1-800-ASK-A-VET (Ask anything thread...)

Can I kick your butt too.  Ok you know better .  Regain, bouceback ~ whatever you want to call it happens very, very frequently.  You've been through surgery recently that hasn't allowed you the freedom to move like you normally do.

You ARE below goal, right, right?  Yep, just relax and make your good choices as you have been chica.

I know.... I KNOW I just get a little flipped out.

The funny thing is that I really need to weigh MORE but I've given that up as impossible to deal with mentally

What IS nice is the ability to walk almost like my old self each day at work..... I'm getting back to the stamina I had pre-op and I know that this will firm up my flabby muscles and help me to feel better.

 I have a question. it is about BMs.

My stool is green. I read that this could happen when taking an iron supplement. Well actually I read a lot... it could be due to eating too much greens, adding iron, some other stuff thats not a problems that I cannot remember, or if it persists, it could be a serious issue that I should talk to my doctor about.

Since I recently added an iron supplement to my vitamins, I am guessing this is the case. I read that it should go away after my body gets use to the iron level. Has anyone else every experienced this.

Also, I am totally and utterly consitapated. I am having back problems and on pain medication. I have been consistantly taking pain medication for about 2 to 3 weeks now. I have tried fiber capsuls (so I didn't have to drink that fiber stuff in my water) and they made my stool turn from hard, solid balls to a thick, clay like stool that is even harder to pass. Today I was in such pain that I used an enemia and well that didn't do too much. Yes, I went, but not nearly the amount that I expected might come out. I have also taken a stool softener with laxative that my mother gave me this morning. 

For today, I won't do anything else and see if what I have done helps. I think it would be crazy to add something new in today. After all, I don't need the opposite problem of loose stools going on either. But, if I still have issues tomorrow what do you suggest I try? Or what works for you?

A third question: Has anyone had back pain due to their weight loss? I stated out with lower back pain about a month ago. Sitting down or over the counter pain meds would relieve the pain. Now for the last 2 or 3 weeks (I have lost track of time here), nothing seems to help much. I am on loratab and flexeril. I was taking percocet at one point, but my doctor won't prescribe that anymore. Also, the doctors have put me on some NSAIDs for anti inflamatory effects. I spoke to my surgeon about this and he says if it is medically nessessary to take it, but as I have been having some vomiting issues, he will be doing an EDG in a week and a day, so I can't take the NSAIDs until after then anyway. And he says depending on what he finds, he may suggest me cutting them out entirely. Now my pain shoots from my tail bone to mid back and sometimes all the way up to my neck. It has been suggested that I am having muscle spasms, a pinch nerve, and bulging disk and who knows what else. I have had a ct scan, and xrays. The doctors arn't ready yet to order an mri. They are thinking of sending me to pain managment (which I would love). Being in pain 24/7 is not cool. Also, not working is not cool. I am broke. Has anyone experience back pain like this after WLS? Some doctors think the pain coudl all me due to my surgery, or partailly due to my surgery. But it really seems like at this point they know nothing. Frustraiting.

Sorry this was so long. I just wanted to include what I have tried and give as much detail so you may better be able to understand to give your advice or experience. Thanks!

I can only speak on your first two questions.

Green stool - it is worth mentioning at your next doctor appointment. I don't think there really is, for us, such a thing as too much greens so long as we are getting in our protein. BUT

In conjunction with constipation, you might want to give a call into the office. That's what they are there for. In the beginning when I got constipated it was because I was under eating. Food pushes food through the digestive system. I didn't have enough in the pipeline. But I would at least call and ask someone about those two things.

 I will mention this to my doctor. I saw my surgeon last week and I think I was too overwhelmed by pain (his office is about an hour away from my home) from the long trip and also by the thought of another EDG to think about everything to mention to him. I should make myself a list.

I also will be seeing my PCP this week and will mention it to him as well. 

As for that enema I took, it seems to have caused more gas than anything. I have felt somewhat better after passing some of this gas. I have found ti hard to pass gas latly, so at least that is some relief for me.

I also think it could be entirely possible that I can backed up due to not eating enough. The pain meds and me just do not get along. I have to time it properly when I eat, so that I do not take the pain medication on an empty stomach and feel ill and not take it at a bad time and end up vomiting.  I am generally not eating meals right now. I am eating small amounts around the pain medication trying not to have that upset me. So this could be part of the issue. 

I will be seeking medical attention. I know none of us here are proffessionals and since no one here has seemed to experienace what I am, I do see the importance to speak with a medical proffessional. (I'm a bit fed up with doctor appointments these days... thats all I do, but I am not one to leave a problem unmentioned). 

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

Pain pills will cause constipation. I had very serious back issues (severe spinal stenosis, congenial spine defect, bulging discs etc.) before surgery. Now that I've lost over 100lbs my pain level is way down! I still have pain, but not nearly as bad as before. I cannot comment on the green stools. My poop only turned green after eating captain crunch just berries, and it was from the dye in the food.

Wow... three strikes for me!  I have not had persistent green stools (and don't take iron supplements) and don't know anyone who has, do not have chronic problems with constipation (I just take Benefiber once a day), and have not had (or personally known anyone) with back pain after RNY.

Hope someone else can help!

Lora

 I just wanted to say that I appriciate your reply, even though you haven't had this experience. It is at least comforting that you replied and I don't feel ignored or whatever. I hope this sounds kind (I'm not meaning it in a rude or sarcastic way, although I know what I write comes off like that sometimes). 

Thanks again!

Thanks.  No, it doesn;t sound rude at all.  I know what you mean... sometimes even if no one has any suggestions/help to offer, it is nice to know that someone took the time to read a post and cared enough to respond.

Lora

What kind of iron are you taking?