11 years later, major issues

[Healingenergy987 2]

I haven't had any issues with my sleeve. Out of the blue about a month ago I had what I thought was the flu, didn't throw up but had bad nausea and intestinal pain.

Then I went to urgent care and they said I was dehydrated and gave me Zofran.

I thought I was doing better. I was at work and had excruciating pain in the top right of my abdomen. And then it stopped. The next day I was so tired. Had brain fog. Could only eat soft bland food, lots of intestinal pain.

I went to the ER 8 days ago and they said that I had a hiatal hernia and gave me more Zofran and bentl. And they just said to follow up with the gastroenterology department.

They did a CT and found a teratoma on my ovary and my main dr said that that is what is making me so sick. I went to the gyn yesterday and he said no way this thing is making you so sick and said I should get a vaginal ultrasound which I can't get for three weeks.

I had to apply for short term disability which isn't going to pay the bills.

My main dr said to get in with the GI department and they sent in a referral.

I don't live in the same city where I had my surgery. I'm wondering if anyone has had symptoms like this so far after surgery? If I eat or drink anything that is spicy or acidic or has a lot of fat or Fiber it hurts so bad. My whole abdomen feels swollen. Even when I eat soft foods it hurts my whole abdomen. I'm fatigued, I have brain fog, I have a headache every day, it hurts to bend over to pick something up. I cry almost every day because I can't do anything and there are no answers.

Maybe I should try to get into a bariatric practice here?

[SpartanMaker 1,277]

6 minutes ago, Healingenergy987 said:

I haven't had any issues with my sleeve. Out of the blue about a month ago I had what I thought was the flu, didn't throw up but had bad nausea and intestinal pain.

Then I went to urgent care and they said I was dehydrated and gave me Zofran.

I thought I was doing better. I was at work and had excruciating pain in the top right of my abdomen. And then it stopped. The next day I was so tired. Had brain fog. Could only eat soft bland food, lots of intestinal pain.

I went to the ER 8 days ago and they said that I had a hiatal hernia and gave me more Zofran and bentl. And they just said to follow up with the gastroenterology department.

They did a CT and found a teratoma on my ovary and my main dr said that that is what is making me so sick. I went to the gyn yesterday and he said no way this thing is making you so sick and said I should get a vaginal ultrasound which I can't get for three weeks.

I had to apply for short term disability which isn't going to pay the bills.

My main dr said to get in with the GI department and they sent in a referral.

I don't live in the same city where I had my surgery. I'm wondering if anyone has had symptoms like this so far after surgery? If I eat or drink anything that is spicy or acidic or has a lot of fat or Fiber it hurts so bad. My whole abdomen feels swollen. Even when I eat soft foods it hurts my whole abdomen. I'm fatigued, I have brain fog, I have a headache every day, it hurts to bend over to pick something up. I cry almost every day because I can't do anything and there are no answers.

Maybe I should try to get into a bariatric practice here?

Sorry you're having such a hard time.

If you do have a hiatal hernia, that could account for the pain you're having? I think the critical thing is how quickly you can get in to see someone because if you have a hiatal hernia and it's causing you this much pain, it's probably going to require surgery to address it. That said, it's important to go through the process of differential diagnosis to rule out other causes. Gastroenterologist are well positioned to help you through the process regardless of what the issue is. On the other hand, a bariatric surgeon may also be able to accurately diagnose the issue and potentially even do the surgery, whereas a gastro will typically refer you out to a general or thoracic surgeon.

It's a tough call, honestly. I think your instinct to seek out a bariatric center is a good one and the best course of action is to go down both paths for now until you know for sure what's going on and have a treatment plan in place.

[Healingenergy987 2]

I called a bariatric place to try to get in with them.

I think I might have a B12 deficiency. I have all the symptoms including pins and needles in my hands and feet. I read that its common with WLS to have that. I just didn't know it could cause so many issues.

[SpartanMaker 1,277]

50 minutes ago, Healingenergy987 said:

I called a bariatric place to try to get in with them.

I think I might have a B12 deficiency. I have all the symptoms including pins and needles in my hands and feet. I read that its common with WLS to have that. I just didn't know it could cause so many issues.

Oh wow, yes a serious B12 deficiency is a big deal, but I'm a little surprised for it to show up 11 years later?

Also, did your other doctors not do any blood tests? A typical blood test called a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), is really common and should have shown a B12 deficiency if you have one. A B12 deficiency is fairly rare in most developed countries because B12 is found in high quantities in meat and dairy. For obvious reasons, it's more common in vegans, though most vegans know to consume foods high in B12 or to take a supplement. Speaking of supplements, are you not taking a Multivitamin? Really everyone should take one since there's very little downside compared to the risks involved in Vitamin & mineral deficiencies. Bariatric surgery patients especially should do so for a lot of reasons.

If you really think this might be your issue, go pick up a multivitamin from the store and start taking it ASAP. You could just get a B12 supplement, but it's potentially possible it's something else, so a multivitamin should cover more potential deficiencies.

[FifiLux 562]

Sorry you are in so much pain.

I have a B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia) and a some of your symptoms are what I suffered from before my diagnosis and now when my level starts to drop, though I was diagnosed about 12 years ago so way before my WLS.

My anaemia cannot be managed through oral supplements or food (as my body does not break down the B12 sufficiently) but the bariatric Multivitamin I take daily and dairy products do help maintain my levels in addition to regular B12 injections (every four to six weeks).

I think getting a B12 supplement and Multivitamins should be top of your list, if you don't already take them but obviously that is not going to solve all the issues you are having with hernia and such. Make sure you get an appointment with the bariatric team to discuss everything with them and request full bloodwork and then also keep the appointment for the ultrasound etc. Hopefully you will get some answers soon that result in a course of action that will treat the cause and end the pain.