My story is long and drawn out but suffice it to say I was recently told I have acid reflux and I posted about it and a very nice lady told me to look into fistulas and have an EDG done. I was so happy to hear her story because her symptoms sounded so much like what happened to me! I have had an Xray, CT (barium drink and something through an IV) I haven't had an EGD though. I started complaining of pain back in like April and they thought I might have had a blockage. After all the testing showed nothing I dropped it and just recently had an episode at 4:30 am getting choked on stomach bile/acid it was so completely awful! The doctor said that sounds like reflux and put me on Zantac. I am using military docs so it takes a few turns around the carousel to find one who is clued in!  

I was hoping to find out how common fistulas are and any symptoms that accompany them. I gurgle, it actually feels like liquid bubbles back up, kind of like a clogged toilet you have to flu**** a few times and just wait:) I am so frickin gassy it's insane!! I can wake up having NOTHING on my stomach and burp (LOUD) for several hours. I maintained 170-175 for a very long time and since being sent to Virginia I have gained 43lbs!! That's 43lbs in 3 stinking years!!! I was working in an elementary school for that time and busy, busy, busy walking many steps during the day. I took water to work with me and STILL gained weight!! I'm not going to sit here and say I ate perfectly healthy and I'd not be surprised by a 5lb gain or so but 43 lbs???!!!

I am going to call the clinic tomorrow and make an appt for a referral for the EGD and see what happens from there. I'd love to hear any experiences you might have had with this or ANYTHING you know about this. I may very well just have reflux but I just feel like there's something else going on.

I know I am not a graduate but your post came up on the main page of OH. 3 protein shakes does seem like a lot. Can I suggest the Premier Protein Drinks. They sell them all over and I think Costco, BJ's and Sam's has cases that are cheaper. The good thing about them is they are not too high in calories, - 160, 5g carbs, 3g fiber, and 1g sugar and you get 30g protein. One of those a day would boost your protein, has to be much less calories than 3 of Unjury and then as others have suggested eat your protein. And good for you for shouting out for help at 15-18lbs and not letting it get away from you. Good Luck!

Seriously. I was 550 before RNY my dDr says super sized. I lost down to 330 to 295. I did float in that range. Dr said I wouldn't loose more go ahead with skin removal. Plastics Dr said loose 30 more lbs. Got dumped. Was afraid of regain, 6 years out and went back To 8 oz lean meat 3 times a day cut carbs to prevent regain that you always hear about when depressed and lost another 107 and had skin removal. No bigger his loss:) I have pics. Pouch is good if mind is good. We are in control. RNY dDr was supprised. Plastics Dr, who is her hubby was not

Try eating more meat and 3 times a day. Makes you feel fuller longer and your body doesn't feel like you are starving it.

Before surgery I ate for pleasure. i enjoyed food.  I was and still am a taste/pleasure eater. I eat to live now and enjoy walking without pain, no longer being diabetic and tired all the time. I do still eat occationally for pleasure but my body craves meat, stir fried veggies and such. my craving are different.. yes I do allow myself that rediculious pizza once a month or every two months. I don't deny myself anything, I just try to pick something that is a better choice. i love sauce, hot sauce, salsa, seasoning...i eat a lot of it. i do eat out and have steak or chicken grilled. Life has been wonderful. 550 to 235:)