Repair surgery scheduled

I'm almost 19 months out and have had absolutely NO problems until last week.  Started with really bad back pain, stomach cramps, bloating and constipation.  I saw my surgeon today and he's scheduled me for surgery Wednesday.  He'll be removing my gall bladder (found gall stones), plus my bowel is twisted.  I understand that to be called a hernia.  I'm so surprised this has happened...everything has just gone so perfectly.  It's okay though...I know everything will be fine...WLS is so worth whatever trouble may occur.  I'm just a little scared though.  My blood pressure is extremely high and that worries me too.  I'm sure it's from stress and pain. Anyone have advise or just some words of comfort?  My Dr. said I'd have about a week recovery time.  I "bounced back" from WLS much faster and I'm now wondering if this type of recovery is similiar.  I forgot a lot of questions to ask today.  I have my pre-op preparation tomorrow a.m., so I'll ask some more questions.  But anything yall can offer will be much apprecaited. Thanks!

I have heard gallbladder trouble is extremely common with WLS (or any type of rapid weight loss) - some doctors even go ahead and take the gallbladder when doing WLS - mine did not, just hope I do not have trouble, but if I do, oh well, you can certainly live without it....Pain and stress certainly does make your blood pressure go up. Know it is stressful having to have surgery, but you'll feel so much better after - Not a lot of help, but wanted to let you know I would be thinking about you and praying through your surgery and recovery. DeAnna

Hi Lisa... That must feel like such a suckerpunch after more than a year and a half of relative ease... I know gallstones and subsequent gallbladder removal are not at all unusual after significant weightloss, so try not to worry too much - it's a pretty "routine" procedure.  (I had gallstones at the time of my RNY so they took mine out  then - a "twofer!") Though I don't have any experience in the situation you are describing,  I just wanted to wish you the best of health and luck!

Lisa,

Hope that all goes well for you.

Yes, the word is internal hernia.  My surgeon explained it to us at a support group meeting.  He said that rerouting of the intestines puts the intestines at a bit of a different route then before.  As we continue to lose weight... there is more and more room in and around the intestines and it sort of floats around and it can bend over on itself, twist or kink.  Hope that makes sense.

We had a few at our local support group have internal hernias pretty soon after tummy tucks/lower body lifts.  The reason the surgeon said that occurs is because there is less room then before and if the intestine is somewhat bended over on itself... it now is pressed down on itself. Best wishes for a smooth surgery and fast recovery, Kathy

Lisa - I had a trouble free RNY and recovery and then  I had an internal hernia and the pain was unbelivable!!   I thought I was having a heart attack, back spasms and gas all at the same time.  It was almost 2 years from my RNY surgery date (RNY on May 24, 2004 - Hernia repair - May 25, 2006 - TT with BL/BA on May 16, 2007)  May is a good month for me!!! LOL!!!  I had my hernia repair done LAP and was back to work (desk job) in 4 days.  I had no issues at all.  The only pain I had was where the insision lines... everything else was a breeze.   Just take it easy and don't over do it and of course if they do it LAP - walking is a must to get rid of the gas and help with the recovery!   Best of luck to you!  Keep us posted!  Valerie