Ask the Expert: Dr. Mitchell Roslin Answers OH Member Questions
July 27, 2013Bariatric surgeon Dr. Mitchell Roslin answers the questions that are important to you. Do you have a question you would like to ask of a plastic surgeon, bariatric surgeon, fitness expert, dietician, psychologist, or other bariatric professional? Send your questions to [email protected].
Vivien M.: I had a gastric sleeve done two years ago. I had a leak and many complications, including C-Diff, fluid in my lungs, strep on my spleen, chest tubes, etc. I was in the hospital for four months. I had a long recovery period. The side effect I am left with is a sharp pain in my left side under the ribcage that never goes away. I was referred to a pain clinic because my physician was positive that it was some kind of left over nerve pain that was radiating from my lung. They tried a block which did nothing. They put me on Lyrica, which helps decrease the pain, but I still have to take Ultram at least four times a day and Tylenol extra strength two or three times a day or I can barely function. It has been two years now. I have since moved to California from Michigan and I am looking for a surgeon or someone I can follow up with. Here are my questions:
1. Should I go to a bariatric surgeon first?
2. Should I go to a pain clinic?
3. Could this nerve pain really be something I am stuck with for the rest of my life? Could it be something else? How long can I be on Lyrica?
Dr. Roslin: You need to find a competent captain of the ship and have a thorough investigation. It is essential to understand that medicine cannot be practiced on line. However, if I was going to give advice, I would eliminate is a continuous low grade infection and fistula. I have seen leaks that fester for a long time. Thus as part of a thorough evaluation, I would suggest a CT scan with IV and PO contrast, and endoscopy. Further testing may be required. Before attributing to pain syndrome, all anatomic possibilities should be excluded.
Gail S.: Is it necessary to take additional calcium after VSG? I am two years post surgery, take my vitamins as directed but have not taken extra calcium. Bone density is good.
Dr. Roslin: It probably depends on the person. But I have seen elevated para- thyroid hormones and thus think that calcium and vitamin D are a very good idea for most sleeve patients. I have also stopped calcium on people who are renal stone formers. Thus more is not always better.
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mitchell Roslin, MD, FACS is the Director of Bariatric Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital Center. He has performed bariatric surgery since 1994 and is internationally renown in the field. In addition, to his clinical work he has authored numerous research articles and chapters in medical textbooks. Dr. Roslin has appeared on Good Morning America, Nightline, CBS Early Show, World News Tonight and countless other media outlets.Read more articles by Dr. Roslin! |
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