Question:
Bleeding ulcers - info, not really a question

I am 4+ years post op and have dealt with ulcers since about 6 months out. I've been given loads of half information and even had one removed surgically. I was released from the hosptal a couple of days ago from almost bleeding to death from an ulcer. (I didn't even know mine were bleeding.) However, through all of this, I have finally learned why I have them, what causes them, and sort of how to fix it. I'm posting this as a fair warning of complications from this surgery, I'm sure it's not super common, but it is something that could happen to anyone with the RNY. Aparently the stoma (new stomach exit) when it was created didn't heal perfectly and the area doesn't have terrific blood flow. It's enough to keep the tissues alive, but not enough to heal damaged tissue quickly. Each time I eat something that scrapes this tissue, or don't chew something as thoroghly as I should, it scrapes the tissue and in turn, takes forever to heal. Ulcer. The day before I went to the hospital I ate something that didn't quite sit right, (you know what I'm talking about) I've learned to stop eating right then and there or it just gets worse. Anyhow, by the next day it didn't hurt any more but I felt a little queesy. I never would have know that the ulcer was bleeding except for the fact that my stomach was so full of blood I felt like I had eaten too much and was about to hurl. And hurl I did and immediately rushed to the ER losing nearly a 1/4 of my blood volume. The point of my question/post is that no matter how far out you are, you still are NEVER normal and you must chew chew chew, and pay attention to your body. There are many causes of post-op ulcers, I finally found out what causes mine. I had not even thought of this being the reason, so I thought I would share.    — RebeccaP (posted on January 24, 2006)

January 24, 2006
I too, am 4 yrs post op, and had the same problem last fall, that is I was hospitalized with severe bleeding ulcers-about 4 in my "new" stomach at the same time. I ended up in the hospital for over a week, blood trasfusions, etc.. I never had any pain prior to going to hospital, I had just started fainting, then all of a sudden I could not walk 5 feet without being so out of breath that I thought I was having a heart attack. I was bleeding internally. Never though, was I told that it may have something to do with my Gastric Bypass. They thought maybe I was just using to much Excedrin for my Migraines. Interesting.
   — Barbara W.

January 24, 2006
This is quite interesting. Back in November I was taken to emergency surgery for a perforated ulcer. The way the surgeon explained it to me is that my ulcer was also near the exit, but mine was in the beginning of the intestines. He told me it is like sewing steak and hamburger together. They are not compatable tissue, so a hole (ulcer) could happen at any time.
   — Mini Gadget

January 24, 2006
Rebecca arent you a smoker? Smoking is well known to cause poor blood flow, which you list as a part of the cause of your ulcers. Have you quit smoking altogether? I SUSPECT I have a ulcers:( Burping, intermittent pain and some bloating. I will be 5 years post op in july and this is the first real problem I have had. Thanks for the heads up on chewing real well, that might be part of my trouble. I am eating lightly and will call my doc, on antacids hopefully this will clear up. I hope yours heals permanetely too.
   — bob-haller

January 24, 2006
Bob, I know that you are an avid anti-smoker, but do you realize that every time I post about an ulcer you try to negate my information by talking about smoking? The poor blood flow, as explained by my doctor, is a result of the initial surgery not healing properly (when I did not smoke) and then aggrivated when I had an ulcer removed. (second cut at the stoma to remove an ulcer) Since you are interested about what prevents them from healing, the insanely large amount of coffee that I would consume was the biggest irritant. And yes, I did stop drinking coffee.... as well as smoking. If you feel you have an ulcer, I suggest scheduling an appointment for an endoscopy, don't even bother with the the upper GI. And to everyone, I suggest truly knowing your doctors and leaning as much as you can about what they are doing to your body. Take an anatomy course if you need to. There are many things that were not explained by my surgeon that I am learning now only because my doctor is reading my surgical files. :(
   — RebeccaP

January 24, 2006
Ewww, that sounded really pesimistic and hateful...I don't mean for it to. Eeek.
   — RebeccaP

January 24, 2006
Rebecca, sorry I didnt mean to upset you. You have posted many times about your ulcer problem and them being caused or made worse by smoking. Glad to hear you quit altogether. We are all on this journey together, and I appreciatre your chew chew chew reminder. I myself got addicted to a low cal chocolate drink,perhaps its the root of some of my problems, just like coffee may be part of yours. Again didnt mean to upset you and anyone with a ulcer needs to know they can be caused by smoking
   — bob-haller

January 26, 2006
Thanks for posting your information/chewing/smoking/coffee reminder. I just had RNY on the 23rd and it definitely helps me to read how far you guys are post op and still experiencing different symptoms. What i mean is it's helpfull for me to remember that like Rebecca said, we are never normal again. Thanks for sharing your info. Bob, what is this coffee or chocolate drink you are talking about that you think is causing problems for you and why? thanks again
   — 757728