Complications...My story

Hey Lynne, Wow, what a time youve had! I have a similiar history of complications...both from WLS and other surgeries prior. I had a temporary colostomy 4 years ago from a ruptured colon and later developed peritonitis, an abscess and a near-fatal staph infection. I had a feeding tube and lots of drains and IVs in me then. I spent over 100 days in the hospital that year and have had numerous surgeries since then. I actually had my WLS as a by-product of another abdominal surgery. My surgeon had to go in there to remove adhesions and some small intestines, so I decided to get the bypass done while I was open! I was surprised that they approved me for this surgery, but I was assured that my prior conditions would not be adversely affected by WLS...wrong!! The actual surgery was successful...no complications. However, at nearly 6 months post op, I am still unable to eat solid food and have been in the hospital (over Christmas) for a small bowel obstruction. I've lost 92 pounds, but I often ask myself if it is worth it. I'm severely malnourished and cannot keep anything down. They've ruled out stricture (after 2 endos) and now have been diagnosed with gastroparesis, which means that the nerves that coordinate digestion are no longer working. My prognosis is possible feeding tube down the line. I am so tired of and feeling sick when I eat... As far as family...well, my mother is at her wit's end with worry about me and I know she wants to wring my neck for 'doing this to myself'. I wish she could at least support me just a bit. Oh, well... I hope you're doing better now and please feel free to email me if you'd like to chat. I've probably had more abdominal surgeries and complications than anyone, so I can totally sympathize! Take care, Toni

Toni, Isn't it ironic...we both had our surgeries on the same day. You really have been through it also. For me one of the worst things was the feeding tube. They had SEWED it into my nose because I kept trying to pull it out while I was unconsious. When I woke up it was VERY painful and annoying. I couldn't wait for it to come out. I have lost 82 pounds so far, and yes I wonder sometimes if it was worth it. My family is still trying to recover. My husband looks at me sometimes and bursts into tears. He said he spent many a night "writing" in his head the script for how he would tell our children that I was dead. Not a pretty thought. I do get better and stronger day by day. My muscles are still sore and stiff at times from the paralitic drugs they used, and the thing that bothers me most is my trach scar (from the vent). It's ugly and it hurts. I do thank god on a daily basis that I am alive and doing fairly well. I wish you all the best and hope that you will have no more complications. I hope they can help you will the vomiting and nausea. Keep in touch and let me know how you are making out.