Question:
I have abdominal/back cramps. What could be the problem?

I am 7 weeks post-op. Lately, whenever I eat or drink anything, I get cramps in my abdominal/intestinal area that go clear around to my back. My pouch doesn't hurt, though. Has anyone experienced this? What could it be? I am still having bowel movements like before.    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 23, 2001)

November 23, 2001
It may be your gallbladder. That can cause the radiating pain. If it continues, you should call your doctor and see about getting an ultrasound. I started having gallbladder problems at about 2 months out. (I'm almost three months post-op now). I didn't have any gallstones, but my gallbladder bile was becoming thick and sludgy. I started on Actigall and have had no more problems.
   — Denise C.

November 23, 2001
Yes! I get the same exact thing. It started for me at about 6 or 7 weeks post op too. Feels almost like intense menstral cramps. Pouch feels fine, but my lower gut and lower back ache like crazy. It was so bad after eating anything during my 6th and 7th week I would have to lie on the floor until it subsided. Someone suggested I try gas-x. Low and behold the pain would (usually) stop. Sometimes it takes a double dose. I still get that from time to time, but very rare and I am just over 4 months post-op. Maybe once every 2-3 weeks. I will pop a gas-x and put a hot water bottle on my gut and lie down until It goes away. So maybe trapped gas? However I am going to mention it to my surgeon...I was thinking gall bladder too. Hope this helps a bit. -Kim
   — KimBo36

May 8, 2005
1 week pre -op I got bad pains in back and lower gut.I was rushed back to hospital with kidney stones and I thought it was gas.
   — steve v