Question:
I might have a marginal ulcer. What is it? How did I get it?

I was not able to eat chewed up chicken or eggs...It was very painful. My surgeon said I might have a marginal ulcer. I thought we didn't produce stomach acids anymore? He said there is new research that disputes that and more surgeons now are recommending, Zantac, Pepcid...post op. So what exactly is this thing?    — Elizabeth P. (posted on September 30, 2002)

January 6, 2003
Elizabeth, I'm sorry you are part of the unfortunate few to have marginal ulcers. I developed one 3 weeks ago and was rushed to the hospital, it burned a hole in my new stomach and fluid and gas was leaking into my system. My surgeon doesn't know what it is from, however, which scares me, I don;t want to get another one!! He said there is a 1/3 of 1% chance it is from my surgery (LAP RNY I had 7 months ago) He said it also could be from all the medication I took for my chronic illness. I wish I could help you and tell you what it's from, but you're not alone. I was put on Prevacid, he said it coats the stomach. I never felt any symptoms from the ulcer before or after, except I had excruciating pain one day and that's why I was rushed in an ambuluance to the ER. Many ulcers can be treated with medicine and don't need surgery as mine did. So I don't think ulcers always have to develop just from stomach acid, could be other things. I wish you well and hope you feel better!
   — Lezlie Y.