Try This One ! I Might Be A First !

Without going into total detail at this time, I had my laparoscopic surgery done in early 2002. What was said to take 17 days (Three in the hospital.) for the surgery and recovery period, mine took 55 days with including two admittances. I was in the hospital for a total of 19 days which, 4 were for returns to radiology. From ALL the complications I was diagnosed with three Neurologic Disorders, one of which is Life Altering and possibly Fatal. It is called CENTRAL PONTINE MYELINOLYSIS. Before I go on, I'm very happy for those who come through this Bariatric Process in flying colors. I have lost a 32 year professional career and now I'm on disability. Just finding out if this has happened to someone else in a similar manor would help. If it was possible to chat would be great. Remember, some complications can't be fixed.

CENTRAL PONTINE MYELINOLYSIS What is this and what is it caused by specifically? I'm very sorry to hear that you have lost your job due to this.

This is a disease that has to do with the myelin. The myelin is a sheath of tissue that is in your brainstem. Its purpose is to protect all your nerves in the Central Nervous System that go to all the different areas of your brain. It use to be called the "White Matter Disease." The myelin is also very responsible for the problems in MS and Parkinson's. As stated, this CPM can be transmitted due to complications. I appreciate your concern. J. M.

http://www.drkoop.com/ency/article/000775.htm ''The most common cause of central pontine myelinolysis is a rapid, drastic change in sodium levels in the body. Most commonly, this occurs when someone is being treated for low levels of sodium (hyponatremia) and the levels rise too fast, but it can occasionally occur when high levels of sodium in the body (hypernatremia) are corrected too quickly'' ''Risks include hyponatremia from any cause. Alcoholism, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and general ill health and malnutrition associated with serious illnesses (cachexia) increase the risk of central pontine myelinolysis'' So this could be caused by the malabsorption caused by Gastric Bypass? I really do hope that something is able to be done for you. Laura

My only thought is thiamine deficiency. ~KD