Question:
what to do?

every one tell me that I am losing the weight but I know that the scales says different and I am at a big time PLATEAU.Yes, I am discourage. I too look in the mirror and see that same fat person. I had surgery 4/08 bypass lost 54 lbs cant see to get past that. I feel that I am doing every thing right. I had an appointment on the 18th but the doc had to reschedule every one for that day. I was disappointed to say the least, cuz I am have some back pain and think that it is my gladbladder. what effect can you gall blader have on you. on the 11th I passed out vomited, severe sweeting. call the doc and the RN says it was dumping, WOW, that is aweful and, I fee like it is something else going on, could this be my gallbladder? Thank you all for your support. Jennie    — zydeko47 (posted on November 13, 2008)

November 13, 2008
I think there are different symptoms when you have gallstones. I suffered with gallstones for awhile before anyone knew what was wrong with me. I started having the gallbladder attacks about 2 months after I had my daughter. It was hard to explain to the doctor what symptoms I felt. I said at first it started with like a back pain. My OB/GYN said that it was probably due to my weight and that is why my back hurt. My PCP said that my back probably hurt because I was carrying around my daughter in her carseat and maybe it was too much weight for my back. Well that was nonsense. I knew it wasn't that. Then finally a friend at work heard me puking my guts out in the restroom one day. She asked me what was wrong and after I explained my symptoms to her, she said it sounded like gallstones. So I had them check me for gallstones, and sure enough, there they were. So at first I would feel like a lower back pain that spread up my spine, then to my shoulders. At first the attacks would only last a couple of minutes, and then they would last almost an hour. Then I would feel like I had to use the restroom (#2)...and then I would get nauseous....I would get a cold sweat...turn a yellowish color (so my mom said)...and then finally puked...once I puked, I felt much better...This lasted for a couple of months until they finally removed my gallbladder. It sounds like you may have them. Ask them to look for gallstones....good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 13, 2008
If you keep having sharp pains, get to the nearest ER and explain about your surgery. Also if its your gallbladder the pain usually doesn't subside. At any rate get to the doctor; don't call, let a doc examine you. vinnigirl
   — vinnigirl

November 13, 2008
Gallbladder symptoms can be different with different people. Get yourself checked while you are in the middle of what might be an attack.
   — Daichan

November 13, 2008
Your pain sounds similar to my earlier gallbladder pains. I'd go to the doctor right away or ER immediately if it happens before you can get there. Also, you lost 54 lbs. but you don't say how much you weighed at surgery. The lower your start weight, the slower your loss, so don't be discouraged. Wishing you the best,
   — Kathy T.

November 14, 2008
At this point sweetie, you really need to see your surgeon...So get your new appointment set up and make a list of questions and concerns for him! DON'T forget any details. Tell him exactly what is going on and your concerns in detail. DON'T let him try to shoo you out of the office to get to the next patient. Your appointment is YOUR time...so make him spend it on you rather than like my doc who is thinking about the next patient as soon as she walks in the room! Drives me insane especially when I have problems...When things are good, I don't mind being rushed in and out...But not when I am scared and concerned about something...I'm very bold about things and will tell my doc, "I am very concerned and I need you to help me figure out what is causing "____" (fill in the blank) ie, pain, fainting, dizziness, sleepiness, hair loss, weight gain, etc...Be direct and don't beat around the bush...Be assertive about what is going on. EXPLAIN in clear words...Don't guess your question with words like "It kinda feels like I might have some gas"...Say things like "I have severe pain here, that goes away after, or last for this long" Be clear! Let the doc guess what is wrong! Yeah...My doc is not the most helpful as you can see I've learned ways to grab her attention and be heard. YOU know yourself best...and if something "feels like it is something else going on" (your words)...there usually is!
   — .Anita R.

November 16, 2008
I TOTALLY echo what Anita R. said!!! You have to be direct and often persistent and not willing to take the hard fast answers over the phone. I had severe back pain a few months ago and it turns out I had kidney stones. The pain seemed to originate in my lower back or flank as they call it and it wrapped around to the front. It was so sever that I took the Lortab I had leftover from my GBS and surprisingly that did not touch the pain. By the time I got to my PCP and then to the hospital for an Ultrasound I had passed the stones. My doc indicated that stones of the kidneys are common after WLS if you are not drinking enough water. I know that GB pain can be different for everyone but that pain usually is in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen and radiates from there. I am afraid that "dumping" is far too often considered the explanation. Sweats and nausea and vomitting can be symptoms for a very wide range of medical issues. Good luck with all of this. I hope you feel better soon. Please do not fail to be YOUR own advocate and to take a very active role in managing your healthcare with your doctor. Anita's suggestions are right one!!! As far as the plateau goes...yeah, I have been on one for about 4 months now. I am 11 months P/O from RNY. I have lost 85 lbs and have about 20 more to go. Every one I know keeps telling me that I am so skinny and that I look like I am going to blow away but like you, I still see that fat person even thought the clothing tags tell me otherwise. Unlike you, I have become relaxed with some of the WLS rules. I do not dump and have an insatiable desire for sweets which I know will be my undoing. I know you MUST get all the protein and water in to be successful. Are you exercising regularly? Do NOT discount the progress you have made. Your body loves you for what you have done so far. I would talk to your doc and a nutritionist. The first thing my nut told me was to keep a food diary for 2 weeks and then come in to see her. Good Luck!!!
   — ChelleBelle