Surgery 4 years ago and Im lucky to be alive but still sick :(

Wow alot has changed on this site!! I haven't been on here for awhile but i had RNY four years ago. Two years ago i became sick and went to Dr after Dr and test after test to keep hearing I am fine. However I was in pain and vomiting every time I ate. ... no it didn't matter what it was or how healthy I ate. I just got out of ICU and when my husband took me carrying me in hospital my hemoglobin was 3.1. I had many blood transfusion and vitamins by IV. Anyways I have ulcer in the remnant part of my stomach that almost cost my life because Dr can't see that part by scoping. I'm on medication and praying it does its job otherwise I will have to have surgery.  Has anyone else experienced this and what happens during surgery and after?  I live in Kansas and around me the care is terrible so also worried about a good surgeon to do the surgery if it comes to that. I want to be prepared in case. 

 

Than to others just be very careful and if you don't feel well stay on Dr. The Dr tried to tell me since all test were normal that this is how life would be with RNY. I wish I could say I still love the surgery but I don't. I have never been so sick and I can't work. I am under weight now but I DO NOT look healthy. I was told be all staff at hospital I was lucky to be alive.  I almost didn't even go just because all the other times I was told I am fine.  It was sad that I almost died before the hospital and staff treated me completely different.

I am so sorry you have been so sick and no one would listen to you. I'm so glad you are getting some help now. Please keep us posted if you are able. It's really scary to even hear of this happening.

Thank you.  I just got lucky and don't want this to ever happen to anyone else.  So if someone else is sick and they can't find the problem that old stomach may be to blame. 

Thank you for posting this.   You are the perfect example of why we need to get bloods taken when we feel unwell.    I can't imagine what your ferritin level is if your Hb is 3.1 

We vets are always telling people to get their lab results in writing and check for trends - if your blood levels are falling, it needs to be investigated by a specialist (haemotologist) and treated.   No one should be left with your symptoms!

I hope you are able to get this sorted ASAP!

Actually 6 weeks prior to this my number was 12.5. But yes absolutely we have to be in control of our own health. I became so depressed from being sick and all doctors seemed to look at me like it was all in my head or "well that's what weight loss surgery would do to you. " I still am having issues but going to give the medicine some time to work but not to long at all. I have to go into the hospital every day for iron and to check my blood which is at 9.2 so I am getting there. I knew I was sick but didn't realize how bad it was until all the nurses and doctors rushed in saying I needed blood fast. So I got rid of my old Dr and found a good GI doctor that treated me in hospital but now need a surgeon.  My blood work did not show anything at the end of May than by July 7 is when I went into ICU.

What part of the world are you living in?  I know a great gastroenterologist who did my RNY, and he also works with other patients.  He's in CA, practiced at Stanford Medical before going into private practice in Monterey, CA.  If you'd like his name, I'd be happy to give it.

Edit:  I just reread your earlier post and you live in Kansas;  good luck finding a good GI surgeon.  I know there are more around.

I am so sorry about your experience and so glad that you have now found a solution.



I have the VSG and don't really know a lot about RNY ... could I ask why surgeons don't remove the remnant stomach during the RNY since it is not functional any longer? I am only wondering.

Edited for clarification.

I don't know but I wish that they just removed it. I was unaware that ulcers could get to that part. Weird thing to is I saw my surgeon who did my surgery while being sick. You would of thought that him of all people would of suspected this. 

Thank you for the important reminder to take control of our health!  My surgeon told me that any time I have any problem after surgery I should see him first, before any other specialist.  He said that chances are, whatever it is, is related to my surgery, and it would be best for him to check first since he knows my history best.  Between him and your story, I'm definitely going to keep these things in mind!  Thank you!