tummy pain

I will be calling my primary care Dr. tomorrow however I wanted to see if any of you have experienced what I am going thru. I have pain in my pouch (general tummy area) like a really bloated feeling. Like I have to poop and maybe I would feel better but I am not constipated and poop just fine. I do not have heartburn at all. I fill up really fast when I eat solid foods. I got in 1 oz out of 3 of deli sliced turkey. I have a lot of back pain also. I am stumped. I will be calling my PCP in the AM. Any suggestions??? I already had my gallbladder removed. Thanks, Chrystella

Sounds like a stricture and/or ulcer. Any sign of blood in the stool or urine? If there's no blood, it's probably not an emergency. Sounds like you are due for an endoscopy though. Have you spoken to your surgeon about this? If not, you should. FWIW, I'm still not able to digest turkey or chicken, and I'm five months out. They seem to be one of the foods that I just can't eat. I have back pain also, I think my body is adjusting to my smaller frame, after carrying my extra weight all those years. Exercise seems to help me a great deal. --Steve

Steve: Thanks for the info. No there is no blood. I called my PCP and have an appt. for tomorrow. I figured I will start there. I have resorted to going back to liquids & soft foods for now. Thanks for the support. Chryssie

I have no advice to give except to call your Dr. Hope you feel better soon. Maggie

Maggie: Thanks for the support. It feels good to know there are people out there who can relate. I hope all is well with you. Chryssie

Why would you not be calling your surgeon?? If it seems to be based (or starting ) in the area of your pouch, would he not be the most knowledgable about the area and complications?? Peter

Peter: Point well taken. I just know it is easier to get into see my PCP first. I want to see what she has to say then I will contact my surgeon if need be. Thanks for the info. Chryssie

I understand athat it is easier to get in to see your pcp, but your surgeon is by far more qualified with your new "indoor plumbing". It becomes too easy for a pcp who has little experience with WLS patients to either misdiagnose or improperly treat a digestive problem. As good hearted as your pcp's efforts may be, the damage could pose almost unsurmountable problems. You have signed on for life with your surgeon. It will take another 10-20 years before enough prople have had the surgery for it to be mainstream enough for most pcp's to be sufficiently knowledgable on how to treat many of our issues. Don't feel bashful when you need his help and guidance.

Hi Chryssie, Sorry to hear about your pain ! The only thing I can say is that I can't eat deli meat at all. I just started to be able to eat chicken without I had this full kinda feeling like something was stuck in my throat all the time and Dr. Bell prescribed something for reflux and that seemed to work. I'd call Dr. Bell and let him know what's going on. Good luck and keep us posted! xo JA

JA: Good to see you on the board!!! Thanks for the words. I ended up calling Dr. Bell's and speaking to Linda. I have to take Pepcid Complete 2x a day until Friday. If no improvement then I have to go for an upper GI. (YUCK!!!) I am sticking with soft foods & protein shakes for the next few days. Hope to see you soon. Chryssie