so frustrated!!

I am posting for totally selfish reasons, I need support and a few kind words. I have had a few complications that are causing me major pain and I am not getting any support from family or friends because they all agree that I made the decision to have this surgery. I developed a fistula at 2 months out and have struggled with hunger ever since, luckily I have been able to lose 72 pounds even with extra capacity. Recently, I have been suffering with severe abdominal pain, had an endoscopy, hida scan and CT scan and lo & behold my gall bladder isn't working properly. So the news from my RNY surgeon is that we are gonna go in and fix the fistula, remove my gall bladder, repair a hernia and oh yeah I have a huge ulcer at the surgery site as well. I struggle everyday with incredible pain. I am at my wits end, has anyone had several complications and come through all well. I am so regretting my decision Renee

Renee, Hang in there. It will get better. I also suffered with a lot of pain and let it go on for almost 8 weeks before I called the doctor, because I thought I was doing something wrong and it was my fault. As it has turned out, I also have a small fistula and an ulcer, but combined with an esophageal stricture, which keeps me from being able to eat any quantity. I have had to have the stricture dilated twice so far. The first time it only lasted 2 weeks before I started throwing up again. This time I've gone longer than two weeks, but the pain when I eat has come back BIG time. I am coming up on 8 months next week and have lost barely 90 pounds, and almost none of that in the last 2 months. I try every day not to be discouraged and have faith that this was the best thing for me and my future health. Hugs, Mo

Renee (and Maureen) what's a fistula? I am so sorry for your complications! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and think good thoughts for your healing. Most surgeons opt to remove the gallbladder when they go in for the GB -- did your surgeon ever discuss this option with you? What are your symptoms for the ulcer and hernia? Take good care and all good healing because with the mind -- what you think is who you are -- so try as hard as you can to remain positive and believe that this will all work out just fine for you! God bless, Maureen

A fistula is an opening from the new pouch to the old stomach. Food can actually pass into the old stomach depending on the size of the fistula. My doctor thinks mine is small enough that it will close by itself, but sometimes they have to be surgically repaired.

So your old stomach and your new stomach is not completely separated? Sooo sorry you guys are going through this pain Your family and friends should support you regardless that it was your decision to have the surgery, that is so cold and unthoughtful of them. Makes me angry to hear that! WE are here to support you and prayers are going out to you guys that the future will hold a wonderful and healthy pain free complication free life! Hang in there!!! (((hugs))) Elizabeth M

Renee, Go ahead and get the repairs done ASAP You will feel so much better. There are always some complications, but they can be fixed & you will be so much better for it. I don't have any home support either, but have lost 120 lbs in 8 months. My boyfriend would rather drink, than support my efforts, but that could be a all day subject. Anyway, get the repairs done by your surgeon & you will never regret doing this surgury. I will guarantee it. Love ya Hugs & Kisses to ya Marilyn, the Bearlady

I have had my share of complications and while I am extremely thankful to have been able to loose more weight than I have ever before on any conventional diet and my general health has improved overall....I am sick and tired of the rug being pulled out from under my feet every time I start feeling somewhat normal. I am getting ready to face my 4th surgery in less than a year....I had a hernia repair in August, was hospitalized for a week in October for a severe attack of pain that they could never find the cause of...I've never really gotten over that and just yesterday, I had a painful sensation started pressing around on my stomach and felt something "pop" then I laid down on the floor and lifted my head up (like they have me do at the doctor) and this huge buldge popped out....so there we go again, another hernia. I share your frustration and I too have been having some regrets about having surgery (I know my husband is tired of all this mess...he needs me whole and healthy as well as my children). I'm sure that this too shall pass and we will look back on this as just a few minor setbacks to a lifetime of health. Hang in there!!!! Whitney