Severe abdominal bloating for the last 3 years... Why???

Hi friends! I had WLS in Nov of 2010. I got down to 119lb, but am now sporting a healthier 150lb. I've had multiple complications over the last 4.5 years, including  bowel obstruction and hernia repair (emergency surgery-yay), gallbladder removal, two exploratories (one lap and one open), sigmoid colon resection due to a presumed volvus, chronic abdominal pain cited from adhesions which led to having a spinal cord stimulator placed, and more EGD's and CTs than I care to count. Oh and let's not forget the 10 hour small bowel study. That was awesome. It showed that scar tissue had encased my small bowel and confined it to the left side of my abdomen, preventing fluid movement of pretty much anything. Despite all of that, I continue to have SEVERE abdominal bloating to the extreme of looking 8-9 months pregnant. The scans don't show a definitive blockage or ileus-just the trapped air. I have cut ties with my original surgeon for many many reasons, some of which you just read. I have an appt upcoming with a bariatric, colorectal/GI surgical specialist at Wake Forrest Baptist Med Center. I also have the joy of being scheduled for a colonoscopy and EGD again next month. Has anyone experienced any of this??? Particularly the bloating???  There is no timely relation to food, my cycle, or anything I can pinpoint. The only relief is laying on my side for a good two hours to relax the bowel and allow the air to pass. It's excruciatingly painful and meds are useless. Ideas???  Anyone in the same boat?!? I'm truly going mad!

WOW!  You have had a time of it!  I've had a couple follow up surgeries (large hernia) also but nothing like you have had.  I don't have the bloating issue either.  I just wanted to offer words of support.

Hang in there maybe the new doctor has a magic wand for you!

I haven't had any of the issues you're having.  You've really been through the wringer with everything.

I hope your appointment with your new bariatric surgical specialist goes well.  Please let us know how it goes and what the plan is to get you back to normal and feeling well.

Take care!

I get a bad build up of bad bacteria in my intestines.  The only thing that fixes it is a round of Flagyl.  You can then add a good probiotic.  It should take 90-95% of your gas a bloating away.  Granted I'm a DSer, but generally gas and bloating are from eating foods that no longer agree with you or bad bacteria.

HI Crazeru. 

I know this response is a year later but how did they find the bad bacteria in your gut?

is the medicine you took for it by rx only?

thanks