Kidney stones

I had my surgery 3 years ago and have successfully taken and kept off all the weight I needed to lose. In August I had a severe case of kidney stones. The stone in my right kidney was so large (6mm) that it completely blocked my kidney and I had to have laser surgery to remove it. The doctor told me stones are common in people who have had bariatric surgery. No one ever told me that! Has anyone else had this issue? I'm now undergoing a metabolic work up to determine what caused the stones to form. I have to tell you, it was the most agonizingly excruciating pain I have ever experienced and I will do anything to prevent it from happening again, but the doctor said it's highly likely to happen again--thus the metabolic work up. I'd love to hear from anyone else who knows about this problem. Thank you!

I have had 2 stones about 10 years apart prior to
WLS surgery. So I guess I'm pre-disposed and have a family history of them. I had a large stone in my right kidney that I had to have lithotripsy to get rid of back in July. I have a few very small stones in both kidneys but nothing on the horizon that would need intervention. My stone was calcium based. Unfortunately, high protein diets and calcium supplements are contraindicated but with WLS there is no other option. Hope you get some answers.

Thank you. I never had any kidney issues of any kind before, so this has been a big surprise. I appreciate your reply.

Make sure you are taking Calcium Citrate and not Calcium Carbonate.  Calcium Carbonate is know to cause kidney stones.  Also the minimum required  daily fluid intake should be 64 ounces.  Many of us have to drink much more than that to stay hydrated and healthy.  I have to drink at least 120 ounces.  Increasing your fluids will help to prevent kidney stones.

Thank you! I know I don't drink enough fluids and plan to do better.

The number one cause for kidney stones is not drinking enough. And while calcium carbonate can cause stones, calcium citrate can actually help.

Most multivitamins have a bunch of calcium carbonate in them. I know a couple of people that make sure they take a multi with no calcium carbonate to help prevent stones.