IS THIS SOMETHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?

Hi Everyone! I am new to this board. I had lap rny on January 10, 2005, which makes me 2 years post op. I have never had any problems since my WLS, but a few days ago noticed that I have this awful pain in my lower abdominal area. I normally have regular bowel movements daily, but sometimes tend to become constipated (which I know is not unusual). I am now concerned that I may have a bowel obstruction. The pain is bearable but does not seem normal. By any chance has anyone had a bowel obstruction after having lap rny. May I ask what some of the symptoms are? I would appreciate any help! Have a wonderful weekend! Aloha, Pat

Pat, I have not had an obstruction although twice they've thought I might have one (turned out I'd just irritated Pochetta & something I ate drastically disagreed with me). My advice would be to call your surgeon if you're still having pain and ask him/her about it. You don't want to wait until you're in severe pain when everything becomes an emergency. The ER is not the best place for bariatric patients b/c most folks there are not familiar with our needs & special issues. So if you talk to your surgeon he/she can decide if it something to be concerned about. Hope you're feeling better soon. Keep us posted! Vickie J.

It is too difficult to say. Because you are two-years post-op, you should have a pretty good read on your own body. If you have had previous bouts of constipation, how do they compare? You may want to consider upping your water intake, and see if it might be a hydration question. NowhereMan/PH/Jay

Pat, I had the problem until I finally gave in and talked to my gastroenterologist...he gave me Zelnorm and it helped for a few weeks. After a month on this I dropped it. What did help was taking Fiber Choice, you can buy them at food or drug store, I got the Weight Management Strawberry which are chewable and no sugar. It contains Splenda. Since I have been taking these I am so much better. My problem was so bad I had to use enemas because I was getting nausea and stomach pain. It started 3 weeks after my tummy tuck and trust me I was taking Duciolax nightly and drinking more water than usual to make sure this would NOT happen. The Fiber Choice seemed to smooth it all out for me. I even took extra tablets at night since I don't get much fiber in foods. Hope I was some help.