Question:
Pre-op, Upper abdominal pain, burning, knawing, & nausea

Hi,I am pre-op,but thought I would ask this because many of you have been where I am now as far as weight and health issues. I have had little attacks in my upper adominal region off and on for about two years. When they first started out, they lasted about 6 hours and most of the time I would vomit. Tests showed nothing. Weird part..I went off the pill and they went away. They ceased for over a year until recently. I have started getting them again,but they aren't as dramatic. I did vomit once. I started taking some natural remedies from my doctor, but they have gotten worse and happen more often. I never know which foods will set it off. I have now had a constant knawing,buring,nauseated feeling for about three days now. Of course I am going to go to my doctor on Tuesday, but until then, has anyone ever experienced this? I know I have reflux, but it never felt like this! I feel like I am having "sympathetic pains" for all of the new pre-ops! haha    — Courtney Durham (posted on May 29, 2005)

May 30, 2005
What you are going thru Pre-op sounds like your gall-bladder is giving you trouble. In most cases the doc will take it out at the time of your surgery, if that's the case. Have it checked out. It also could be an ulcer if its food related that this happens. Have that checked as well. Good luck & hope you are on the other side soon. Marilyn, the Bearlady
   — Marilyn C.

May 30, 2005
Hi, Thanks for your help! I did have my gallbladder removed in '99. I think you might be right about the ulcer.
   — Courtney Durham

May 30, 2005
Courtney, what you describe sounds like one of two things, either you have a gallbladder problem or liver problem. I've had both and the symptoms are similar although with liver problems it will be more extreme and pain is in the upper right quad area. You should ask your MD to check your gallbladder via ultrasound and to run a CBC Liver function test to rule out fatty liver. When you have these attacks it's best to go to a liquid diet. Gallbladder removal is a typical part of the gastric bypass procedure. I had mine removed years before my bypass. If you have questions you can email me at [email protected] Tracey in San Francisco Lap RNY 7/30/94 380/250/160 - half way there and loving it!
   — Tracey L.