Update about gastric sleeve complications

[ChreeMiriah 11]

After being back in the ICU for 5 days we finally discovered what the issue was. The 3 surgeries had caused my cortisol to drop severely low and I had been in remission of adrenal insufficiency for 2 years. They pumped me full of steroids and now I’m on 100 mg a day feeling better. They discovered my stomach was twisted and they need to widen the sleeve mouth so I will be undergoing 4 dilations so I can keep down my food. I want to point out that I have read some medical journals that say adrenal insufficiency is a very rare side effect of Bariatric surgery so if you have had a history of your cortisol dropping please be cautious. On to some good news, My doc says I am 2 points away from a heathy bmi of 25 so maybe in the end it was all worth it. I want to thank all of you who read my story and offered your solutions and support when I felt like their was no hope. I will come back and post what happens after each dilation. If you are continuing to struggle don’t give up and be your own advocate by doing your own research. Hang in there everyone.

[Midwest Grateful 48]

I'm so glad you're getting answers and good care! Thanks for sharing, @ChreeMiriah . I hope everything going forward will be smooth sailing. Great news about the bmi 25. Take care!

Edited June 15, 2023 by Midwest Grateful

[summerseeker 1,923]

Thank you for getting back to us. People tend to ask for answers on here, and then don't update. Nervous people get a one sided idea of the pitfalls of doing this surgery and all they see are the problems. I am happy to hear you are doing great now.

[SacB 26]

Your experience (adrenal insufficiency) has me worried about my own future. Back in 1986 when I was 33 years old, I had to have one of my adrenal glands removed completely, due to a benign tumor. So I only have one left. The one I have left has to work overtime to keep me healthy, so your post makes me a bit nervous. I'll just wait and see what happens. I just completed my six months of pre-op preparation, so won't have surgery for another 6-8 weeks. Gives me some time to do some research.

I did read through your post-op ordeal, and am delighted to hear about your problem being diagnosed and hopefully solved. Wish you all the best.

[Midwest Grateful 48]

3 hours ago, SacB said:

The one I have left has to work overtime to keep me healthy, so your post makes me a bit nervous. I'll just wait and see what happens. I just completed my six months of pre-op preparation, so won't have surgery for another 6-8 weeks. Gives me some time to do some research.

I totally understand your concern. Sounds like something you'll need to address with your surgeon and specialist. I have some serious health issues that caused me to second guess this journey, but I learned that WLS will benefit me long term. All the best!

[ChreeMiriah 11]

Update: today I had my second dilation and I’ll keep you guys updated on if it’s working. I’m having another in 2 weeks because they can stretch it all at once.

[Bariiime 15]

On 06/23/2023 at 16:53, ChreeMiriah said:

Update: today I had my second dilation and I’ll keep you guys updated on if it’s working. I’m having another in 2 weeks because they can stretch it all at once.

Hi, I too had my 3rd dialation today. Sitting here keep falling asleep and feeling weird from Anesthesia. It's crazy because I also had a twisted stomach back in January after my VSG. No one knew what the issue was and was looking at me like i'm crazy. I had to fight for more testing because I couldn't keep anything down not even a sip of Water.< br />
I hope you feel better soon. Please keep me posted on your outcome we can help each other.

[ChreeMiriah 11]

@Bariiime Thank you for reaching out. I hope you are feeling better and able to keep food and liquids down now. This is what they are telling me will help. Please let me know how you are doing as I am in this alone. I’m also happy to share anything that would help.

[ChreeMiriah 11]

On 06/23/2023 at 14:53, ChreeMiriah said:

Update: today I had my second dilation and I’ll keep you guys updated on if it’s working. I’m having another in 2 weeks because they can stretch it all at once.

I meant they can’t stretch it all at one time.

[Bariiime 15]

On 06/23/2023 at 19:41, ChreeMiriah said:

@Bariiime Thank you for reaching out. I hope you are feeling better and able to keep food and liquids down now. This is what they are telling me will help. Please let me know how you are doing as I am in this alone. I’m also happy to share anything that would help.

Thanks i hope you feel better too.