Gallbladder & Other Complications?!?

Hey everyone. I had my surgery on 6/9/04. I have had no complications yet - other than the normal hair loss, which thankfully has stopped and is growing back well. Some people in my support group have had complications such as hernias, or having to have their gallbladder out. I would like to hear from my JUNE post-ops... what have your medical complications been, and when did they happen? The main reason for this question is that yesterday I started having a strange stomach ache about 1:30 in the afternoon. I had only eaten a few bites of something that I have eaten quite a few times since surgery, so I don't think that was the cause. At 3pm I had to go home cuz I was in such pain. I could not drive to the ER, and by the time I got home and laid down (for 3 hours, waiting for my hubby to get home to take me to the ER) the paid had subsided, a bit. I kept moist heat on my tummy until 9pm, and soothed it a bit with hot tea. This morning I am feeling better. It just scared me! Anywayyyyyyyyyyyy...long story short, have any of you had to go to the ER for pain? Please let me know! Thanks!! Susan Lap RNY 6/9/04 267/148/135

Hi... I actually haven't had any issues whatsoever (knock on wood). However, I'm replying because about a month ago, a friend of mine who had her surgery back in October of 2003 ended up in the ER with very bad abdominal pain. Turns out it was a blockage. Not sure if it's the same problem with you, but make sure you monitor it, and don't hesitate to have it checked... Take care, Angie http://www.geocities.com/tiger_angie

P.S. An enema took care of my friend's issue, btw!

I Had hernia repair 11/8/04. I felt it happen the same week I went back to work, I was off from work for the RNY for 6 weeks , was back to work 1 or 2 days ,I felt it open when I picked up something. it did not hurt , just did not feel right. Kim Lap RNY 6/2/04

A little update... I had a CT scan, and the ER Dr said my digestive system looked normal (for a bariatric patient..lol) They did find an ovarian cyst, but he said that would not be what is causing my stomach pain. Today I went in for an ultrasound of my gallbladder. Don't you hate it when the tech won't tell you anything?!?!? Argh! Anyway, my surgeon will get those results tomorrow. I am still unable to eat much without hurting. I will keep you posted. Thanks for listening to me babble.... Susan -119

Good luck! I hope they figure it out because it's no fun to be in pain I know I learned about the effect of fried foods on me really quickly. I get serious gas/cramps... so bad I can't even stand up straight... goes about in about half an hour, but it's SO NOT FUN! I don't eat fried stuff anymore and haven't had any problems...

RE: Gallbladder & Other Complications?!? I haven't gone to the ER for pain, but every once in a while I get real bad pain from my hips up to my neck (the whole chest area). The only way I can explain it is, it makes me roll around trying to get comfortable and I can't. Maybe like a real bad muscle spasm. I take lots of tums but that doesn't really seem to help. I have had it about 10 times and I think it is from eating something that doesn't agree with me. Once it was raw broccoli, once it was sugar free candy with malisoritol (not sure how it's spelled), once it was blackberry jelly, and once an apple with the peel. So now I don't eat those foods. The doctor did say to go on liquids if this happens again. I had my surgery on June 2, 2004 and my gallbladder was removed. start 240# now 144#

Since you don't eat those things, you haven't had the pain anymore? That's really something! Everybody's body definitely reacts differently to different things, huh? My gallbladder was also removed during my surgery. I'm really glad about that.

I had a gallbladder attack about 4 weeks ago, so I know my gallbladder has to come out VERY SOON, and I also have a hernia that I have to get repaired..... but I guess its all part of the process for me.... I'm still happy and this is the best thing thats ever happened to me!!! 347 | 267 | ???

Alrighty...I am having surgery tomorrow 3/18 to have my gallbladder removed. Sure glad I went right away to have it checked out! Dr. Tillquist, who did my RNY will do this surgery as well. Wish me luck! Susan -121