Question:
Kidney stones after RNY Gastric Bypass

I have been having REALLY severe pain in my left back (flank area) for over 2 weeks... It finally got bad enough that I called my primary care doc and they believe it's kidney stones from all of my symptoms. I know it's the most intense pain I've ever had :(. The doctor called in pain meds for me and told me to drink, drink, drink to try to flush it out. Just wondering if anyone has been in this situation. I am a 3 and 1/2 months post op.    — Clumsybarbie (posted on November 30, 2010)

November 30, 2010
I had the exact same issue's as you at around the same timeframe. I actually have passed 5-6 stones and I am 9 months post op. I struggle with getting my fluids in, but I try try try as that was the worst pain I have ever been in. They say drinking a ton of water is best.
   — bigb44

November 30, 2010
I feel for you. Been through that myself. i am 3 years out and have had about 6 or 7 attacks. One time the stone was so big i couldn't pass it and ended up in the hospital so it could be blasted. I was told after rny alot of people go through it. I thought at first it was because of the high calcium, which is a main cause of stones, but mine was high ocilate level. I am now monitored every 6 months by having an xray and kidney ultra sound. Hope you feel better soon.
   — Darlene G.

December 1, 2010
Hi I totally know what you are going through. I am actually having surgery today at 2 for kidney stones. It is the most excruciating pain ever. I was once told it is worse than child birth, I laughed at the person telling me this (it was a man)! I now totally agree with him I have given birth 3 times and none were as painful as this. Anyway, you may want to go to a urologist. My urologist says that it happens a LOT in bariatric surgery patients and usually in bariatric patients it means we are not getting enough calcium! (I thought I was getting too much) He has upped my calcium citrate (said don't even bother taking calcium carbonate because it won't help at all) to 2000 mg per day and may up it even more if things don't improve. Good luck, drink all your water and if the pain gets really bad go to the ER, they will give you an IV and really good pain meds to get the pain under control. They can also do a CT scan to see how big your stones are to determine if they are too big to come out without help. Hang in there, I totally understand and feel your pain!
   — brindledanes