Ugh, Ulcers?

Met with the surgeon today. My gall bladder looks fine according to the US. Now I have to have an edoscopy on the 9th because he believes that some ulcers I was diagnosed with back in 2004 are the culprits. He thinks it may be the H-pylori that was never properly diagnosed and never treated. I am hoping it is as simple as that. If it ISN'T H-pylori causing ulcers, he says he'd rather do the lap-band instead of Roux-en-y. This would be sad news for me because he and I both agree that I am more suited to the Roux-en-y procedure. The good news is that he believes I will be in for surgery within the next month to month and a half! That would truly be a great thing. (I'd like to be well on my way by the time Spring/Summer get here.) Any feedback about ulcers would be appreciated! -Karen

Karem I was in the hospital for 5 days last month with A bleeding ulcer on my pouch I did't know I had it untill I passed out and fell They had to give me 4 units of blood and they put me on nexium feeling better now.Hope things work out for you best of luck Michael

Karen, Good luck on your test coming up. If you've never had this done, it's quick and painless. They sedate you, and down the hatch goes the scope. I've read that ulcers can be caused by anti inflammatory drugs as well. This past August, I had an ulcer much like Micheal, no warning, lost a lot of blood, and treated with meds. Please keep us posted. Doug

Geesh...you guys are scaring me! I am glad to hear you are both doing well after the bleeding ulcers. Yeah, I switched to Tylenol back when I heard about NSAIDS contributing to ulcers. I quit smoking over a year ago for the same reason. I do drink a lot of caffine...my next drug to quit. I am just really hoping this is the simple H-pylori thing and that my last doctor missed it. I am wondering something...do either of you guys smoke or drink caffine? Thanks! -Karen

Karen, Don't be scared. From what I have been told by others, you usually have plenty of warning before something like this happens. I don't think my experience was typical, instead of pain, I had a tightness that would settle down after eating or drinking something, but only temporary. A good bariatric Dr. may have picked up on this if I had called. So I have some responsibility in this. Add some stress, a few cups of coffee, (a no no) and it's a good setting for some trouble. The good part was that no blood transfusion was needed, but my counts were bad for a while, and the ulcer was treated with meds. So just listen to your body, it won't always scream at you, it might whisper. Good luck, Doug