The anastamosis site is where the surgeon hooked my stomach to my intestines (simple answer). I had an ulcer in the same spot in 2007 that perforated but it healed with IV antibx and a 5 day stay in the hospital. I guess I developed another ulcer in the same spot but it is now healing with carafate and omeprazole. I started avoiding certain things that would bother me and that seems to be helping. When I had my EGD my doctor told me right away what was wrong once I woke up. Hopefully everything goes well with you. Good Luck! 

  I did see a specialist and I had another EGD done. I found out that I have a large ulcer near my anastamosis site. I am also developing barretts esophogus. The good thing is I am being treated now and I feel much better! Thanks for thinking about me! 

 Does any other long term post ops feel as if there are very little physicians that are skilled in handling us? I have been living off of zantac, zegerid, pepcid and maalox for 9 mths now. I gained 30# back in 2 yrs and I go from either being on liquids for days because I am afraid I will be sick if I eat solids to eating little protein and excess carbs because I dont feel pain  and it passes through so easily but that also causes me to be zapped of energy and bloated. I am now back to no solids for the last 5 days  because of this pain, tightness, bloating, excess gas, constipation etc. It has become chronic and I feel as if it is normal now. My surgeon doesn't care to see pts after more than 2 yrs unless they are found to need surgery and I cannot find a GI doctor that knows much about long term post ops. I had a scope 18mths ago that didn't show anything and I decided it must be normal to feel awful 80% of the time. I have had numerous primary care doctors tell me they don't know much about long term effects and would not even be sure what to look for.  Unless I have fever, diarrhea, excess vomiting or trouble taking a deep breath I continue to treat myself. It is becoming quite depressing to feel poisoned all of the time. If anyone out there has some ideas on how to find a good GI specialist in Michigan I am all for the assistance. 

I was addicted to Diet Coke before wls.  Thank Goodness I have not gone back there.  I continue to struggle with the carbs.  I am walking 2-3 miles six days a week.  I have increased the walking quite a bit the last few weeks.

I am trying to eat one meal a day of real food and drink protein drinks the rest of the day.  Really this is just an experiment.  I have not counted my calories--that is the next thing I need to do.

Please try to leave the sodas alone.  I drink a lot of Crystal Lite and am told that is not good either, because it still gives you the sweet taste which activates the carb desire.  So far I have not been able to give up CL.  I have even found one with caffeine.  I get out of the bed and head straight to the kitchen.  I do not see myself being able to give it up.

Please keep us posted here on your progress.  I am going to a picnic tomorrow night and I am going to give it one more 'starting over' Tuesday morning.  I am going to do the one real food meal and then protein drinks the rest of the day.  I am going to continue to be faithful to the walking.  Please join me on this 'starting over' project.

Ruby
3/11/2005  rny
262/125/140
hi/lo/today          

My story is simular to yours.  I weighed 143 this morning.  My low was 125.  I am 5'1"   I started today writing down my food and calories, protein, carbs and sugar.   I have been sick with a sinus infection and it is hot here in GA, so walking is hard to do.  My walking friend is out of town and will be back next week.  So I will be committed to walking in the mornings when she gets back.

I suggest you write your food down and find a walking friend.  Some days it is easier to walk than to make an excuse to my friend.  I am avoiding sugar.  I eat a lot of Kroger CarbMaster Yogurt.  It is high in protein, low in calories and sugar.  Also I drink a lot of otc Adkins Advantage Protein drinks.  Really I think the protein drinks are why I have not gained more.  We do not keep much food in the house.  My DH keeps cookies in his truck.  I know they are there, but I do not get in them too often.  I am a Christain and I PRAY for help with my food addiction.

If you are interested in keeping up a thread with me to try to encourage each other, PM me and I will send you my email address.

Ruby
3/2005
5'1"
262/125/143
hi/lo/today