RNY Complications 5 yrs Post-Op

I've been told that I have a few complications since my surgery in 2008. I am now Hypoglycemic, have an internal hernia and have a gastrogastric fistula (my stomachs have re-attached).

I'm waiting for final tests to be completed and have been to see a surgeon who will fix my problems. Not sure what my options are to fix the fistula.

Has anyone had this problem? What was done to fix it?

I'd appreciate your help. I've gained back 50 of the 150 I lost and feeling very down. The hypoglycemia has me feeling tired, but I'm working on fixing that with diet.

I too have some hypoglycemia issues. I have slowed to a crawl on weight loss. I had a torsoplactcy on this Monday. I am sore as hell. Feel like a ittle baby cause it can barely move at the moment. You didn't get over weight over night. I think the thing is to stop sweating long term goals and just make every day, every meal a priority. Learn what not to eat. It's not easy and not clear.  I have battled this all my life. Stop feeling sorry and take charge.

Thanks for your reply - hope you're feeling better soon.

I'm 5.25 years out and have not have those issues. I hope your surgeon fixes the problem ASAP and that you feel better soon!!

Try not to be so hard on yourself. It will be easier to take better care of yourself after your issues are resolved. I know several people on the RNY board who deal with hypoglycemia. You should ask for help there as far as diet is concerned, if you have not done so already.

I have hypoglycemia. The best thing that works for me is to eat a low glycemic diet and pair the carbs with a protein. Also simple carbs like sugar and white bread are going to hit me alot harder than some winter squash even if the carb count might be about the same. Potatoe**** me as hard as sugar does, which is why low glycemic is important.

Your weight gain may be partially explained by the hypoglycemia, because with unstable blood sugar, you likely have insulin resistance. So your body really really wants to store those carbs because those hypoglycemic episodes are preceded by high blood sugar. I eat as many carbs as my body actually needs for fuel for the day and nothing more. Trial and error has me in a 50-100g range, depending on how much I workout.

I am on a glycemic diet a well. I try to stick with it, but can't help cheating in the evening - I crave cookies then. The rest of the day I'm pretty good about following the diet. Waiting to get the revision and hernia surgery is stressing me - hence the problem with sticking with the diet.

There are 2 things: Hypoglycemia and RH - reactive hypoglycemia. 

RH - as the name implies only happen after you eat food that are full of carbs or sugar and the rapid sugar spike may cause your body to make too much insulin, and that would cause the low blood sugar. 1-3 hrs after a meal. 

Hypoglycemia is when the body can't maintain stable blood sugar due to insulinoma (too much insulin secretion) or if your hormones are out of whack. (Addison, adrenal insufficiency, etc) Also Hypoglycemia may happen in people who are extremely malnourished and there are no reserves. 

I had both- RH and simple Hypoglycemia due to adrenal issues. Once I was properly tested and diagnosed and I was put on replacement steroids - now I only deal with RH - and that can be very easily controlled with diet.   I have to make sure that my meals are proteins+ fat + some carbs. Some carbs - like starchy carbs- create the most issue for me and I had to eliminate them. I eat nuts, meats, eggs, dairy (low sugar) and non starchy veggies... I also can have some low glycemic fruits (mostly berries)  as long as I pair them with fat and proteins (whipped cream, cottage cheese... )

I had a few hernias and a few surgeries to fix that. Not big deal - and I hope you feel better after that.  

As for the fistula - that together with the RH may be a reason you gained weight.. Hope they can fix that soon. 

Question - how did you know you have gastrogastric fistula?  What were the signs/symptoms?

Hala gave a very good overview of RH and Hypoglycemia.  I have RH and control it the same way she does.  

 

I found out about the fistula when I had a CT Scan looking for reasons for abdominal pain. Was looking for internal hernia and also reason for weight gain. That's when they found the fistula and that the dye was draining from my pouch into my old stomach. The major reason for the pain is the hernia - the weight gain is mainly due to the fistula and hypoglycemia.

Fistulas are not a common complications, although one that does happen.  To correct this a revision is usually done.  I concur that the regain is very possibly related to both the fistula and RH.  Sorry you are going through this, please let us know what you decide to do.