3+ years and having some issues

hi Maureen

I am no doctor and I don't even play one on tv but the first thought that came into my head when i read your post was gall bladder. I know you will see a doc. i once thought i had gallstones (didn't ) but they do an ultrasound to look for them. I am sure everybody agrees you should see a doc for such changes as it could be any number of things and many not related to wls.  let us know what you find out.

and kudos to you for maintaining so well so long.  tell your secrets!!    diane

Thanks Diane! Yes, I'll definitely go see someone...I actually hate going to the doctor, but I know when something needs tending, and this is definitely a change in "normal."

As to maintaining -- you know, I'm not really sure. I still have excellent restriction. I can't eat much more than I could at 8 or 10 months out. I do get VERY hungry -- every 2-3 hours or so, but I gravitate much more towards protein, carbs don't satisfy the same way. I still have a sweet tooth, but too much sugar makes me feel ill, so that's kind of a natural guardrail. I just feel like now I have a normal person's appetite...if I want chips, I have them. But I'm satisfied with an actual serving, instead of the whole bag. I weigh a few times a week, and if I notice a jump, I cut back. I'm also comfortable at 170 (I;m 5'9) - not trying to maintain a size 2. I eat healthy for the most part, but don't deny myself an indulgence now and then - to me, that feels healthy and right, and it's why I had the surgery...to be normal. Which doesn't mean never thinking about weight or diet. I just try not to overthink it. I know this isn't a recipe for success for everyone, and I'm grateful that this has been my experience. We all have different challenges!

My boyfriend has gained quite a bit since we moved in together (my excellent cooking!) So we're thinking of doing something more formal like South Beach - I've been reading Good Calories, Bad Calories and keeping up with all the recent reports on sugar. Interesting stuff, but I'm convinced none of them know a damn thing.

Thanks again for your response...I'll be sure to share what I learn.

MM

Hi, Maureen, nice to see you...as one who just had surgery a month ago to treat a recurrent hiatal hernia, I have to ask if you've had an upper GI recently? If you have a hiatal hernia, it could explain all these symptoms..and fixing it may also solve the GERD problem (at least I'm hoping so in my case, fingers crossed!) I agree that it could also be a gall bladder attack. I haven't had that problem, but my best friend has. She's noticed that she gets these funny attacks, not always painful, after eating fatty foods, particularly if you haven't been eating them regularly, which you don't.

Let us know what the doc says--fortunately any good gastro should be able to see what's going on, even with the sleeve. Mine could see the hernia--he didn't want to try to fix it  it, but he was able to diagnose the problem.

Lizanne

Please keep us posted.  I have nothing new to offer.  But I do offer support and a sense of caring for a fellow sleever.  Laugh off the rude and crude and don't let it steal your joy.

Janet

As I read your post, I was thinking either hiatal hernia or gall bladder since I had both.  Glad all but one person was respectful in their answers.  Just wanted you to know that I understand your frustration.  You might call a bariatric surgeon in your area and ask if you can transfer to them.  I had my surgery in Kansas City, but after my 1 year surgversary, I transfered to Des Moines, because it's more convenient.  They had no problem taking me.  I still go annually or bi-annually for checkups and just to keep myself accountable.

 Hey Maureen, good to hear from you!  I've had something similar lately and am waiting for a an appointment with a GI specialist.  In the meantime, my PCP has upped my Nexium to 2 a day and after a few days I felt much better.  Let us know how you're doing.

Sorry to hear about your issues Maureen but glad you popped in here.  I remember reading your posts when I was pre-op & still researching VSG.  Hope you get to the bottom of this soon and get some relief.

And very cool how you put that Rude One in their place!!   Typically the VSG boards are very understanding & provide loving support, not rude remarks like that!  Totally out of line!

~Helen~

Maureen - I'd see your PCP first. There are so many things that it could be that are overkill for a gastro. Plus usually PCPs are easier to get to.

The belching and regurgitation could be stomach acid. Maybe sometimes your PPI isn't enough. I sometimes get the belching/regurgitation when I drink too soon after eating too. It seems that the fluid is making whatever is in my stomach overflow into my esophagus. I get the pains sometimes when I have a protein bar or protein drink in the morning and everything is irrated. Probiotics help that.

But I don't get this stuff together just the stomach (instestines actually) pain/bloating or the belching/mini-vomit. Not both.