Other Health Issues since bypass surgery - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

chrismcglade · 06-08-2009, 11:21 AM

I just had my first kidney stone (I'm 2 years and 5 months post-op) and found out that it's tremendously likely to have a repeat of this due to the bypass. Big offender was "tea" and I drink a ton of it each day and now have to avoid it. Lemonade Diet Snapple here I come?

Anyone have any other issues crop up that are now linked to bypass?

Also, since bypass, have had sexual dysfunction - not just decreased drive, but zero physical response. Bariatric surgeon didn't have an answer, nor did my primary doctor nor the OB-GYN... anyone else in the same boat? I live in Long Island, NY.

The otehr thing that has cropped up is chronic pain... may not be related to bypass, but conveniently has started since surgery - have had chornic headaches, arm/neck, shoulder, back and leg pain. No reason for it - MRI's from brain to tailbone and EMG tests show no nerve impingement or impairment. Now am on tremendous medication to deal with pain, and can't take NSAIDs due to the bypass.

Thanks for any input you can share...
Christiane

Deirdrea · 06-08-2009, 01:24 PM

The only one I can really think of anything to help you with would be the libido. Since you've lost a lot of weight your hormone levels have likely changed. I'm pretty sure that you can get those checked. I'd talk to your gyno about it. It may be something as simple as changing the form of birth control you're currently using or just adding something extra in to balance things out a bit.

Sorry about not having any advice for the other things but I hope that you can find some relief.

MiladyB · 06-08-2009, 08:51 PM

I've had several issues crop up related to or indirectly related to my gastric bypass. I'm 3 1/2 years postop. A year ago I needed my gallbladder out. 6 months later I was having gallbladder type pain, once again. It was discovered that I had a stricture of the common bile duct sphincter. (complication of the gallbladder problems) I ended up with a biliary drain for 7 weeks, along with several stretchings of the stricture. 2 months later I had abdominal pain again. 2 issues were found at that time. I have a blood clot in the main vein to my liver (complication from the previous drain) plus I had an area of my intestines that was telescoping. I ended up in emergency surgery. I also am now struggling with borderline anemia, a vitamin D deficiency and low zinc levels with a marginal ulcer thrown into the mix.

Complications can happen even several years later. With my last set of complications by pcp wanted to know if I regretted my decision to have wls. My answer? You couldn't pay me enough money to go back to where I was before surgery.

I hope you get the answers that you need.

KathyV · 06-12-2009, 12:27 PM

Hi Everyone,

Haven't written in a while but saw this thread and although I am only 15 month post op I thought I would all let you know of my new problems.

I went in late for my 1 year blood work and then went on vacation to Maui.
I came home to a phone call from a oncologist/cancer doctor who said I was refered to him by by Gastric By-pass Dr. Wow was I scared to death. I then called my GBP Dr. and he notified me that I was low in Iron.

Well after my visit to the cancer dr. I now go in for iron infussions every other day for 5 sessions. I take perscriptions of Vitamen D and Folic Acid. The Dr. tried to tell me that I probably will have to come in every month for a while even for life! Well I refuse to believe that. Anyone out there not taking your iron supplements please start. I think it was such an inconvience to take those pill for me but wow this is so much more inconvienent. I live 40 miles from the infussion center and it takes 4 hours out of my day.

I will do what ever I can to get back on track. I do not however regret having this procedure done. I do feel much healthier and happier with the weight loss. Good luck to all of you!
Kathy

paige52 · 06-13-2009, 07:21 AM

I can only speak to the pain issue... body aches, joint pain, etc.. Mine is neurological. Vitamin def can cause all kinds of problems that very rarely are shown through imaging tests, even if you supplement religiously. A big factor is using supplements that can actually be absorbed. My best luck has been with Celebrate vits, not the chewable ones, although if you can handle them they do great. Bariatric advantage has an awesome new chewable calcium try them for sure!

My other problems are reactive hypoglycemia, internal pain from scar tissue (they think), low blood pressure, random dizziness, daily nausea, IBS and the worst gas ever, both upper and lower areas, you know that kind that drops you to your knees in pain at a moments notice..... no pain meds can help me on this one. Fortunately I haven't required any additional surgery yet... keeping my fingers crossed.

Unlike Beth, I regret my decision all the time. IMHO, I traded being fat for a life time of other health complications. As a fat person I was relatively healthy.... so for me the trade off isn't worth it.

rainrain · 06-13-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathyV

Hi Everyone,

Haven't written in a while but saw this thread and although I am only 15 month post op I thought I would all let you know of my new problems.

I went in late for my 1 year blood work and then went on vacation to Maui.
I came home to a phone call from a oncologist/cancer doctor who said I was refered to him by by Gastric By-pass Dr. Wow was I scared to death. I then called my GBP Dr. and he notified me that I was low in Iron.

Well after my visit to the cancer dr. I now go in for iron infussions every other day for 5 sessions. I take perscriptions of Vitamen D and Folic Acid. The Dr. tried to tell me that I probably will have to come in every month for a while even for life! Well I refuse to believe that. Anyone out there not taking your iron supplements please start. I think it was such an inconvience to take those pill for me but wow this is so much more inconvienent. I live 40 miles from the infussion center and it takes 4 hours out of my day.

I will do what ever I can to get back on track. I do not however regret having this procedure done. I do feel much healthier and happier with the weight loss. Good luck to all of you!
Kathy

EVERYONE!!!! Please have you copper checked!!! Low copper presents as iron deficient anemia and all the infusions in the world will not correct that untill the copper goes up!!!

I know this, becasue I have gone through this!!!

Please, please please, ask for a copper test, it is a simple blood test!!

KathyV · 06-16-2009, 07:13 PM

I will call tomorrow to see if they did the copper test. What do they do for low copper? Another pill?
Kathy

watfam4 · 06-18-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrismcglade

I just had my first kidney stone (I'm 2 years and 5 months post-op) and found out that it's tremendously likely to have a repeat of this due to the bypass. Big offender was "tea" and I drink a ton of it each day and now have to avoid it. Lemonade Diet Snapple here I come?

Anyone have any other issues crop up that are now linked to bypass?

Also, since bypass, have had sexual dysfunction - not just decreased drive, but zero physical response. Bariatric surgeon didn't have an answer, nor did my primary doctor nor the OB-GYN... anyone else in the same boat? I live in Long Island, NY.

The otehr thing that has cropped up is chronic pain... may not be related to bypass, but conveniently has started since surgery - have had chornic headaches, arm/neck, shoulder, back and leg pain. No reason for it - MRI's from brain to tailbone and EMG tests show no nerve impingement or impairment. Now am on tremendous medication to deal with pain, and can't take NSAIDs due to the bypass.

Thanks for any input you can share...
Christiane

I had a LOT of issues with stones. Also, had issues with muscle cramps/spasms and a couple of rounds of gout. All related to me not getting in my vitamins.

FWIW, some pain meds will cause "equipment" failure.

FYI, for anyone who's having recurring issues with stones, ask your urologist about:

Potassium citrate - inhibits the stone production (taken daily like a supplement).

Flomax - this is actually a prostate med that also dilates the ureters. Handy to have around when you are in the middle of passing the stone. Allows you to pass bigger stones faster with less pain (this is prescribed to women as well).

rainrain · 06-18-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathyV

I will call tomorrow to see if they did the copper test. What do they do for low copper? Another pill?
Kathy

yes a small capsule of powdered copper. easy to swallow, and digest and inexpensive!!

Marella · 08-17-2009, 05:34 PM

Christiane... I hope you are better and received your answers from those who responded to your one and only thread and appearance. Any chance you could respond and let us know you're doing?