I have been debating on posting all of this because I’m tired of living it day to day [emoji25]

I am 4 weeks post op and feel like this is the most horrible decision I’ve made. Here is a list of what has been going on :

- I am unable to drink anything other than water and sometimes apple juice or popsicles. Anything thicker comes right back up. Broth, flavored drinks, etc will not stay down.

- I have acid that brings me to tears and wakes me up at night (all night), it makes me feel like I’m going to vomit fire. I am currently taking Prilosec, Zantac, Carafate, and Magic Mouthwash.

- I’m exhausted because I’m not consuming any protein or other nutrients. I’m exhausted because I try to sleep sitting straight up. Any incline makes the acid worse.

- I feel like there is a lump rising up right before I vomit and/or get the acid burn.

My doctor is aware of everything that is going on. He said I’m in a small percent that gets this really bad GERD or reflux and later down the road we might have to do a sleeve to bypass revision. I’m really not okay with that option because I had complications after the sleeve surgery. He isn’t really worried about my lack of nutrients at this point because I’m “only” 4 weeks out. I know guys, only four weeks, but in all honesty I’m miserable 24 hours a day. I have kids, I have a full time job, and I seriously can’t continue like this.

I was also told I now have sludge in my gallbladder so it may need to be removed later.

If anyone can relate to this or tell me it will all be okay I would really appreciate it. I’m at my breaking point and am very disappointed in myself for electing to have this surgery.

I know you said that you were nervous to convert from a sleeve to a bypass, but it could save you from the side affects of the GERD. I'd highly consider doing a conversion, IF the problem doesn't resolve SOON. My doctor said that if you have even the occasional acid reflux, that the sleeve is not an option for you. Bypass has A LOT LESS chance of having this problem. I'm sorry you are going through this, but it make take additional steps to correct the situation. I'm having my surgery to get off of all medications, not add ones! Just ask your self, what do you have to loose? You are still on an a liquid diet. You are in constant agony, from the sounds of it. You are already dealing with malnutrition. I think from here, the only place you have to go is UP.
Here is a quote from a study by the National Institutes of Health.
"Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was considered an effective method to alleviate symptoms of GERD, whereas laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy appeared to increase the incidence of the disease."
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3968207/

Well other than the complications I went through post op with the sleeve another reason I’m hesitant for surgery is because my company was bought out and our medical Benefits changed. I’m on a high deductible plan so affording another procedure is tough. In the end if it is the only resolution then of course I’ll have it done.

Just now, Brandi. said:

Well other than the complications I went through post op with the sleeve another reason I’m hesitant for surgery is because my company was bought out and our medical Benefits changed. I’m on a high deductible plan so affording another procedure is tough. In the end if it is the only resolution then of course I’ll have it done.

I understand, I hate insurance changes! Our company keeps raising the rates. I'm thankful that my husband's insurance is wonderful. Hang in there! I hope your doctor can offer some kind of solution that will help.

16 minutes ago, Brandi. said:

Thanks for all of the advice. I take my PPI twice a day as well. I’m going to switch to nexium to see if that will help. I’m also ordering the unjury today in the chicken flavor and unflavored. I have tried so many different clear Proteins and my body just won’t accept them. They won’t stay down.

I’m trying to stay positive, but you know how it is when you’re just tired of being tired, weak from vomiting, and trying to maintain a normal self while working. It drains all of your positive vibes.

I'm concerned that your surgeon is not more concerned. It seems to me you are exhibiting severe side effects and they should be doing more testing on you to see if your sleeve has a stricture or something else is going on - have they checked you for a hiatal hernia?

Also, you said your gallbladder has sludge in it and you may have to have it removed - did you know that nausea, vomiting and pain can be signs you are having a gallbladder attack? It could be your gallbladder is causing these problems as well.

I highly recommend you go back to your surgeon's office, calling them I mean, and tell them your life is almost unbearable right now and you need help figuring out what is wrong. IF they aren't willing to help you than you need to see your GP ASAP.

I honestly believe that, based on what you are describing, you could easily end up back in the hospital due to dehydration. Please try to be more of an advocate for yourself with your surgeon. You need to tell them that you are at the end of your rope and can't continue to function like this. I called my surgeons office crying, freaking out, scared, etc. They didn't fire me as a patient, they had me come in. Good luck, I'm worried for you.

39 minutes ago, Brandi. said:

Hey there. My PPI is Prilosec, but I’m going to switch to nexium to see if it helps

Oh man, duh. I'm sorry...I used to take over-the-counter Prilosec and it did nothing for me. Didn't realize there was a prescription strength. Are you on the prescription strength? I know that Prilosec OTC is for occasional heartburn only.

I agree that trying a different ppi might be a good idea. Hope that will help you.

I'm concerned that your surgeon is not more concerned. It seems to me you are exhibiting severe side effects and they should be doing more testing on you to see if your sleeve has a stricture or something else is going on - have they checked you for a hiatal hernia?
Also, you said your gallbladder has sludge in it and you may have to have it removed - did you know that nausea, vomiting and pain can be signs you are having a gallbladder attack? It could be your gallbladder is causing these problems as well.
I highly recommend you go back to your surgeon's office, calling them I mean, and tell them your life is almost unbearable right now and you need help figuring out what is wrong. IF they aren't willing to help you than you need to see your GP ASAP.
I honestly believe that, based on what you are describing, you could easily end up back in the hospital due to dehydration. Please try to be more of an advocate for yourself with your surgeon. You need to tell them that you are at the end of your rope and can't continue to function like this. I called my surgeons office crying, freaking out, scared, etc. They didn't fire me as a patient, they had me come in. Good luck, I'm worried for you.

I understand what you’re saying. When I saw him last week I told him I couldn’t function like this. He basically told me everything you just said that it could be all these things, but he believes that I’m too early to test for all of those things since I was only 3 weeks out at the time. I have a follow up on Wednesday, maybe sooner if I can get it in, and I plan on letting him know that I can’t do this much longer.

The reason I know about the sludge in my gallbladder is because I went to the ER on 12/28 for dehydration and that’s when they did the ultrasound on my liver/gallbladder.

I’m doing the beat I can at getting help and relief from my surgeon. I feel like it’s not a big concern for him because I’m so fresh out of surgery.

2 minutes ago, Brandi. said:

I understand what you’re saying. When I saw him last week I told him I couldn’t function like this. He basically told me everything you just said that it could be all these things, but he believes that I’m too early to test for all of those things since I was only 3 weeks out at the time. I have a follow up on Wednesday, maybe sooner if I can get it in, and I plan on letting him know that I can’t do this much longer.

The reason I know about the sludge in my gallbladder is because I went to the ER on 12/28 for dehydration and that’s when they did the ultrasound on my liver/gallbladder.

I’m doing the beat I can at getting help and relief from my surgeon. I feel like it’s not a big concern for him because I’m so fresh out of surgery.

Ok, I think this last line is the most important. Keep that at the top of your mind when you go in next week - hopefully sooner!!! Because the fact that you've already been in the hospital for dehydration makes me even more concerned. Just and FYI, you can skip your surgeon's office completely and just go to the ER. You could be having a gallbladder attack as we speak and they would probably be much more concerned and perform tests right there. I have some serious doubts about the quality of your surgeon based on what you are telling me he's conveyed to you. You've already been in the hospital for dehydration and he's not more concerned????!! I'm still stunned at that.

Oh sweetie, so sorry for all your suffering (((hugs))). Go to your primary care doctor if you can't get your surgeon to hear what you are saying about these issues. Best of luck hang in there...

3 hours ago, Brandi. said:

Hey there. My PPI is Prilosec, but I’m going to switch to nexium to see if it helps

Nexium is the best for GERD.

Hey everyone. This morning I woke up with that extreme nausea feeling. When I vomited it tasted like blood. I took a picture, if anyone could help me determine if it is blood I will message the picture to avoid grossing people out. I just don’t know whether to add this to my list of symptoms or not.

1 hour ago, Brandi. said:

Hey everyone. This morning I woke up with that extreme nausea feeling. When I vomited it tasted like blood. I took a picture, if anyone could help me determine if it is blood I will message the picture to avoid grossing people out. I just don’t know whether to add this to my list of symptoms or not.

Ok it's tough love time...

It's time to see a doctor. If the hospital that you had your surgery is close by go there..If it isn't go to the local ER and they can transort you there if necessary...

DO NOT LOOK FOR MEDICAL ADVICE ON ANY FORUM.

The complications of this surgery can be fatal. Even something as simple as dehydration and malnutrition from vomiting can be fatal...

Run don't walk

From mother to mother..please go now.

Edited January 14, 20188 yr by Prevanwarrior

Please follow the advice above! I may be longer out, but my dr has tried everything he can to try to help me feel better. My acid reflux was bad, but nowhere near as bad as yours. I am on protonix 40 mg 2x a day and carafate 4x a day. I just had an upper GI during the week, and see him Wednesday (I was sleeved 10/17) Did you have reflux before? I did, especially at night, so I was on 40 mg of protonix in the evening. They did an EGD and I was sent to a specialist who performed another, and was ok’d for surgery. I did not have a hiatal hernia and had my gallbladder removed in 2005.
Please either threaten your surgeon that you are going elsewhere for healthcare if he doesnt try something. How does he expect you to function for yourself, let along your family? My surgeon and his office have been wonderful any time I had a question or concern they have addressed it immediately! I had issues after surgery, couldnt keep anything down, nausea all the time. He personally came in 3x a day to address the situation and to personally know exactly what was wrong and to see if he could figure out why. I did not do well on cold items. If I sipped super slow room temp stuff, it eventually got better. His head nurse would call every evening for my first 2 weeks to see how things went that day. I also had her pager number and his. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. I am praying your surgeon or some other medical professional can get to the bottom of this quickly. I can not even imagine feeling like that 4 days out, let along 4 weeks. Please keep us posted.

I called the doctors office and left a message through the answering service. The on call dr called me back. He is going to try to direct admit me tomorrow. He said I probably need the upper GI done and will see about putting a camera in to see what is going on.

I haven’t had the sleeve yet but the past few months I have been very sick with what I thought were reoccurring stomach viruses. The pain hit at night and it was terrible. I had diarrhea, vomiting, horrific stomach pain, and then by daytime I was ok. I finally had enough and saw my doc, and it was my gallbladder causing all of it. I feel a million times better now that it is out. I wonder if that is what you are feeling?

On January 14, 2018 at 9:10 AM, Brandi. said:

I called the doctors office and left a message through the answering service. The on call dr called me back. He is going to try to direct admit me tomorrow. He said I probably need the upper GI done and will see about putting a camera in to see what is going on.

Glad to hear it, good luck

How are you doing, @Brandi.? I would love to read an update from you if you're able. I hope you were able to get some help over the last couple of days and figure out what's wrong and get some relief. We're rooting for you.