Complications - Page 3 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

fatsomuch · 01-15-2009, 09:59 AM

Thanks so much for responding to my question regarding causes. I particularly am concerned as I am a conversion patient, I have had the band since 2002. I will for sure discuss this with my surgeon before going full steam ahead. The whole idea of doing this is to get healthier and lead a more enjoyable life, not to end up in the same situation I already am in, just a different body system.

I wish you all the very best and hope that this will be then end of any future complications.

Cindy

May5279 · 01-16-2009, 09:03 AM

My doctors never explained why some of the problems are caused, with the exception of the gall bladder. The gall bladder can fail because it processes all the fats and with extreme weight loss it takes a toll on this organ.

BTW, I'm now Vitamin D deficient also and dealing with abdominal pain again. Complication of the internal/intestinal hernia? Bowel issue (recently had my first experience with extreme constipation and hemorrhoids... pleasant I know...lol)? I also have a lung lesion but I am sure that has nothing to do with the surgery (thank goodness, though I was never a smoker either...lol).

I do think we should be optimistic about our triumphs but we can't always paint pretty pictures. By highlighting some of the realities, it only makes newbies knowledgeable about what can occur and lets pre-ops ask more questions before going under the knife.

MiladyB · 01-17-2009, 07:51 PM

I'm 3+ years out. Year 3/4 hasn't been a very good one for me. I was essentially complication free until the last year. Just goes to show you that you will always have to pay attention to your health.

RNY: Jan 30. 2006
Small ulcer and gastritis: May 2008
Gallbladder surgery: June 2008
Dysfunction of the Sphincter of Oddi: Nov. 2008
(stricture of the sphincter of my common bile duct. More a complication from the gallbladder removal than wls. The RNY just complicated the treatment.)
Vitamin D deficiency and borderline anemia: Jan '09
Portal Vein thrombosis: Feb '09 (blood clot from the bile tube for previous complication)
Intussusception: Feb '09

One thing I can tell you, even with the medical issues I have had over the past year I am not sorry for the choice I made 3 years ago. I am still healthier than I was before surgery. I still feel the surgery is one of the best gifts I ever gave myself. What I do hope is that everyone who makes the decision of wls takes it seriously for life. Things can happen and sometimes they do. The best thing you can do is to constantly educate yourself. Things are always changing in the medical field. You owe it to yourself to take the best care of yourself that you can.

Gladitsme · 03-09-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by May5279

My doctors never explained why some of the problems are caused, with the exception of the gall bladder. The gall bladder can fail because it processes all the fats and with extreme weight loss it takes a toll on this organ.

BTW, I'm now Vitamin D deficient also and dealing with abdominal pain again. Complication of the internal/intestinal hernia? Bowel issue (recently had my first experience with extreme constipation and hemorrhoids... pleasant I know...lol)? I also have a lung lesion but I am sure that has nothing to do with the surgery (thank goodness, though I was never a smoker either...lol).

I do think we should be optimistic about our triumphs but we can't always paint pretty pictures. By highlighting some of the realities, it only makes newbies knowledgeable about what can occur and lets pre-ops ask more questions before going under the knife.

I was vitamin D deficient too -- my doctor put me on supplements about 6 months ago. She said that Vitamin D deficiency shows up in 80% of cancer patients. They don't know if it is a cause or result of cancer.

Anyway, a month ago Thursday, I noticed a lump on my neck at the base. Long story short, they are in the process of determining if I have an infection or lymphoma -- AKA cancer.

I have a biopsy 3/18 to remove one of the lymph nodes in my neck to make the determination.

bridgetgirl · 03-09-2009, 10:59 AM

I had gotten post operative pancreatitis .... ouch. I was in the hospital for several weeks and on home health for a couple more. Lucky me, I was Dr Callery's first p/o pancreatic problematic patient

.

rainrain · 03-09-2009, 11:01 AM

we are told over and over again that there may be complications, I suppose we just hope and pray it wont be us......

my complications have been manageable. Chronic anemia, copper difficiency, insicional hernias.

still, its not easy working out the complications, and yet, would do it again.

Nancy, sorry to hear of your current stumbling block, think positive, as I am for you!!

Rain

Jennimaria · 03-09-2009, 11:39 AM

I had my surgery 6/2005 and had my gallbladder out in 11/2006. Since then I've put on about 40 lbs.

Still down about 35 from surgery, but looking to take that 40 back off plus some.

In actuality, I should have had my gallbladder out at the same time as my surgery because I had gallstones before it.

watergirl · 03-09-2009, 10:14 PM

for me...Hypoglycymic SP? and B12 deficient. Am able to Contol Sugar/carb intake and take monthly (or so...) B12 shots.

bcrigger · 04-13-2009, 06:58 PM

I am new to the group and I am searching for some answers. I am currently 5 years out from gastric bypass and did so well for the first 3 years. Now I have low iron which I have to get iron IV therapy about every 6 months. Now they have found I am Vit D def. and in the process of taking 100000 units a week to build myself back up. I am having so much trouble with my legs and body swelling daily with fluid. I am even taking lasix for fluid pill but still have so much fluid that I can not breathe sometimes. I am only 34 and did not have any health problems prior to surgery. I weighed 410lbs the day of surgery and had lost about 150lbs until December 08 when I had a quick weight gain of about 30lbs and nothing is moving it. I had such trouble in the last few months with bone pain, insomnia, neck pain, dry skin, hair and nails brittle. I got some vit D but I am still having some symptoms of pain. I was interested in seeing if anyone else has problems with unexplained weight gain and fluid. My doc. told me it was because I had recently got married, I dont think so. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks

Gladitsme · 04-13-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gladitsme

I was vitamin D deficient too -- my doctor put me on supplements about 6 months ago. She said that Vitamin D deficiency shows up in 80% of cancer patients. They don't know if it is a cause or result of cancer.

Anyway, a month ago Thursday, I noticed a lump on my neck at the base. Long story short, they are in the process of determining if I have an infection or lymphoma -- AKA cancer.

I have a biopsy 3/18 to remove one of the lymph nodes in my neck to make the determination.

I have non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I've had one cycle of chemotherapy, spent 6 days in the hospital last week, and am going to have my next chemo on Friday.

On the positive side, my pouch is doing well, and I still dump if I eat too much sugar.