after Roux-en-Y

Question
QUESTION: Hello first of all and Thank you for even trying to answer my question. I had gastric bypass in 2004 same as you . But since 2008 I have been living with like a pulling downward sensation just below my breast and rib cage upper area of rib cage. I have went back to my doctor he got kindof mad because I went to a gastro Dr that is closer to me and where I work I have hard time getting an appointment with my gastric doctor. But at times it feels like its a big long ballon that goes up under my ribs like a roll of fat and just alot of pressure not too much pain just mainly pressure and pulling, do you have any Idea what it could be, I have had to have two hernia repairs also couple years after surgery. Can I try taking like omeprazole or something the digestive Dr. say that I have like a pouch there that my food is leaking into so he put me on med that is liquid and it did not help. Just wondered if you had any suggestions
Thanks Nan

ANSWER: Hello Nan,

The pulling sensation that you mention could be an adhesion from the surgery.  I would suggest that you return to the surgeon that did your gastric bypass surgery (the one that is closer to you).  The surgeon is more likely to understand what structural changes were made and how your symptoms may have been caused.  Regardless, it doesn't seem as though you are satisfied with the care you've received thus far.  While I'd like to stress that I am NOT A DOCTOR, I would like to suggest that it doesn't seem logical that the problem would be cause by a leak from your pouch.  If food were leaking from your pouch, it would cause much more extreme problems that would most likely not be able to be solved by medication.

I encourage you strongly to return to your surgeon to be seen for a follow-up for this problem.  Please attempt to obtain records from the doctor that has seen you for this problem and has prescribed medication so that your surgeon knows what has been done so far.

Regardless, it doesn't seem as though it is life threatening.  But if you begin feeling ill, please seek medical attention immediately!

Please let me know how you are doing and what your surgeon reports after you go back.

Take good care of yourself.

Sincerely,
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My thing is that he wants to do colonoscopy I also work for a Dr. And she said
That's not where your having the trouble. It's just weird
Some days not bad but other days it just feels like its going all the
Way down.
Don't get me wrong I would use the same surgeon that done my gastric bypass
I never had any problems my worry is that after the surgery it seemed like
Coke was the only thing to quench my thirst I still don't eat much I can eat like four
Chicken nuggets and few fries. The problem is there almost 90 percent of time where before
It was not for long period of times. But I cant get off work til the week of July 16-20 so I'm going
To try to schedule with him then. Thank you and I will be in touch
Nan

ANSWER: I'm glad to hear that you will schedule to see your surgeon.  I'm certain that he will be more atuned to your situation and provide well for your needs, no matter what your problem is found to be.

However, the surgery is just a tool to help you lose weight; you MUST take other actions to correct your dietary intake such that you are eating the right things.  I am a little surprised to hear that you drink Coke and eat fried foods after having gone through the pain that you went through for the surgery.  Please do your best to stay away from the Coke and the fried foods, though.  You know that Coke is high in sugar and that chicken nuggets and fries (fried in fat) are TERRIBLE for you.

If you don't take care of yourself, no one else is going to do it.

So, take good care and let me know how the visit with your surgeon goes.

Sincerely,
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I will let you know, but guess it will have to be later because I just signed up with Aflac also so I have thirty day waiting period just incase they schedule colonoscopy. But I do have to say that my surgery was not painfull at all. I was very surprised that it was not that bad. The only problem I had was drinking anything while eating, but other than that I can eat anything but I know its not healthy (fried foods) most of the time I eat like can spag. I munch through out the day and I do keep my blood wk checked as I work for family practice, we have some peple that we see that have actuall gained their weight back, I dont see how.

Thank You again
Nan

Answer
Just please remember, Nan, that soda is carbonated and the combination of the high sugar content and the bubbles from the carbonation is a killer for those of us who have difficulty controlling what we eat and drink.  I'm that way too.  And I have to remind myself every minute of the day that I CANNOT HAVE CARBONATED SOFTDRINKS.  I suggest that you consider cutting out the coke completely - I know it will be difficult, but you really must!

Please let me know how things go for you and remember...

Take good care!

Sincerely,
Steve

1. Prev:am I eligible
2. Next:Bariatric surgery after ileostomy