Help !!!!! After surgery question

I am a little leary now and would like to be prepared so please be honest.  I think being prepared will ease some of the fear. I have not heard of this before.

Has anyone thrown up blood after surgery or had depleted potassium levels?
How often does it occur. I know I should consult my DR..  My surgery is not till November 3rd.
THis was never discussed and I heard about it from someone else. 

Thanks for any info.

i don't know what the answer is. i can tell you w/ my RNY, I had it on a Friday, and was home on Sunday. Sunday nite was my last pain med dose. That Wed was a support group meeting, and I drove myself.

My wife had a bit more pain, but within 1 week it was pretty much gone.

neither of us threw up blood or had the potassium issue.

I had RNY and had neither one of those problems ...My only issue was I got sick because my body would not release the gas from surgery once that little issue broke things were smooth sailing.

I had surgery 3 weeks ago and other than being queezy the first 24 hours, courtesy of the anesthesia I had no pain. My cheif complaint was just being really tired. It's getting better, but I still could use a nap daily if I didnt have to go back to work a few days ago.

As for the vomitting blood - i would say that would fall under the "complication" category and NOT a good thing. I persoanlly have not run across anyone who had that complication since I started researching RNY 2 years ago. But yes complications can happen in any surgery.

The potassium thing - well I'm no expert, but yes RNY will cause certain vitamin and mineral deficiences and you will be on vitamins and supplements for the rest of your skinny life.

Good luck.

JoAnn,

No blood thrown up but my potassium dropped dangerously low and I was put on a RX potassium (not slow K) twice a day.  I have remained on it for about 2 years and my get my blood work done every 3 months as I don't want any surprises.


I take all the required vits and mins. as well as many more.  If after surgery you throw up blood do not hesitate and go to the ER.  Schedule your blood work for about 3 weeks post op and then again at 3 months.  Discuss at that point with your surgeon how many times thereafter.


Please PM if you have any other questions.


Jeanne

I have not vomited at all since my RNY over two years ago.  My B12 levels are low, so I get a shot regularly.  All my other levels are great, and I know of nobody that has had issues concerning potassium being low.

Each person has their own issues post-op.  Few, that I know, have had complications, such as vomiting blood.  I was aware of the risks, and just trusted my God, and my surgeon, to see me through to a succsessful recovery.

Good luck.

Hugs,
Trish

Hi...
unsure about the potassium.  Also kind of unsure about the blood, though I can't imagine that being normal.  However, when you have your 1st couple of bowel movements post-op, your stool may look odd... kinda dark... this may be due to the little bit of blood from the actual surgical procedure passing through your system (normal).

A good friend of mine did vomit blood within 12 hours of surgery.  She was not bleeding internally, rather, it was "left over blood" from the surgical procedure itself.  That being said - she is the only one I have heard of recently - it was a one time deal - and required no intervention after the vomiting.

You are at risk for drop in potassium, b vitamins, among many many others including anemia and what not.  That is why it is vital to A)  Take your vitamins and B) Get your labs checked as ordered by the doc.

Hope this helps.  You need to be confident in your surgeon and you need to be able to have a good relationship and follow up relationship with them.  I firmly believe this is a corner stone of succes.

Ask anything else!

Pam

its normal to worry about the what if's after surgery, i'm sure you'll do great

as for you questions,   i never threw up blood or in general. still have not vomited yet, just foamies when eat to fast,

i had my labs done for 3m appointment and my potassium levels were low,  dr. p put me on Rx for 2wks,  you will get routine blood work done as per the drs schedule and i'm sure if something wrong they will check more often.    my folic acid was also low, just took over the counter pills for that.     just always take what they want you to take to maintain safe levels

you'll do great

Thank you all for your input.  It helps ease the mind.  Like I said I 'd like to be prepared and not get a panic attack in the hospital.  I have to do this for me.  I wish I could tune out the negatives.
Seems everyone knows someone who had this or that happen to.  I need to stop listening and go with the heart.  The good out weighs the bad.

Onve again thank you everyone.   Being new on the board I am very greatful you all took time to ease my mind.

JoAnn,