Emergency surgery Wed., a complication from WLS I never heard before...

So last Wed. I had an awful stomach ache that started radiating to my back. With in 2 hours I knew something was wrong. I left work for the hour long drive home and my husband took me to the ER. Blood work, x-rays, ultra-sound and cat scan later I was headed to surgery to fix a twisted, flopped on it's self small intestine. The doctor said it was blue and dying but not dead so nothing had to be removed. This had to be done open because he needed to be able to see everything clearly and go through my bowels inch by inch. My mom knows two people who died from this due to waiting too long before going in to surgery for repairs. I thought it was going to be an ulcer or bad gallbladder which are more common complications. I guess this is just an FYI because I never knew about this before it happened to me. I am going to post on the main board for people to list their complication and how it was resolved. I think a list of things to be aware of would be great. I am home and healing thanks to great doctors. Peace out!

Beverlee - Oh my God - I'm so sorry you had to go through this. This sounds awful. I've heard about bowel obstructions or twisted bowels being a potential complication. You poor thing. Did you have any symptoms before the day you went to the hospital that you think in retrospect might have been related to it? I ask because my bowel movements have been odd, I've regained weight, and I'm feeling like a hypochondriac. I'm glad that you let us know about this complication, and I am SO glad that they found your problem in time. I hope you heal quickly. Consider yourself hugged. Take care, Heather

My goodness, that is scary indeed! Are you feeling better now? I bet you and your family were very worried! Thanks so much for the heads up ... just goes to show that complications can still arise even though we're not newly out! Deanna

Oh Beverly, you poor thing. How are you feeling now - are you recovering ok? I bet you were in shock weren't you, if you aren't still - I know I would be. I was just thinking the other day that being this far out I don't need to worry about complications anymore - how wrong was I. Thank goodness you went to ER in time and had a doctor who listened to you and worked until he found what was wrong. Was he a general ER doctor or your WLS surgeon? A month or so after wls I had what they think was a twisted intestine, causing a blockage, which righted itself (thankfully). I was severly vomiting and ill for 24 hours and if it had not improved would have been headed for surgery. But nothing since then. I hope you recover quickly and everything sorts itself out soon. Let us know how you are doing. ***hugs*** Ruth

OMG!!!!!!!!! Glad you are alright now!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope your feeling better soon!

I am glad that you knew enough to go in quickly and get this taken care of before it became life threatening for you. I worry about what to take seriously and what not to. Your experience shows that you really have to know your body.