Question:
Has anyone had a bowel obstruction surgically removed after bypass?

I had my gastric bypass in June of 2002 and have lost 325 lbs. Last april, I thought I was "dumping" so I didn't go directly to the hospital when I had some very sever symptoms. 12 hrs later, my husband made me go to the hospital where I was diagnosed with a bowel obstruction. I lost 2 feet of small intestine, the switch between the small bowel and the colon, and a few inches of the colon. Gangrene had already set in and they almost lost me. Anyway, I have survived so far but everything I eat runs right through me. It doesn't seem fair that all my life I had to try not to eat and now I am having to eat everything just trying to hang onto the weight I have left. If any of you have had this situation, please answer and let me know what you finally did about it. I have had sever diarrea since April which is certainly no fun! I am not ever able to go back to work as it is uncontrolable. I am presently working with a gastroenterologist but he as not given me any relief as yet. By the way....I was told that this blockage had nothing to do with my bypass so don't let this post scare you. I would have my bypass again in a heartbeat. I am possitive that if I had not lost 325 lbs and this other thing came up, I would be dead today.    — Linda H. (posted on August 31, 2004)

August 31, 2004
Linda - I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. I had a bowel obstruction - it was caused by my surgery. I had a lap DS but the surgeons at that time did not hand sew the lap portal holes inside when they removed the instruments. over time, the holes in my mesentary (the lining of the intestines) got larger and my intestines intermittently got stuck. Well, two years ago, they got stuck permanantly. I had about 3 feet removed, my surgeon had to re-do the intestinal portion of my DS b/c my common channel was decimated. I required multiple blood transfusions - I was in ICU on a respirator... it was no fun. I adjusted fine after the surgery... I didn't experience severe diahhrea or bowel problems after this surgery. Sounds like you might have an imbalance of bacteria in your bowels ... get tested for c-diff and get on a certain therapy to help regulate the bacteria in your gut. All the best, Teresa
   — Teresa N.

August 31, 2004
I have'nt had your problem except once since wls I had terrible diarea that went on for three weeks. A doctor put me on the "BRAT" diet. At least I think that was what it was called. It stood for "?" Rice, Apples, and toast. I can't remember what the B stood for. But a day of just those foods and pepno bismol worked wonders. I suspect you may need anti biotics. Do keep in touch with your doctor. In the mean time I hope someone remembers the exact foods for that diet. The idea is you eat ONLY those four foods. It is rather bland but it beats crapping your guts out. Good luck.
   — Danmark

August 31, 2004
The BRAT diet is Bananas, rice, apples/applesauce, and toast.
   — robinp330

September 3, 2004
Yes,I had a bowel obstruction surgically removed...I had WLS on July 7,2004 and then on July 12,2004 I had to go to the ER and had it done...If you will go to Question # 4 on this list of Questions it is explained in detail..I didn't see your question until after I had answered the other one...If you have any Questions you can e-mail me .....S.A.Helton
   — wls4me2004