Two surgeries Two Weeks

Brenda.... Yes the hernia was caused by the massive weight loss. When we are overweight we carry alot of visceral fat that is found deep within our abdominal cavity. When we loose massive amts. of weight there is a shifting of things internally as there is no fat there (as previously when we were overweight) to keep it (our internal organs/bowels) in the places it was normally accustomed to being. When they operate on us doing the RNY there are two places that could possibly predispose someone to having an internal hernia. This is due to the re routing that is done in connecting the new limb of intestine from the pouch to the lower gut. While we are still obese the internal fat prevents anything from coming through this newly made opening internally. After massive amts. of weight have been lost there is a possibilty that these two places will occur. I say possibility as it does NOT occur in everyone. However when someone presents with problems the drs. start looking at these places first and foremost since they usually ARE when problems will occur IF they do occur. In my case the openings were large enough that a loop of my bowel slipped through and becomed strangulated. It also twisted and folded back on itself. OH JOY JOY ! not!..... Hence my emergency .... So yes it WAS caused by the massive weight loss but it does NOT mean that everyone will have it. Kind of the luck of the draw... but by all means you DO have to be vigilant with your aftercare and stay on your toes and listen to your body so you know what is going on. In my case I went from a pre op BMI of well over 50+ to one that is now normal. I have lost over 170 lbs. since my surgery date of September 23, 2004. Even with going through my ordeals I would do it all over again ! Thank you for thinking of me in my time of need. It really makes my heart smile to know of the kind and caring folks that make up our Missouri board! ((hugs)) Elizabeth~