Had an Upper GI that showed a fistula.... 22 months post-op... what now?
I've read through all of the posts regarding fistulas in the library, but one thing I haven't noticed is anyone not gaining weight after they discovered that they have a fistula. For those that do not know, a fistula is a tube that grows between one organ and another. I have had a fistula grow between my pouch and my old stomach. I had the Upper GI because I was having severe pain and bloating, that hurt so bad that I could barely stand up for 6-8 hours at a time (about twice per month). As I was having the test, it was obvious that a small amount of barium was going into the old stomach. According to my doctor, I am transected, so before now, I never thought that this was possible. So far, I have gained no weight, and the only problem is the periodic pain that I am experiencing. My surgeon doesn't seem to think that my pain has anything to do with the fistula, but according to all that I have read, my people develop ulcers in the pouch due to stomach acid coming up through the fistula and irritating the pouch. I know that there are medicines that they can give you to elevate ulcer pain, but if there is a chance of weight gain associated with the fistula, I am really scared. Has anyone lived with a fistula and now experienced weight gain? I hate the thought of another surgery, especially since I have already been through an RNY and abdominoplasty in the past 22 months. If it is necessary, I will do it, but it is still a little scary. It is weird that the body will try SO hard to normalize that it GROWS a tube to the old stomach. Anyone have any input?
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