Question:
I am almost 5 months out and had exploritory surgery last Monday......

So I had lost 70 pounds, but was having pain my left side under my rib cage. It was sharp and shooting at times and just annoying at other times. It began to be particularly uncomfortable after I would eat. Anyway, after a CT scan my surgeon scheduled diagnostic lap. where he was expecting to find adhesions. During the surgery he found 4 adhesions and also my candy cane had elongated itself while healing. He fixed the adhesions and shortened the candy cane again. I was in the hospital for one day and discharged and could resume life with only a limitation of lifting heavy things. Here I am almost 2 weeks post op and i have a pinching pain on my left side (kind of the same location) and my old stomach is gurgling a lot. I am also able to eat a lot less than prior to the surgery (not that this is a problem...I am happy with this). Has any one had a similar surgery....how long did it take to feel like your old self? I have a follow up next Wednesday with my surgeon, but am a teacher and return to work on Monday. I am concerned about my return and that all of this is normal. I thought it wasn't supposed to be a big deal...I have taken all of my pain meds and am not necessarily in pain, but uncomfortable a lot of the time.    — Amy Smith (posted on January 1, 2010)

January 1, 2010
What on earth is a "candy cane"??
   — Erica Alikchihoo

January 1, 2010
I have to echo Erica, what on Earth is a candy cane? If you once have adhesions, you are likely to have others. They are painful, but not dangerous unless they rip and perforate your intestines. You do realize that the gastric bypass is a major surgery, and as such IS a big deal. Take it seriously and do exactly as the doctor tells you.
   — Dusty Ray Vaughn

January 1, 2010
sounds like the surgery was to "fix and repair" that means u'r recovery will proberly be very similar to the original recovery .The cutting and stitching inside is just the same,but in a slightly different place.one of the reasons Adhesions can form is when we don't give enough time to heal before we resume our "normal"life style.You just had major surgery again and the anesethic takes time to leave your body.If u r concerned a call to the surgeon might be in order
   — Bette Drecktrah

January 1, 2010
I wouldn't wait until your follow up on Wednesday, call your doctor and let him know what's going on. He might just say it's normal during the healing process, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Good luck!
   — jeannefitz

January 1, 2010
The candy cane is where the small intestines connects to the new pouch. The hook of it looks like a candy cane. Thanks for the advice. I know that gastric bypass is a major surgery, but this was outpatient so I really expected to bounce back quite quickly. Thanks for the advice.
   — Amy Smith

January 2, 2010
It's my understanding that the candy cane is the "y" in the RNY procedure, as noted in the other posts the connection (pouch and intestine).
   — [Deactivated Member]