Anyone heard of this?

So a good friend of mine is 18 months post op RNY and today is in the hospital with a small bowel "twist". She was in horrible stabbing pain the last 4-5 days went to the ER was admitted and they had a very hard time figuring out this was the problem. At some point today she'll have laproscopy to fix this issue. Anyone heard of this? How does it happen? Especially 18 months after surgery.... Any input is appreciated... Renee

Renee, I just did a quick search and this is what I found on one of the med sites... hope this helps answer your question.... ********************************************** Background: A small-bowel obstruction (SBO) is caused by a variety of pathologic processes. The leading cause of SBO in developed countries is postoperative adhesions (60%) followed by malignancy, Crohn disease, and hernias, although some studies have reported Crohn disease as a greater etiologic factor than neoplasia. Surgeries most closely associated with SBO are appendectomy, colorectal surgery, and gynecologic and upper gastrointestinal (GI) procedures. One study from Canada reports a higher frequency of SBO after colorectal surgery, followed by gynecologic surgery, hernia repair, and appendectomy. Lower abdominal and pelvic surgeries lead to obstruction more often than upper GI surgeries. *********************************************** My sister had this happen after she had my nephew by c-section.. I think he was close to a year old or possibly just over a year old when it happened to her... Lori

Yes, I've heard of it... even from people who are years out of surgery... it's a possible risk. I had an obstruction right after surgery.... not good at all! I'm scared to death that it will happen again, as it has for your friend. I hope she's OK!!! Traci

Renee, I have quite a few bowel obstructions from various reasons. It is a complication that can happen after any adominal surgery. A twist/kink in the intestine is probably from the rapid weight loss and the intestines ( I am assuming the roux limb) twisted b/c of the amount of room in the abdominal cavity after the weight loss.(This is also another reason why internal herinas happen.) They probably just want to untwist the limb today before it starts to lose its blood supply and then she would need that intestine removed. If you have herinas/obstruction, oh boy do you know it. Like you said horrible stabbing pains. This type of problems can happen anytime even that far out. I wish your friend nothing but the best and hoping they can fix her up soon. Take care.

Renee, Like Tavia and the others said, this is more common with us gastric bypass people! Just another thing we have to watch for, there is not time limit as well so we have to just hope that it does not happen but know that it is something that can! I wish only the best for your friend! send my thoughts and prayer for a speedy recovery! Debra P

Thanks all for the quick feedback! This is pretty much what she and I were guessing at... she'll be glad to get through this, it's been a rough road for her. Thanks for all your prayers as well! Renee