved greatly, this was about Nov 11th. I had a follow up on 12/21 with surgeon and was having some familiar pain, so they agreed to do it again on 12/21. Happily, I was at a 13 (only shrunk 2mm in over a month) and she took it to my max of 18mm again with steroid. This was 6 EGD dilations since Oct 15!!! I have very sensitive skin and tissues. I think my body's response is to swell when it is messed with. So the steroids seemed to keep that inflammation down. The next step was to have a stent stiched in there for a period of like 3 months... I'm very glad it's staying open on its own. Happy note. I am 55 lbs lighter than when this whole journey began. Long story short. Hang in there. Take care of yourself. If something doesn't feel right, see your doctor. The IV's for a month sound more severe than I had it, and trust me, I was miserable. I hope they have your stricture under control. Hope you are feeling lots better soon!!!

I've had (for lack of a better way of putting it) ass problems for years. In fact it is familial, both my children required a very carefully worked out prune juice additive to their bottles and food for several years before they were able to go on w/o it. My niece (From my sister) required three surgeries to remove broken parts of her intestines (look up hirschsprung disease) my mother has been plugged up since she was a little girl. I was taking a lot of different meds prior to surgery, and my Doctor and I found that Senna Lax 8.6mg 2 pills am 2 pills pm kept me pretty regular, I also have a standing prescription for Miralax (prescription strength) that I take if I go 2 or more day w/o a BM, if I go another 2 days, I add colace, and between the three, I could pass a large rock.
Post op. No more Senna...... Miralax, Miralax, Miralax. Oh and 100+ oz of Water a day. My Surgeon understood my ass was going to be an issue before the surgery, and it has not failed to disappoint. I was at my two week post op yesterday, and we had an entire conversation about my ass. Actually, even more effective than Miralax is Isopure Carb Free. My body H-A-T-E-S that stuff. One shake of that before bed and by am, it's a rush to the bathroom where out it goes, there is no mistaking the scent, it's the Isopure. liquid Colace, is w/o a doubt the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted. In fact the only times I have vomited post op are after taking that stuff. Perhaps it's the brand. I don't know. Surgeon advised Miralax every day, until I get a handle on this, then we can start cutting back until we find a balance.

I wish you the best.
Thanks for posting. Hopefully folks will read and stay in close contact with their surgeons.

I am just now 1 month and 5 days out. I've dealt with Constipation (not really, still have it) and at close to one month started getting food stuck, salivating like mad and vomiting. After about a week of this nonsense, I got re- admittied (three hours from home) for IV fluids and astimosis dilation. I had a severe 3mm stricture that was dilated to 10mm on 10-15. He said there is a possibility that it will have to be repeated and I believe him. Not something to mess around with. I was sent home on Friday and today, Monday I felt that same tight, stuck pain right after trying to eat. Thinking it might be time for stretch out #2. I'd say discomfort and vomiting on the same food you were able to tolerate a week or two prior is cause for concern. Also.. when or if liquid causes pain and also shoot back out- GO TO THE DOCTOR. Now I know.. Hope this helps someone else.

I regretted surgery for about 4 months, I had a stricture that's cause me vomiting, pain, etc etc. I'm not 7 months and super happy! Just hung in there, give little more time. I know it's hard but that's all you can do now. Call your doctor if you worry something it's wrong. It's not an easy journey but it's worth it!

@sarahbethemails Here's what I use and love! You can buy it at Walmart

I'm using the store brand of Miralax.
Clearlax. I use it about every 3rd day and it keeps things comfortable. Tasteless and I don't even know it's there.

My doctor put my son and I on colace stool softener....that seemed to work well for us and it's an over the counter medicine

I scoop of coconut oil organic. Is good. Every nigth.????

I have it in my master bath so no explanation needed - Yay!

I must be a tough cookie or was just highly motivated to get out of the small hospital my babies were delivered at and to THEM in neonatal intensive care 40 minutes away (they were transported, I was not... bad scenario.. ) I was discharged 2 days post of C-section with twins and walking like crazy through hospital to be with them as much as I could. Pain and recovery I truly think was made better by all that walking, insanely enough. 2nd C-section. In on a Monday, out on Thursday, conducted open house at our home on a Saturday. Roux en Y 20 days ago and it was A LOT less painful than either. Gas pain and I had it in the shoulder was the worst part. Again walk walk walk, toot, toot , toot and you'll feel better soon! Good luck

Yea... We go round and round. This is NOT a pleasant place to work and his job is very stressful (and dangerous) to say the least. I'm probably not going to get hired, but still it's worth trying. It would be in an entirely different area- more clerical in nature. GET A JOB- just not at my place of employment that actually pays well just doesn't sit well with me. I seriously think he looks for stuff to come home and be a big jerk about. If it isn't obvious in the first 10 minutes, he'll find something to bitch about. I am not innocent mind you, but really since surgery 3 weeks ago, i have really cooled my jets and am trying to be the best me I can be to the kids and him. His attitude about my surgery changes from day to day. One day he's supportive, the next he's being an ass!! Thanks for listening.

@@twinmomC Men can be so insensitive. He may also be stressed and in a fowl mood due to the finances. It doesn't give him a green card to be rude to you. I say if you want that job you go and get that job. He will surly get over it and if he doesn't he can find another job. You need to make you own money if it will make you feel more secure. When you are less dependent on someone else you are better off IMO. I wouldn't pay him to much mind. And get the damn beef sticks, put that stuff up and don't feel guilty about I'm sure you do plenty for that family. I'm a smarta** though so if my husband said something like that to me I would start eating them right there in the store.

I ❤️❤️ my squatty Potty!

@@twinmomC I guess you could try the lil footstool but the squatty potty has your feet positioned at each side with your knees above, putting you in the squatting position.

Just reading this. I can relate. I'm 22 days out. I've been a stay at home mom for 13 years. I've worked some on the side to contribute and went part-time, but completed my Associate Degree in May. I've been "looking" for employment, but prior to the surgery is was iffy- "I really want this job, but I need X amount of time off because I am having surgery, OK?". Now I'm feeling somewhat better, but finding and staying in work clothes that fit will prove quite a challenge at this point. In fact, I wore a suit to an interview recently and could barely keep my britches up. Anyway... back to husband. I went to bed at 8 tonight because I was just so sad and upset. Money is tight. I go to grocery store and buy he and the kids as much as I can and pick up a couple things that I think I can eat.... turkey snack sticks. He's immediately all over me about my "special snacks" and whatever else. Never have I said no-one else can eat them, except I've asked them to leave the SF stuff alone for me- obviously. I come across a job in postings tonight that is in a round about way related to my husband's and he says- "you'll never get it, they just post that as a formality". I say sure, probably right, but maybe I should take the tests and whatever and get on a list anyway as it's a good paying job and if not this time, maybe something else will come up. He says, "I don't want to work with you." I wouldn't be working "with him", but more or less at the same facility in a different location. Wow!! Real moral booster. In a huge rush this evening to get everyone where they needed to be and fed. They had pizza and salad. I think I'm doing well, I'll scrape the toppings off a piece and have a little lettuce with dressing. OH NO I DIDN'T. Severe chest pain and right back up it came. Hubby has been REALLY insensitive to anything pertaining to me, my struggles, pains and insecurities. He knew what was coming and agreed to be my "support" person. ( I have NO family left aside from my husband and three kiddos.) People say I lost X amount of weight when I left him, etc, but I have NO-ONE in this world, but him. I woke up a few hours later, had a good cry and here I am. I've had a run in with him bringing home all kinds of bad food from his folks (pasties, sweets, etc) and its been tough. I've asked that if he and the kids want to have Desserts and such they just go and do it, I don't need or want to know. He's turned it all around now and everything is my fault, this was my choice, and he's just been mean. I would be heartbroken if he went out to eat without me too, Sophie. I'm wondering if my skin is just thinner now or I'm seeing things clearer since I'm feeling more vunerable and less like fighting? I feel like in the last three weeks, his promise to be supportive has been anything but and really just the opposite. Sorry for the ramble, but I'm there with ya... I don't even want to argue... just cry.

Just reading this. I can relate. I'm 22 days out. I've been a stay at home mom for 13 years. I've worked some on the side to contribute and went part-time, but completed my Associate Degree in May. I've been "looking" for employment, but prior to the surgery is was iffy- "I really want this job, but I need X amount of time off because I am having surgery, OK?". Now I'm feeling somewhat better, but finding and staying in work clothes that fit will prove quite a challenge at this point. In fact, I wore a suit to an interview recently and could barely keep my britches up. Anyway... back to husband. I went to bed at 8 tonight because I was just so sad and upset. Money is tight. I go to grocery store and buy he and the kids as much as I can and pick up a couple things that I think I can eat.... turkey snack sticks. He's immediately all over me about my "special snacks" and whatever else. Never have I said no-one else can eat them, except I've asked them to leave the SF stuff alone for me- obviously. I come across a job in postings tonight that is in a round about way related to my husband's and he says- "you'll never get it, they just post that as a formality". I say sure, probably right, but maybe I should take the tests and whatever and get on a list anyway as it's a good paying job and if not this time, maybe something else will come up. He says, "I don't want to work with you." I wouldn't be working "with him", but more or less at the same facility in a different location. Wow!! Real moral booster. In a huge rush this evening to get everyone where they needed to be and fed. They had pizza and salad. I think I'm doing well, I'll scrape the toppings off a piece and have a little lettuce with dressing. OH NO I DIDN'T. Severe chest pain and right back up it came. Hubby has been REALLY insensitive to anything pertaining to me, my struggles, pains and insecurities. He knew what was coming and agreed to be my "support" person. ( I have NO family left aside from my husband and three kiddos.) People say I lost X amount of weight when I left him, etc, but I have NO-ONE in this world, but him. I woke up a few hours later, had a good cry and here I am. I've had a run in with him bringing home all kinds of bad food from his folks (pasties, sweets, etc) and its been tough. I've asked that if he and the kids want to have Desserts and such they just go and do it, I don't need or want to know. He's turned it all around now and everything is my fault, this was my choice, and he's just been mean. I would be heartbroken if he went out to eat without me too, Sophie. I'm wondering if my skin is just thinner now or I'm seeing things clearer since I'm feeling more vunerable and less like fighting? I feel like in the last three weeks, his promise to be supportive has been anything but and really just the opposite. Sorry for the ramble, but I'm there with ya... I don't even want to argue... just cry.

@@twinmomC With our high Protein - low Fiber way of eating now, you're going to have to use alternative methods if you want to be "pain & poo-free"! I also struggled in the beginning because I didn't want to become "laxative" dependent. Trust me, it wont be forever but the pain and strain can be. You know this first hand. Here's what I've been doing since week 3 and at almost 6 months post-op, I'm regular and pain-free EVERY single day! I take a half of a cap full of Clearlax (Walmart generic for Miralax) in my morning decafe coffee. Keep in mind, the more fiber you take in the more Water you have to drink to move it out. I also have a Squatty Potty. One of the BEST things I ever bought, so much so that I even took it with me on my 2 week vacation to the Florida Keys! That's how amazing it works. Bought it at Bed Bath and Beyond but you can order them online as well. This may not work for everyone but it has worked for me. This is actually the first time in my life I've been regular and it feels wonderful

I had a problem drinking Water after my surgery. Figuring out the problem was no easy task either. I kept a food journal for about two weeks and when no pattern emerged my doc suggested an endoscopy to check for a stricture. The stricture was found and they did a balloon dilation. I feel great now, but it was terrifing for me to think that constent vomitting and dehydration might be just a normal part of my post-op life. Thank God that was not the case. I would definitly talk to your doc to see if something can be do to alleviate your discomfort.

Wow. Getting a cold right after surgery was probably very painful every time you coughed.
Many times after surgery, the microorganism in your lower intestines are destroyed by antibiotics which may have been given to you after surgery to inhibit infections. These microorganisms need to be restore. That is why some doctors recommend taking Probiotics after surgery to restore these organisms so they can do their functions and get your digestive system back to working properly.

Although not as bad as you guys seem to have it (my sympathies, it must be awful!), I have also been having this problem. I am not sure, but I think it is because the sorts of foods we are eating on the liquid and pureed food stages don't have much Fiber in them. I recently got Benefiber, and have been putting that into my drinks (Powerade Zero, actually). I am hopeful that this will...rectify...this situation.

My 2 c-sections were full cut. The RNY was faster healing. The only pain for the RNY was the gas pain. You just have to walk and deal with it. The good thing is this surgery is about YOU, not about a baby. You get a lot of attention, people want to know how YOU are feeling.

I'm 14 days out today. I tried a few pre-op and some after. I've returned some to GNC- just horrible smell and taste. unjury has been my friend thus far. They sell a sample pack- great investment. I don't like artificial strawberry flavors and theirs was pretty good. The chocolate splendor as well. I mix the unflavored in all kinds of stuff. 1/2 scoop here, 1/2 scoop there and I don't taste it. I think I am going to order their Vitamins next. Good luck.

Yes! I like Unjury unflavored Protein Powder mixed in my iced coffee. It dissolves well with no lumps.

So glad I found this topic. My surgery is August 14th and my pre-op diet starts on the 10th. I am so stressed about the artificial sweeteners. I absolutely hate them. I am not a sweet eater in general so realistically can I get by with broth and Water for 3 weeks?