Surgeon Won't Help

I've had a very rough road and I don't know what to do. My gastric sleeve in 2013 went well at first, good recovery and weight loss, but in addition to longstanding reflux I started having additional problems in August 2016 and to make a long story short I had a revision to RNY on March 21, 2017. I progressed and was "eating" but developed nausea around April 1st and it's been downhill from there.

I have agonizing pain in the left upper quadrant. I have constant nausea that can't be relieved. I'm not eating or drinking anything thicker than milk. I did an overnight in the hospital April 6 and was given 2 units of blood but was told that a CT scan "wasn't that bad." I've been to the ER twice more and my general practitioner twice more and called the surgeon several times. At the ER April 12 I had another CT, which I was also told "wasn't that bad."

Well, after being up all night because of pain, I finally was able to get the CT scans online. Both of them show dilation in the afferent loop, which the second one specifically mentions is persistent and worse. After googling (yeah, I know this can't always be trusted) this could be serious. I'm at the point of having someone drive me to a major city with the CT reports. The surgeon who isn't helping is the only guy in this town.

Anyway, thanks for reading.

Take the report to your PCP. I would consider going to another bariatric surgeon or a GI specialist.

I am wishing you the best. You need a second d opinion from bariatric surgeon, good luck.

Did you have acid reflux prior to the sleeve?

Is it gas? I was having a lot of pain too after my VSG, and have realized its just gas pain getting stuck in my colon. My doctor (PCP + assistant to my bariatric surgeon) told me it was gas but I scoffed it off. I've now realized they're right. I eat too fast... too big of bites. It happens in the upper left quadrant where the transverse colon goes sideways and lifts. Right on your side under rib cage.

If it hurts, I notice that within a few hours I end up with some fart action going on as its moved thru my tract.

Hopefully its just that and nothing serious. I know its seriously uncomfortable at times, to where I just want to go home and lie down.

I wouldn't hesitate to see another surgeon in a larger city/major hospital.

You know your own body, and I trust that you know if something isn't right. The amount of pain you are describing isn't typical -- and if the dilation is worsening, you've a right to know why or at least, be given some indication of when this will stop/heal. Additionally, it is atypical to need blood units after surgery -- and the fact they've admitted you one is concerning as well. Revisions are much trickier than virgin-surgeries.

Whatever the case may be, even if it turns out to be nothing, it's YOUR body and YOUR health and YOU have a right to get answers.

Again, I would not hesitate for a moment to get a second opinion from an actual surgeon -- preferably a bariatric surgeon in a Center of Excellence.

I agree with Kat. It certainly warrants further investigation with another bariatric surgeon. Of particular note is the need for blood and the comments that the CT result 'wasn't that bad'. I am uncertain what that means, but it sounds as if further imaging would also be good. Excruciating pain is also a serious sign.

I am sorry to hear this is happening and also that your surgeon isn't responsive. Please seek further help and keep us posted.

I'm a band to bypass revision and never had that type of pain. I would take the CT results and go to a bigger hospital.

Why did they give you 2 units of blood? That seems a bit odd if nothing serious is going on.

I wonder if you have a bleeding ulcer or leak both can be life threatening.

How was your drinking before you developed nausea?

Definitely get a second opinion ASAP.

I agree with those above. It sounds like a good thing your surgeon won't help. I would find a better surgeon and get another opinion. Find the best you can, and make sure they have lots of experience with revisions.

Bring your CT scans, go in to the city to a well known hospital. Tell them to explain what "not that bad" means and let them know you're still in pain. Good luck.

Definitely go get a second opinion! Do what you have to do to take care of yourself.