Post-op Gastroparesis

[KateBruin 344]

Thought I’d share about this since it’s extremely rare but I bet there’s someone out there like me.

I developed gastroparesis maybe 3 months post op. Surgery August 23. Suddenly had difficulty eating most foods and it progressed to difficulty drinking. I thought I had a stricture and had a barium study. Nope, gastroparesis aka delayed gastric emptying.

Anyone in my shoes? For now they put me on a low Fiber diet and basically said eat and drink what my body allows. I see a specialist toward the end of the month. He might want a gastric pacer but my surgeon said Even though he has no experience with it post op, only pre-op, do not consider a pacer for a few years.

My sister and friend had it. Sister had a GJ tube and my friend actually just had a total gastrectomy and bypass to try and cure it. So basically, I’m overwhelmed.

[angyplus5 470]

I am so sorry to hear this is happening to you! Saying a prayer for you. I hope your doctor comes up with a solution fast.

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[Sosewsue61 3,185]

So sorry Kate that you have this diagnosis. So this started at 3 months? I hope you get some relief soon.

[Maggie1955 158]

So sorry to hear this. I had possible gastroparesis prior to my sleeve gastrectomy. My surgeon told me than often times the gastroparesis would resolve post surgery. I never went for the scan to get a definitive diagnosis, however when I had an EGD months prior to surgery for continued GI issues, the GI doc told me I most likely had gastroparesis because they found food in my stomach when they did the EGD. In any case, are you on any meds that might slow digestion? I have a number of autoimmune issues including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and because I sometimes have to take pain meds to deal with these conditions, I feel that the narcotic pain relievers may be the culprit. I try very hard to avoid them if possible. I hope you find relief from your gastroparesis. Good luck!

[KateBruin 344]

I stopped narcotic pain relievers a year ago. I have autoimmune disorder but I don’t take any meds that would cause delayed emptying and surgery should actually speed it up.

It did start around 3 months. Could have been sooner and I just didn’t realize my issues were abnormal. My surgeon is at a total loss since developing it after surgery is so rare. I can’t even find studies or articles about it, just how a sleeve can cure diabetic gastroparesis.

There’s only a handful of foods I can eat. The other day I had half an in n out burger wrapped in lettuce and I could feel it in my stomach and chest for about 6 hours. I see a specialist next week and there’s meds I can take but they come with some nasty side effects per my friend’s experience.

We’ll see. I still think surgery was the best decision I’ve ever made. Officially down almost 80 lbs and hit the 180s today.