Pancreatitis in patients after bariatric surgery

Hello

I am hearing more and more of a connection between WLS (any type) and pancreatitis. Just had a friend go through it that lead me to research it. If you google there are several stories out there about it. Have you had issues with pancreatitis after your weight loss surgery?

The newest research I could find on this was from 2014. (Link)

Among a group of bariatric surgery patients, about 1% had pancreatitis, whereas it only happens to 0.017% of the general population. The risk factors they discovered were:

• rapid weight loss after WLS
• gallstones or sludge on post-op ultrasound
• post-op leaks or strictures

I think too our community has to be careful if they factor in alcohol. As we know that causes all kinds of issues

I drink alcohol way too much ... but suffer nothing thank God. I really believe gallstones pancreatitis are related to FAT in our post op diets.

Try to at least cut back, it will catch up to you.

You always bring the best science!!

About 3 years ago I had a bout of pancreatitis. Worst pain ever! I had to go by ambulance to the hospital where I stayed nearly a week. This was about 5 years post op. Never had it before or since, no clue what brought it on.

I hope I never have to experience that again.

I hear it's the worst. So sorry you went through that!

My friend too had to go to the hospital and they pumped her full of fluids to give the pancreas a rest to reduce the inflammation.

I am so scared of pancreatitis based on second hand stories that I couldn't even open this thread to read it without huge anxiety. However, educating ourselves doesn't cause issues and it is good to be informed. Thank you for bringing this up and thank you to the poster who shared the science/studies that we know currently

My friend was told by his doctor if he stops smoking, eat a low fat, high protein diet and stays away from alcohol he should be good. Also, removing the gall bladder may be an option if gall stones were involved. For him it was not...