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Please Help! Burning Stomach Pain
Melissa89 replied to hannah grace's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I’m sorry to hear this. If the burning is in the stomach region (not the oesophagus) this sounds like exactly what I had. Here is my long story: I was sleeved June 19 and I had this!! I had 2 ER visits and was re admitted to hospital. I referred myself to a gastroenterologist in the end. That is what you need. My pain was only at night too! Here is my long story and I hope it helps you. Please know I am feeling better now. You’ve had complications but there is hope. Here is what I posted last night in another thread. Hi everyone! I was sleeved on 19/6 (Australian date format lol). My experience was no smooth sailing and I developed severe complications despite seeing the best surgeon at the best hospital. I’ve felt really scared, alone and isolated so I am delighted to find this forum. my weight was only 92 pre op and I guess I was considered a healthy young woman. 5 days post op I developed a severe burning pain deep inside my stomach. After numerous emergency visits and tests, it was determine I did not have a gastric leak. I had to be re admitted to hospital to manage the most severe pain of my life, for another 5 days and they still didn’t know what was wrong. Long story short, I had to self refer myself to a gastroenterologist who immediately knew what was wrong. I had developed bile reflux from my bowel into my freshly cut stomach which was causing the searing pain, severe inflammatory gastritis of my stomach lining, which then caused pancreatitis and severe spasms of my actual stomach. Because of all of this I could not even get Water down and my throat was burning and mouth dried up from bile damage. He put me on a bunch of new intense meds and nearly 8 weeks post op now I am starting to feel normal. It’s been a really scary rough ride and emotional and I haven’t known if I’ve made the right decision. I can eat about 1/4 cup soft foods now which I am grateful for. I also ended up seeing a second surgeon who has done thousands of sleeves and said bile reflux and severe gastritis which causes severe sharp pain / burning pain is possible and he has seen it. Basically everything is inflamed and unhappy and this can also cause pancreatitis pain. How my new gastroenterologist helped me and I finally started getting better 2 weeks after surgery was medication to stop the bile called cholestyramine, as well as upping the PPis to twice a day plus adding on a drug called famotidine at night with physically reduced the volume of stomach acid you produce (ppis just neutralise it). Plus I had to take metaclopramide as it pushes things down instead of up, including bile, 3 times a day. I am finally better now nearly 8 weeks out. I was desperate and hopeless and felt like my original surgeon could not help me / did not believe it. Generally for me my severe pain was only at night time when I was meant to sleep! You need to see a gastroenterologist stat. Good luck. -
They cancelled my 8/15 surgery, after I expressed my concerns!
ChunkCat replied to SnowyWinter's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My gut says you have dodged a bullet. This is awful treatment and I would not feel safe letting those people have my care in their hands. You should have had your concerns validated and calmly discussed by a patient coordinator over the phone, not suddenly have your procedure cancelled simply because you voiced concerns. My worry here is if you were to go through with things with them, what happens if you have a complication, heaven forbid?? Will they treat you as a malingering patient instead of taking you seriously? That could go very badly, very quickly. I know this delay is devastating. I am so sorry you are experiencing this. My heart hurts for you! I would seek out another practice. You already meet all the pre-reqs. The process shouldn't take as long the second time and you deserve to be in good hands that will respect your time and your trust in them as a patient. This behavior from them is inexcusable. ETA: As an out of area patient they should have been taking that into consideration the whole time and should have been working hard to keep your schedule steady. This is NOT a big ask of an office doing this sort of care and is something the patient coordinator should have been advocating for you. Surgery practices are accustomed to needing to do this. Some will even schedule multiple appointments for you in a day and work with each other to ensure you get all your boxes ticked with minimal travel. I really want you to know that your expectations are not out of the norm, their behavior however IS. -
Please Help! Burning Stomach Pain
Smanky replied to hannah grace's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
The burning you're describing sounds like an ulcer. I'm prone to them and will develop one quickly if I stop taking Pantoprazole. So it could be that, but with the vomiting complication and severity of the burning sensation you're having I'd be going to the ER. This needs checking out! -
RnY revision to DS in Northern KY
RickM replied to RiaMaleah's topic in Duodenal Switch Surgery Forum
The DS as a virgin procedure is more challenging to perform than a VSG or RNY, which is why relatively few bariatric surgeons offer it, despite its' demonstrably better performance (the RNY is "good enough" for most patients...) That's your first challenge - finding a reliable DS surgeon. Converting a VSG to a DS is straightforward for any DS surgeon, as the DS uses the VSG as its basis, so it's mainly a matter of adding the "switch" part - the malabsorptive part - to the VSG. Revising an RNY to a DS is another, much more complicated matter, and surgeons who can do that are few and far between. It used to be, a few years ago, that there was maybe a half dozen surgeons in the US that reliably did them, and I have seen references to a few more have joined the ranks in recent years. Rabkin and Keshishian in CA have both done them for many years, as has Roslin in NYC. I've heard that someone in Salt Lake has done some, along with some docs at Duke University in NC, possibly Kemmeter in MI. Some surgeons who don't do the DS will offer to revise to a distal RNY instead - that is a "long limb" RNY that has malabsorption more akin to the DS. However, it does not have a great reputation, and is usually not approved by US insurance as a primary procedure (but often will as a revision under the right circumstances.) My take on why it seems to be more problematic than the DS is that it is rarely done, and the surgeons and their practices aren't all that in tune with its' long term requirements. A DS, and by association the distal RNY, has a quite different nutritional and supplement requirement to the standard proximal RNY, which is well known to those in the DS world, but not all that well appreciated by those in the RNY world. Like with the RNY, and much more important with the DS, is to commit to having annual labs and follow ups for life - with the altered absorption and nutrition/supplement requirements, things can go askew in sometimes if you don't stay on top of them. Those who do stay on top of things typically have minimal long term problems. I would not go to MX for a procedure like this, as you really don't know what you will end up with. Historically, there has only been one reliable DS surgeon in MX - Gilberto Ungston - who, if not retired, is heading that way. He has trained a couple of others to do the DS, but I haven't heard of him doing the RNY to DS revision. There are, of course, the various horror stories of MX surgeries gone wrong, and in particular of those seeking a DS and getting "something else" (who knows what.) There are great, reputable surgeons down there for the VSG and RNY, but I wouldn't go there for something more complicated like a DS, unless it was someone well vetted in that procedure (such as Ungston,) - the differing legal systems leave one with no recourse is something doesn't go right (and the chances of that happening with something as complex and an RNY/DS revision are high there.) Good luck - it is a long search for what you need, and be prepared to travel. Being in CA myself, and my wife is a Rabkin DS, we have seen several successful revisions like this from both Rabkin and Keshishian, so it is viable when done by someone experienced with it. It, also, is not a simple outpatient procedure, and Rabkin's standard practice for travelling patients is to remain in town until at least the 10 day post op follow up. Most everything else can be done remotely (and they are set up for doing so.) Keshishian is similar in this regard. -
For reference, I have a complicated medical history including several co-morbidities, an autoimmune disease that has affected my gut, eyes, and spine, with a history of small bowel ulcerations, and a history of iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency that only respond to high dose pills (Vitamin D) and regular iron infusions. A while back I saw my first bariatric surgeon and had an awful experience. The guy was dismissive of my concerns, brushed off my questions, and was in the room less than 5 minutes and told me the DS was my only option and anything else would fail. His nurse was rude and took my blood pressure with the wrong cuff and when it came out at 175/112 told me I was just too nervous. (I know what "white coat hypertension looks like and mine does not look like that!). They rushed me through, didn't answer my questions, and I felt like a number. I saw my second surgeon today and the difference in visit was like night and day! He was much more engaged, has the same concerns about my surgery that I do, and said that it may be possible to only do a sleeve but if that ends up being the case we will make the best of it! He even volunteered to call my Gastroenterologist and chat with her to get her opinion and risk assessment if we go for a more invasive surgery. She has treated me for almost a decade so I really trust her opinion but I couldn't get an appointment to see her. He thanked me for giving him an interesting challenge to work on! And I got to meet my case manager who was super sweet. So all in all I am feeling much better at this place, super thankful for the long chat the doctor took the time to have, and incredibly relieved that the concerns are not all in my head like the last surgeon made me feel! To anyone with lots of questions and a doctor who won't answer them, it was definitely worth the effort to get a second opinion. As one of my doctors said "You need to be REALLY confident and comfortable with the surgeon that's going to cut into your gut and rearrange your insides!" LOL Oh, and my blood pressure was 104/67. 🤣
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Sleeve to Bypass revision (didn’t lose enough w/ sleeve)
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to XoxoLadyA's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I did, but I wasn't done with my weight loss when it became obvious I needed to have the revision. I lost 116 pounds in 9 months and was still losing when the complications slammed into me and I was told I had to have the revision. I never would have gotten it and would have continued to work my sleeve, my diet, and my working out had I not had so many insane issues happen. -
August 2023 Surgery Buddies!
Mike1971 replied to kayhay0714's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had my revision June 21st, original R N Y in 2005. Just remind yourself it is to make sure your liver is smaller to make the surgery less complicated for you! If you haven't tried them yet, bariatric pal has awesome protein shots available. I love the orange. It's like conentrated Tang! 100 calories, 15 grams of protein. Other really good protein shakes that got me through it, Redcon1 Protein shakes are 0 grams of sugar 250 calories and 40 grams of protein. Also KaChava is a good powder shake with alot of protein and super foods in it. I still incorporate these in my diet post surgery and it definately helps. Hope your surgery goes well with no issues! -
Hello dear I'm so sorry your having a few complications have you spoken with your Dr. And nurse so they can advise you on how to proceed. Did you have GERD before your surgery?
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Sleeve to Bypass revision (didn’t lose enough w/ sleeve)
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to XoxoLadyA's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I had to have a revision for other reasons, but I can tell you that you lose a lot less with it than the initial surgery. I'm 5 weeks post op, and I've lost 16 pounds. This time last year, I had lost 30. So you lose roughly half as much with a revision as you do from the initial surgery. Revisions tend to be worth it more if you have complications from the initial surgery (like I did). Additional weight loss isn't really a huge reason since you lose slower and less than the original surgery. -
Anyone starting out around 225lbs?
pintsizedmallrat replied to Tammy Monette's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I weighed 220 on the day of my surgery and am an inch shorter than you, so yes. I have struggled with feeling like I've ended up "too thin", but it's been due to a combination of complications from the surgery itself and some unrelated medical issues as well. My goal weight was 110, I was happy at 105, and ended up at a low of 91 when I was at my sickest a few months ago (a few pounds underweight for someone my height). Most people start to feel their restriction loosen at around the year-two year mark. I'm 22 months out and have only just started to feel like I can eat a bit more, and I'm simultaneously relieved and afraid because now it's up to me and my self-discipline to maintain. -
Eating too much 6 days post op RNY
Big Matty replied to lolyschmoney's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hello. I had my gastric sleeve surgery done on July 10th. I am in the USA, so I am a bit jealous of the folks overseas in the UK and Europe with lax restrictions. My team also seems to have some of the strictest restrictions from what I've researched online. I was on clear liquids for 7 days following surgery. After that, I was on a full liquid diet for 13 more days. During this time I've only been consuming protein shakes, sugar free gelatin and sugar free pudding, low sodium beef and chicken broth, and strained healthy request campbell's cream soups(cream of chicken, celery, mushroom, tomato). I've only been getting 300-400 calories a day. Its a struggle for me to get enough protein and my 64oz of clear liquids a day. It isn't that my body won't tolerate what I am putting in, but I am trying to do everything exactly as dictated by my treatment team. I can eat more than 2oz of yogurt at once, but they say to limit portions to that. I can put 6oz of soup in my stomach without any pain or discomfort, but they say only 1/4 to 1/2 cup at once. As for liquids, I am a gulper. I am used to drinking in excess of 1-1.5 gallons of clear sugar free liquids a day.(mostly crystal light iced tea mix). I am finding it so hard to take a sip and remember to keep taking sips. I usually just drink down 16oz and move on. Like others have mentioned, I too am able to drink more than I am supposed to without any discomfort. I am not doing it on a regular basis however, because I am terrified of complications. Also, I know I will have a much easier time of mastering my new lifestyle and diet changes moving forward if I learn and practice moderation early on. So for that reason I have been following my teams' advice verbatim. Until today that is. I decided to move on to the pureed food stage a day early. I went back to work last Tuesday, having taken roughly 2 weeks off for my recovery. My first two days were good. I had more energy than normal and enjoyed being back in the grind of things(pun intended, I am a butcher. :P) Yesterday and today, however, I've been dizzy, light headed, and my balance has been off. Also I've had a lot of muscular pains, more than before surgery, in my back and neck and sides. my blood pressure during one of these episodes was 88/41. I self diagnosed myself as having hypotension brought on by dehydration and possible lack of protein in my diet. So I left work early today with two bags of groceries to fuel my pureed stage of my diet, and set off to make up some egg salad, pureeing the eggs with nonfat greek yogurt and light mayonaise. I ate 2oz of that to test my stomach's reaction, and I didn't have any discomfort at all. This evening I made some adult baby food from 1 pound of skinless boneless chicken thighs, which I boiled, drained, chopped, seasoned, then pureed with a cup of low sodium chicken broth. I added 2oz of my chicken paste to 4oz of my creamy cheddar and mushroom(strained) soup, and that was dinner. At the moment it was the greatest thing I've ever eaten. As a Carnivoire pre-surgery, I really missed eating meat. I feel better tonight after getting more protein, and having gotten my 64oz+ of clear liquids in me. I am a bit concerned though, aside from my stomach gurgling and being a little gassy and occasionally bloated, I've had absolutely no adverse reactions like vomiting, nausea, trouble swallowing, or feeling really full. Maybe it is because I've adhered to what my treatment team told me to do, or maybe it is the slow pace of their rules. Here's the full list: Week 1 - Clear liquids. Weeks 2 & 3 - Full liquid diet. Weeks 4 & 5 - Pureed foods. Weeks 6 & 7 - Soft foods. Week 8 - Slowly start to introduce regular healthy low fat foods. The saving grace to all this is the fact I have no physical hunger, so it is easier for me to stick to this restrictive, slow pace. I think I am going to stick with it instead of trying to eat something 'normal' too early, risking injury. My total nutritional info for today: 588 calories, 29g fat, 63g protein, 18g carbs, 1,679mg sodium. Today I've eaten the most calories in a single day post-op. -
I am very impressed by your journey did you have any complications with your revision
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Low Vitamin D, High PTH, & Bone Loss after BPD/DS
Arabesque replied to B Mack's topic in Duodenal Switch Surgery Forum
I’m sorry you’ve developed theses complications. It’s so unpredictable how our bodies work & react to the changes to our digestive system post surgery. I was fine after my sleeve but jump to 25 months later & my gall was removed & suddenly I had a protein absorption issue. I also stopped absorbing my HRT meds. Malabsorption after gall surgery can occur but I was told it’s quite rare for it to be with protein. I wonder if some of the treatments women use for osteoporosis would help? Not HRT of course but prolia & evenity. 🤷🏻♀️ Worth asking your doctor. There must be research & treatment plans about because osteoporosis in men is increasing. PS - I use a mouth spray for my D3 K2 (I take it winter when my levels drop) though it is only a low dose (1000UI) but someone might produce a higher dose to boost your intake. The spray means your digestive system is bypassed & it is absorbed directly. Sorry just read you can’t take vitamin K. -
Did I eat too much?
PennyinAL replied to pamelacoa@yahoo.com's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Does everyone get a "nutritionist" with their surgery? I'm in a small town in Alabama, my surgeon doesn't have one on staff that I am aware of. He has a nurse that gives you the "plan" which is a pretty basic low carb plan where they want you to eat less than 4 oz, give you a little 4 oz measuring cup, say protein first, then veg then carb if allowed after you have eaten your protein but basically tell you that no carbs are allowed i,e., no cereals or grains. When I asked the dr about it, he said that since I was familiar with whole grains I was probably allowed those later on as most of his patients don't understand the more complicated diets. I noticed that most surgeons in the larger cities have nutritionists on staff. When I went to the only one at our local hospital a few years ago for a "class" about diabetes, she and I didn't exactly get on. I'm concerned that the plan isn't really a great plan, gives me no guidance on amount of carbs allowed per day, I know mine should be low. I also know that my body refuses to give up a pound unless I drop below 700 calories in a day. My goal is less than 500 calories per day. I'm seeing different amounts for the required protein amounts, some say as low as 45-50 and I see some suggesting as high as 80-120 which seems like a LOT of protein and calories to reach that amount. And can someone tell me where you found your suggested goal weight? Again, seems all the charts are different. I'm 5'9" larger frame 233 lb. I'm aiming for around 145-150? not sure if that is a good goal? I'm having the lap band removed and replaced with a gastric bypass on 08/01/23 so Tuesday! Hopeful but a bit worried in a small town here. -
Hi there!! The goal of this is to decrease the size of your liver. This is very important for the surgeon to have the liver recede to avoid complications. Use this time to focus on your eating habits, why you eat and keep a journal. If you are stressed, anxious etc. This helped me down the road. I am a grazer and I never paid attention to what I ate. I wanted it I ate it. Period! Take the time you have pre op to learn about your bad eating, use the tools available to you (Meal plan! stick to it to a T!!!!!). We are at various stages of our weight loss journey on here and I found during my preop period that I had to focus on MY journey and where I was at in the process. You really need to slow things down and take it one day at a time. Set yourself up for success by using the tools that you are given, and take your own "will" out of the drivers seat. The surgery is only one part of the journey. The rest is on you and what you do each day to maintain your body. You can't go back to the same eating habits you had prior and expect to lose weight. Its very much a conscious effort on your part. Enjoy the journey and understand this is the first step to a new life. Its mind over matter at this point.
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2.5 Weeks Post-Op sleeve revision to bypass. A little nervous reading these posts
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to Daisy1210's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I had a revision from sleeve to bypass, and I'm 4 weeks post op. In the first 4 weeks after my sleeve, I lost 30 pounds. In the first 4 weeks after my revision, I've lost roughly 15. So yes, definitely slower. But I didn't have the revision due to not losing weight. I was actually doing great with my sleeve. I had a lot of complications with the sleeve (gastritis, esophagitis, tons of polyps all through my stomach, horrible gerd). I got my life back and am slowly getting back to the things I could do before. As long as you continue to lose, and you make sure to exercise and stick to your meal plan, you will be fine. It'll take longer, but it'll happen. -
I'm in the process of getting approved and had uterine cancer last year. My oncologist is on board and feels the weight loss will actually reduce my chances of recurrence. I didn't do chemo/radiation though because I was diagnosed so young. I do however have an autoimmune disease that has caused ulcerations of the small intestines and colon in the past. I'm stable on a biologic currently but that may not always be the case and off medications the ulcerations will probably come back. I saw a surgeon and was surprised he advised I get a DS with my history. My GI is not in favor of this plan. I think the sleeve would be a lot safer, so I have an appointment with a second surgeon to see if we can go that route, even if it may not result in as much weight loss as the DS. I also have a family history of cancer of the colon and small intestines and for me being able to have full imaging studies is important as I age, which will be much more complicated with the surgeries that affect the small intestines.
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August 2023 Surgery Buddies!
kayhay0714 replied to kayhay0714's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have a 10 day all liquid diet leading up to surgery, and I know its going to suck but we totally got this! As far as the haters, just do your best to ignore what they say. If you are anything like me you have done TONS of research on this and have spoken to your medical team. If it is just coming from a place of concern on her part, maybe hit her with some research that she can refer back to. I like to tell people that my risk for obesity related complications is much higher than my risks for surgery. I am content with my decision, and thats all that matters -
I'm so sorry you are going through this! Complications after surgery are so frustrating and discouraging... One thing to remember, anesthesia can cause depression after surgery. It doesn't last forever, but it can really depress your mood and have you feeling low. So remember to give yourself some grace during this period. You just had major surgery and your body is fighting off an infection, snuggle up on the couch with your feet up, hydrate well, and only get up for short walks to keep your circulation up. After I had a hysterectomy for cancer I really didn't understand what "go slowly" was until my body fought back and I ended up with a bladder infection from the catheter. When they say slow they mean SLOW! One thing that really helped me was someone on a forum saying "You only heal ONCE!" That really hit home for me. You only heal from this surgery once, so be sure to lavish as much care on yourself as you would your best friend. It seems like forever now but you'll be through this soon! ❤️
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Don't be discouraged!!!!!
SleeveToBypass2023 posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I've seen some posts on here that are sad or upset because in 2 weeks the OP has only lost 10-15 pounds. Let me give you a few things to think about. #1 - everyone loses weight differently, so never compare yourself to anyone else #2 - non scale victories are at least as important (if not more important) than what the scale shows. Examples are: fitting in seats better, walking better, clothes and rings fitting better or getting too big, getting off meds, no longer having high bp or being diabetic, etc... #3 - the average "normal" weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week, and if you're on some kind of special diet then MAYBE 2-3 pounds per week. So if you look at the high end of that, without the surgery you would be down 6 pounds in 2 weeks. So while you may think you haven't lost enough weight, or not as much as some people on here have, you're doing a lot better than you would be if you never had the surgery. #4 - the more you weigh before your surgery, the more (and faster) you will lose after. The first 6 months is when you lose the most, and if you are in the 300-400 range (or higher) you will see the more dramatic weight loss during that time. Those that start off in the 200s tend to lose a bit slower and not as dramatically. That's just the way of it. It doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong or the surgery is a fail, it's just the nature of the beast. The higher the bmi, the more dramatic the initial weight loss. The lower the bmi, the slower the weight loss. AND FINALLY #5 - You may have complications. It's just a fact. Not everyone does. Majority don't. But some, like me, do. And that's ok. Stay in regular communication with your doctor, advocate for yourself, do everything you are supposed to do, take whatever meds or do whatever procedures you have to, take deep breaths, and know it'll be ok and you'll get through it. In the moment, they can feel overwhelming and never-ending. Regret definitely can creep in. BUT... remember that "this, too, shall pass" and when it does, you'll be on the other side, living your best life, and the complication will just be a blip in the road. How many health issues and complications did you have pre-surgery? And you rode those out, knowing another one was inevitable due to being so unhealthy. So just know that once you get on the other side of THIS, you'll be so glad you had the surgery and your health improved. In the wise words of a little blue fish "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." -
Hi there, I was sleeved June 19 and I had this!! I had 2 ER visits and was re admitted to hospital. I referred myself to a gastroenterologist in the end. That is what you need. My pain was only at night too! Here is my long story and I hope it helps you. Please know I am feeling better now. You’ve had complications but there is hope. Here is what I posted last night in another thread. Hi everyone! I was sleeved on 19/6 (Australian date format lol). My experience was no smooth sailing and I developed severe complications despite seeing the best surgeon at the best hospital. I’ve felt really scared, alone and isolated so I am delighted to find this forum. my weight was only 92 pre op and I guess I was considered a healthy young woman. 5 days post op I developed a severe burning pain deep inside my stomach. After numerous emergency visits and tests, it was determine I did not have a gastric leak. I had to be re admitted to hospital to manage the most severe pain of my life, for another 5 days and they still didn’t know what was wrong. Long story short, I had to self refer myself to a gastroenterologist who immediately knew what was wrong. I had developed bile reflux from my bowel into my freshly cut stomach which was causing the searing pain, severe inflammatory gastritis of my stomach lining, which then caused pancreatitis and severe spasms of my actual stomach. Because of all of this I could not even get Water down and my throat was burning and mouth dried up from bile damage. He put me on a bunch of new intense meds and nearly 6 weeks post op now I am starting to feel normal. It’s been a really scary rough ride and emotional and I haven’t known if I’ve made the right decision. I can eat about 1/4 cup soft foods now which I am grateful for. Anyway I wanted to share my story in case you ever come across someone with these symptoms and doctors don’t believe them / don’t know what is wrong.
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As someone who has had a plethora of complications from my 1st surgery and then 1 or 2 small ones with my revision, I can 100% understand how you're feeling. But try to remember that our bodies go haywire after major surgery like this. It will eventually calm down, and when it does, it will all be worth it. No matter what, I still don't regret either surgery. I'm so much stronger, healthier, I got off 4 meds, I'm no longer diabetic or have high blood pressure, I can do a 3 1/2 mile hike with no issues, I can work out 5 days a week and really push myself, and my mobility is SO SO much better. The complications are temporary but the benefits are permanent.
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Hi everyone! I was sleeved on 19/6 (Australian date format lol). My experience was no smooth sailing and I developed severe complications despite seeing the best surgeon at the best hospital. I’ve felt really scared, alone and isolated so I am delighted to find this forum. my weight was only 92 pre op and I guess I was considered a healthy young woman. 5 days post op I developed a severe burning pain deep inside my stomach. After numerous emergency visits and tests, it was determine I did not have a gastric leak. I had to be re admitted to hospital to manage the most severe pain of my life, for another 5 days and they still didn’t know what was wrong. Long story short, I had to self refer myself to a gastroenterologist who immediately knew what was wrong. I had developed bile reflux from my bowel into my freshly cut stomach which was causing the searing pain, severe inflammatory gastritis of my stomach lining, which then caused pancreatitis and severe spasms of my actual stomach. Because of all of this I could not even get water down and my throat was burning and mouth dried up from bile damage. He put me on a bunch of new intense meds and nearly 6 weeks post op now I am starting to feel normal. It’s been a really scary rough ride and emotional and I haven’t known if I’ve made the right decision. I can eat about 1/4 cup soft foods now which I am grateful for. Anyway I wanted to share my story in case you ever come across someone with these symptoms and doctors don’t believe them / don’t know what is wrong. Great to meet you all! Thanks for sharing your journeys!
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Hi, July Buddies! I'm sorry I haven't been posting or replying for a few weeks; I'm bad at keeping up with social media. But I have been thinking about you all and praying for your surgeries to go well! My July 12 surgery went well with no complications. I'm still finding it hard to get enough liquids in throughout the day. I've been averaging like 30 ounces a day. Even though my mouth is constantly thirsty, my stomach feels uncomfortably full all the time. Fighting thoughts of feeling like a failure. I want to get up and do more, but my one attempt at a short grocery trip made me break out in a sweat, and I'm worried about dehydration. I'm finally on the last day of 2 weeks of twice-daily Lovenox self-injections and I want to throw a party. Anyone else have to do this? I bruise more easily than fruit so these have been more painful than my incisions. But of course bruises are far less deadly than blood clots, so I'm trying to be thankful for the medicine that hurts me.
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Praying for you, @Midwest Grateful! Praying for no complications and a speedy recovery!