The dangers of alcohol and smoking..... - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

lealphachienne · 02-22-2005, 09:09 PM

I had to take my hubby, who is 3 years out, to the ER for a GI bleed. They found a bleeding ulcer right on top of the staple line where the intestine is sewn to the small stomach. It took 2 clips and several seconds of cauterizing to get it to stop. The GI doc has seen this problem in many post gastric patients who continue to drink and smoke. The smoking is the biggest cause, complicated by drinking.

My hubby had no pain. His only symptoms were small amounts of black, tarry stool and moments of lightheadness. He ignored the symptoms for a week until he collasped at Starbucks this morning. At the ER, his hemaglobin was 7.2, half the normal. If he had waited even a few more hours to get a transfusion, he would of had a heart attack or a stroke at 31 years of age. If he was a few years older, he could of sustained multiple organ failures.

This is a reminder that we are not ever going to be normal. It's a wake up call that you can not continue unhealthy habits without some serious risks.

katlover66 · 02-22-2005, 09:12 PM

Marie,

I am sorry to hear about your hubby. Maybe this is a wake up call for him. You said he has been drinking in excess and even got a DUI. This is God's way of saying I gave you a chance and you are blowing it.

Lisa_k1963 · 02-23-2005, 12:56 PM

Clothing Exchange Feb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To all,
I have spoken to my friend.I have set the exchange for Saturday Feb 26 from 12-5.It will be held at the Days Inn Point Loma.This is in my friends office located at the days inn in point loma.Please let me know if this is good timing for every one .The time can change I just wanted every one to have the oppertunity to attend and drop off there items and hopefully find new treasures.

Days INN
3350 Rosecrans
2 nd building 3 rd Floor

Directions
From east county 8 East to Rosecrans.pass sports arena blvd and midway/You ll see the days in on your right side.Turn in and go across the street to the 2 nd building .get in the elevator and go to the 3 rd floor.when you step off the elevator the door is on your right.

Directions
From south bay 5 north to Rosecrans. See above

If you have any questions please call me on my cell
619-249-9197
Please respond.let me know who will be coming I dont want to be sitting there all day all alone lol.
Lisa N Kelly

02-23-2005, 10:09 PM

Marie,

You have had you hands full since I started reading this forum. Your husband is lucky to have you. Your information is so critical to so many folks who want to continue life in excess, whether in food or drink. We just can't do it!!!

My prayers are with you and yours.

Rain

lealphachienne · 02-24-2005, 07:35 AM

Thanks for your support

I hope to meet you soon Rain. We live so close to each other, so we can car pool sometime. Whenever all this with my hubby is moved on, I can start going out again. It's tough getting out as he has his license suspended and he works in San Diego. It's been awhile since we had a one car family

MaryClipper · 02-24-2005, 09:45 AM

Marie,
I pray that this will be the turning point for him to get the help he needs. I am always the one preaching about not drinking after WLS, but hopefully people with understand the real dangers after reading your post. Thanks for sharing with us.

TabFox · 02-24-2005, 09:35 PM

Smoking can cause GI bleeds???? Damn, time to get the nicotine patches out again. *sigh*.

Tabitha
Open 5/26/04
321/188/goal

lealphachienne · 02-25-2005, 06:16 PM

After 8 units of blood and 20 lbs of fluid later, he's home. The doctor said no more smoking and no more drinking, ever. He wrote it in big letters with exclamation points. Hopefully, it's enough to get him back on track.

02-25-2005, 09:57 PM

Marie,

I hope to meet you soon also.

I pray the burdens of this trying time to be peppered with good memories and laughter.

Maybe this is the wake up call your man needs.

Rain

p.s. remember to take care of you!!

watergirl · 02-26-2005, 10:52 AM

I hope your husband takes the doctors advice. Thanks for sharing a hard learned lesson with us.

I'm sending healing thoughts your way.