H.Pylori-have you heard of this?? Please respond.

Hi, I'll get to the point. I did the 12 month monitored weight loss attempts, psych eval, met the surgeon & the internist, did all the lab work. The suregeon gave me a surgery date of 12/26/07. Then he told me on 12/17-he couldn't do the surgery b/c of H.Pylori. He gave me a 2 wk course of medication. In the meantime, I have no clue as when I could ever have the surgery. He also noted that I had low vitamin D levels & gave me super highdose prescription which will carry me until 1/30/08-then he'll retest the vitamin levels? What should I do? Do I stick with this guy or move on to a surgeon who will do it for me? This guy-James Foote, doesn't really seem like he WANTS to do my surgery? Any suggestions? Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Happy New Year! Mo

He wants you to live through the surgery. Take your meds and do what he says. Be patient and you will get clearance. The bacteria if present in your stomach at the time of surgery could compromise your health with catastrophic results. He's a good doctor with a good track record. kp

Thanks KP. Wow,  I didn't realize it was something that could become so serious. I never even heard of H.Pylori let alone knew that I was infected.  Thanks for sharing! Mo

Lots of us have it. We can have it for years and with our stomachs intact the effects are negligible. You may end up with an ulcer some day,,,maybe if you are a normal. When we get cut some of the mucus lining near the sectioning of the stomach is compromised for a while and that can cause a severe ulceration of the staple line and eventually a perforation. That can mean death if your pouch contents empty into the abdomen. This is a very serious and forever surgery and you have to be in the best possible condition to have success. You have to eat differently and think differently for the rest of your life. eating as you know it now is automatic. Your body does incredible things with what you take in. After surgery you are in charge and responsible for how your body processes food by content, quantity, absorption, digestion etc... It's a wild ride but worth it and fun if you approach it right. kp

I to tested positive for H.Pylori and did the antibiotics,after I finished them I was sent for an endoscopy and it is negative.The Dr will still do the surgery. Debbie

Happy New Year Debbie & Thanks for responding!   I was so worried, they [the people at the front desk & the receptionist] made me feel like I have the plague & it's contagious to them. It makes me feel a little better knowing I wasn't the only one to face such a thing. Mo

Thank you Mo,and you're very welcome.Happy New Year to you as well,just finish off the medications and you'll be fine. Debbie

Out of curiosity, what antibiotic did they prescribe? I remember my mom saying she had this a few years back, and that it runs in families? I've taken several courses of antibiotics recently for other things, if I had it maybe I have wiped it out already? Thanks, and good luck to you, it sounds like we will be starting our journey about the same time give or take a couple weeks! Keke

I'm not sure of the name of them now but I had to take 3 different ones twice a day for 14 days...cleared it right up though.I would highly suggest you get tested for H.Pylori. Debbie

I had a H.Pylori prior to surgery and hope that you will listen to this doctor's advice, he has a good reputation.     You need to reduce anything in your body that can compromise your health during and post surgery.  Possibly, the receptionist was trying to get the message across to you that this is something to take seriously and not something to be offended about?  Just wondering.  They are not allowed to talk to you as a physician would as they are not qualified.  But maybe they picked up on your apprehension and wanted to prompt you to follow his advice becasue they know what can happen if you don't.   Personally, I would rather have my doc do right by ME than by his bank account.  I am sure you would too.   Good luck in your upcoming surgery - best wishes.