I am post-op 8 days, and am doing really well, I had my first follow-up visit with my surgeon yesterday and am down 15 pounds. He mentioned that they found I have h-pylori bacteria in my gut and have to be on a strong course of antibiotics for a while. I've had this bacteria about 5 years ago, which was found after blood tests. Left untreated this bacteria can cause ulcers, and worse. Since I've now had the gastric sleeve, I definitely don't need ulcers, or anything worse. Plus with the swallowing restrictions currently(nothing bigger than a baby aspirin), I was given capsules that I have to empty into a tablespoon of sugar-free pudding and take twice a day. I don't want this to sound like complaining, I'm glad they found the bacteria, so that it can be taken care of. It's just that I'm sitting here saying to myself seriously?, i'm finally feeling better about myself, my clothes are looser, oh well, that's how my story goes though. I just want this bacteria gone for good. My doctor said it's possible that the bacteria can re-occur, which of course it did. I have no idea where it even came from. My husband tells me its from eating too much chicken, I should start eating beef (i'm not a red meat girl).

That is weird that they found it after your surgery. I had a breath test as part of my lab work that was required by my surgeon pre-op. I also had it done as part of my endoscopy pre-op.

I would have had to treat and get it cleared up prior to surgery being scheduled.

I did not have an endoscopy pre-op. I'm pretty healthy other than the fact that i'm obese, plus now I have this bacteria in my gut.

Is your husband a gastroenterologist?

It is more common than you think. I was in a three month health education class required for surgery. Midway through the class everyone had to get labs and stool samples analyzed. I would say that about 4-5 people or 25% of my classmates had it and had to take the meds required and then be retested. If you still had it, they had to do more meds. They would not allow the person to have the surgery unless they were cleared of it.

Edited October 21, 201510 yr by thisfathasgot2go

Is your husband a gastroenterologist?

OP's husband? or mine? Mine is not.

I had a history of GERD and decided to have the endscopy redone just to be on the safe side. My surgeon actually only required an upper GI and a copy of my endoscopy report from a few years prior. I thought is was 3 years prior but it was almost 5.

My surgeon ordered a breath test for the h pylori that is fasting and done through Quest or one of those types of lab places. I had it done at the same time as my pre-op blood work.

The breath test is you blow in Bag A, drink solution, wait for a couple of minutes with mouth closes- no talking or mouth breathing, blow into Bag B. Bag A is your baseline.

My gastroenterologist did the biopsy and the h pylori test because she does for anyone that has an endoscopy.