HELP!! The weight has crept back up

Dear friends,

I had MGB in February 2008.  I lost a lot of weight and at my lowest was 164lbs.  2 years ago I had gain weight and my body seemed to be content between 180 - 184.  Suddenly, I'm at 207!!!  I'm SO depressed.  I feel like a complete failure and angry that I have had SO MANY complications after MGB and there is nothing I can do about it.  Since day one I've had a lot of stomach pain, everything I eat makes me feel bloated to the point that I can't breathe.  If not, food goes right through me.  I have constant trips to the bathroom and whenever I begin to eat I have to use the toilet even before I'm done eating.  The worst part of all this is that I smell like something is rotting inside of me.  Pardon me for being so candid but my trips to the toilet are extremely upsetting as I can't even stand myself.  I'm afraid of going to the bathroom in public and constantly seek out places where there may be private toilet room, I even make little sticky notes to put on the door saying "out of service" because I'm so embarrased about the smell.  Nevermind having any form of intimacy with anyone.  I can't pass a gas without it lingering on my clothing.  Its so gross!!!  I don't know what to do.  I REGRET having made the decision to have that surgery and while doctors in Canada tell me that the surgery was done incorrectly, NO ONE is willing to fix it for fear of liability.  I was told by my MD that basically I will need to end up in emergency due to this issue before anyone will even look at my situation.  I won't lie to you, I've had some real lows.  I've contemplated suicide at times because I feel so helpless.  I had this surgery in hopes of bettering my life and all its done is created physical discomforts and loneliness.  Who would want to be with and overweight, rotten smelling woman???

Any advice?

Helpless in Toronto

Hi there,

I am so sorry you are having all these issues.  I think my first plan would be to have an endoscopy to make SURE everything is alright in there.  I don't know much about Canada and how they do that there but that would be my first choice.  If the surgeon who did your surgery is still around, I would also be a very "squeaky wheel" and demand that he refer you to a gastrointestinal surgeon for the procedure.  Surgeons hate admit their mistakes but we as the victims need to have a voice.  So, tune up your voice and start making some more noise!  You need to advocate for yourself and do it in a strong voice.  They aren't the ones suffering, you are.

Other things you can look at is your food choices.  There are certain veggies that can cause gas.  If you eat dairy, you may have developed an intolerance to lactose and that can cause gas.  So my guess would be a nutritionist who can help you with food choices that may calm your tummy and bowels.

Lastly, I would think about seeing a Life Coach.  He/she can help you with the stresses and provide you helpful tools to use while you work to get healthy.

I hope these help.  I don't have all the answers but just a few suggestions.  It's time to be heard.

 

Thank you Shoutjoy.  I appreciate your support.  I have done an Endoscopy and several other tests here in Toronto.  Both specialists I saw confirm there is something wrong; however, both have stated they're not in a position to rectify this issue.  One recommended doing a lapband but it left me wondering exactly how that would help me with the discomforts.  There is a system here called the NETWORK.  Basically, your MD has to refer you to this NETWORK in order for you to have weight loss surgery but I don't feel my doctor is listening. Its not about weight loss right now, its about addressing the discomforts and the issue I'm having on account of the MGB.  I contacted the surgeon in the USA and his network and they all suggest I give up gluten, carbs, mold my diet but essentially have stated that unless I have money to "re-do" the surgery or "reverse" the surgery, they can't help me otherwise.  A) I don't have $17,000 plus and B) I would not trust the same  surgeon to do anything to me after this situation.  

I will keep seeking medical care from whomever is willing to listen until this is rectifiied.  Until then, I will see a nutritionist as you have suggested.

 

Question..can you get a copy of your tests reports and fax them over to Dr. Rutledge?  He is the commander and chief of this surgery.  He may have some advice for you.  Go to http://clos.net and call his office, cell or however you can get in contact with him.

I stumbled on your post and it sounds strangely like my mother's situation.  She had a standard bypass done in the late 70's.  She had great success with weight loss, and has maintained it all these years.

BUT - when she had the bypass done, it basically "unearthed" other health issues that were lingering - and with the "kick to the system" that a bypass tends to do, those other issues began to be a problem - with the #1 being Crohn's Disease.  It was a blessing that she had been through the bypass in that it enabled the surgeons to find the other problem.

BUT - one symptom she still has to deal with to this day (though slightly less severe) is the same symptoms you describe - massive bloating (or feeling of such), horrendous gas, and bowel movements that are extremely offensive.  

What she has discovered over the years is that there are several factors causing her issues - one is some basically "blind" pockets in her bowel (as a result the bypass, scar tissue/adhesions, and the surgery for Crohn's).  What has helped somewhat is that she has been able to determine, through trial and error, that there are several foods that cause the majority of these issues for her.  If she sticks to a very strict diet that avoids the most troubling foods, her symptoms are reduced dramatically.  She has found a "balance" where she tolerates some of the symptoms to have the foods she most wants.  But she does it knowing what the results will be and plans accordingly.

I pray you can get some relief - whether through the hands of a surgeon, diet, or the Lord's hand.

You are not alone. I have the same problem with gas and bowel movements. The orders are bad, but I use Bath and Body Works room sprays. They are concentrated. I carry one in my pocketbook, one in my desk and medicine cabinet. I had bowel obstruction surgery five yrs ago. Mine husband and I are separated for this ussue being one if the reasons. The children keeps me busy and church. Suicide is not an option. Do you hear me? God is able. He took you through the surgery. It's going to be okay. Get support. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. God will never leave you nor forsake you. Ask Him for help. He will direct you in the right direction. Change your diet to vegan. That means to also be gluten, lactose, egg, sugar free. Breads, pasta, dairy and sugar will make you sick and cause diarrhea. God bless.