Where do I go from here?

Hey guys, I am in quite a difficult situation and I don't know what else to do! I am almost 6 months post-op and I am having severe issues with abdominal pain. I have been admitted to the hospital 3 times since my surgery for this pain. At first they thought it was a hernia, then they thought it was a blockage, then they thought it was gall stones. To make a long story short I had gall stones so my Doc removed my gall bladder. While doing this surgery he also found a fat necrosis so he removed that as well. I thought my pain was finally over..I was wrong. So, next thing they found were ulcers. How do you get ulcers in a BRAND NEW tummy?? So now the ulcers are gone and healed but I am still in pain. I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy this week and the good Doc was unable to find a thing. So now I was told he "THINKS" it's irritable bowel syndrome. I am on a LOAD of antacids but yet still have pain. WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? My surgeon is great..very well known..and I really like him. However, I am tired of the guessing game. I think it's time for a second opinion. Does anyone have advice for me? It gets very discouraging even though I've lost 115 pounds. I wish I felt better so I could actually enjoy the weight loss. Please, if anyone has experienced anything like this, drop me a line. Thanks to everyone! Christine

Hi Christine, I'm sorry that you're having a hard time with this pain... I'd also second your opinion that you get a second opinion...Dr Aranow is a wonderful surgeon and knows what he's doing. I take the one hour drive from Rhode Island because I researched and found he was the best overall. Would you consider going to see him? I'm not sure how long it would take you to get in, but you could call and ask. Tell them your situation and that you need help ASAP...you're running out of options. I know I'm sounding biased by tauting Dr Aranow, but I do feel he's the most knowledgable and is always going to seminars learning more and more. He's at one this week... Good luck, paula

Please get a 2nd opinion. Dr. Barba or Giovanni would be happy to see you. Please give the office a call...860-727-4099 Jessica

It is never a bad idea to get a second opinion. You are in pain and the Dr. would never take offense to you getting a second opinion. Good luck and don't give up hope that they'll be able to figure out the problem. God bless, Kelly

Christine- You do have a very skilled and compassionate surgeon. If you do need a second opinion, you might want to consider finding a gastroenterologist at Norwalk Hospital-- staying within the hospital where you had your initial surgeries would simplify record review. Also, if you were to require additional surgery, you would have the advantage of being at a hospital with a very dedicated staff who are already familiar with your case, and which has a medical staff that is particularly well-versed in the needs of post-operative gastric bypass patients.