Post-RNY Ulcer?

I think I have an ulcer.  I knew my risk of developing this problem was higher than for most people due to the meds I take, but I thought I could beat the odds by taking good care of my pouch.  My bad. I never, ever get heartburn so that symptom is absent.  I have some pretty significant pain high in the pouch though.  I take Prevacid, 30mg. twice a day and the pain seems to subside for about 3 hours after taking the pill.  Until about 2 months go, I was also eating 4 Tums a day for the calcium but found out that after gastric bypass, calcium carbonate doesn't metabolize and we need calcium citrate, so I stopped eating the Tums.   If I go too long without eating, the pain is real bad.  When the first few bite**** it's excruciating, then gets better as I finish my food.  Again, I am good for a couple of hours before the pain starts again.  My tummy is very tender to the touch too..it feels sore or bruised if there's any pressure on it, like when I lay down and things shift or if I actually press on it...it really hurts. I should probably ask for the H-pylori blood test, huh?  I know a course of antibiotics is the treatment for ulcer nowadays, but is post gastric bypass ulcer treated any differently? I have to admit, I have not been back to see Dr. Irgau or Stephanie, the NUT since January.  It's such a long drive and to only be in the examining room for less than 5 minutes seems stupid to me.  I have been seeing my PCP, a weight loss specialist for any issues. Oh Yeah, I saw Dr. Danyo about my plastics on the 6th.  He seems to think my TT and breast reduction will be covered by my medicaid because of the terrible irritations and cysts I have had for so many years.  He said it takes about a month to get insurance approval and another month to get me scheduled...so it looks like November will be the month I have my surgery. I also got some good news from my cardiologist.  My cholesterol is at an all time low with meds, and my gastric bypass panel was all normal.  I wanted to have my annual stress test, this time on the treadmill instead of the drug induced one, but he said he doesn't think I need one yet!  Awesome! KathyG

Kathy, Sounds like all good news except for the ulcer. From past posts the pain you are having sounds like ulcers to me. Did you have issues pre-WLS? If the Tums help I'd take them in addition to the citrate.  Do certain foods irritate the stomach more than others? 

I do recommend once a year follow up with Dr. Irgau. It will keep you on track. As for  PMRI, your own PCP can take care of your issues just as easy. You seem pretty up on WLS health & nutrition.  Have you ever had the bone density test? Good for a reference point.   Wow, I hear Danyo is great. Good luck with the PS. I was off my cholesterol meds within 2 months of surgery. Amazing isn't it? Keep up the awesome job. TT you soon. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Kathy,           I had an ulcer about 6 months after surgery.      Call Chrias and make an appointment.   You are going to need an EGD to determine where the ulcer is and how many are present.  The course of treatment is a liquid medicine called Carafate.     Try to call as soon as possible.    The pain from the ulcer can get pretty bad.             Best wishes, Debbie