:help:B1 Thiamine Deficiency--does anyone have this???

My original WLS was 09/04/2002 and emergency revision was 01/17/03. I still cannot eat solids and suffer from vomitting, nausea, lightheadedness/dizzy spells, shakes, and abdominal pain. I have done some research on the web and all my symptoms match symptoms for a B1 Thiamine Deficiency. If you have had this or have this condition, or know of anyone who has or has had this condition, please contact me. I would like to find out more about it. It is caused by severe vomitting post-op...I vomitted from October 2002 through March 2003, and I think I may have this problem.

My dr mentioned the possibility of having a vitamin b deficiency post op, related to the malabsorption caused after removing a portion of the small bowel. You should followup with your Dr and ask about supplemental medication. RK

RK, I have, and because I was vomitting, severely, from October 2002 until March 2003, my current doctor (I NO LONGER SEE THE SURGEON WHO DID MY ORIG. AND REVISION SURGERIES) does think I could be Thiamine deficient. My deficiency is NOT from MALABSORPTION---it is from being nutrient-deficient due to severe vomitting and the inability to keep down solid, liquid, or semi-solid foods. I want to make sure EVERYONE understands this is not a simple malabsorption problem---this is brought on by the original surgeon's lack of experience and knowledge about all complications and health conditions AND TREATMENT OF THESE that occurs when a patient cannot keep down any type of nourishment for several months at a time. I do not mean to be rude, RK, but I wanted to make sure you understood the gravity of my condition and others who have been vomitting from months, dehydrated, and sick walking into their surgeon's office for help and treatment, and then being verbally attacked by the surgeon who, without substantial evidence, accuses the patient of eating foods they shouldn't or eating too much food at one time. I was nauseous and vomitting for months before my surgeon would reconize that I wasn't doing anything to cause it, in fact I was almost completely obstructed. I had to convince my orig. surgeon something was wrong and unfortunately, it took me almost three months to do so, before any treatment or tests were ordered. That is one reason why that surgeon is NO LONGER my doctor. I allowed a substantial amount of time to go by, giving it a chance, giving the doctor a chance to figure it out, and after a year of it, I found an expert in the field who agreed to take me on. And I AM THE BETTER FOR IT!!! I am still sick, but my quality of life has improved.

Yikes! It sounds like you've had a long go of it. I didn't mean to make it sound like it was "simple malabsorption" problem, but based on your first post I thought you could be a new post op and didn't know the experiences you've had. I'm glad to hear you found a dr who takes you seriously. I hope you get to feeling better. RK

Monica, my surgery was 5-12-04, I have had nothing but problems, from pneumonia to infections of the drain line. I have been on antibiotics since 5-12-04. I have terrible shaking in my body, mostly my right hand and leg. My doctor gave me Thiamine shots and this has not helped. I'm still shaking. Good luck!!! Brenda

Question: How much experience did you surgeon have doing RNY's? Was yours open or Lap?

Gus, I was lead to believe that the surgeon had done more surgeries before mine---I thought I was in the double-digit numbers, but in fact, I found out later I was really in the single digits. Monica

Hello Brenda, I am sorry to hear that you are having complications--I will pray for you. Is your doctor giving you Thiamine shots? Or are they B-12 shots? Are you taking a B-complex supplement? If you are severely deficient in Thiamine and other nutrients, has your doctor considered putting you in the hospital for IV fluids and nutrients? I am very interested in you and your symptoms---has your doctor run any tests or procedures to check on your "insides" to make sure everything is healing okay? Please let me know, let all of us know. Please everyone, send up a few prayers for Brenda, right now, as you read this post. She really needs our help. God Bless you Brenda and hang in there!

Hi Brenda! I am pre-op and still debating about even having the surgery. I have no other medical problems other than being overweight. I came to this forum because the folks in my area all seem to have no problems. I just don't believe that this is a "cake walk." Has your doctor discovered the cause of your shaking? Were you healthy prior to the surgery? Knowing what you know now, would you choose to have the surgery again? I hope that you are doing worlds better! Take care and be blessed! Cassandra

I'm curious to know how long your surgeon has been doing WLS's?