Question:
What am I to do?

I had open RNY in May of 2001. My start weight was 295 and now I am 150. But for the last year I have had bad stomach pain and gas, I live on Protonix and gas-x. My stomach looks like a basketball, sorta like a beer belly. My stomach hurts all the time. I don't have engery and hardly ever really feel good. I wanted this surgery to feel better and be more active. I just don't feel like doing nothing. I am very satisifed with my weight loss but want some engery and feel good times. I also now am on Zoloft but nothing is making the hurt go away or making me want to get up and go. I am very upset with my stomach too it almost looks as bad as being fat again. Don't know what to do and my PCP only gives me pill for this problem we are a small community and I haven't told him about my surgery because every one will know my business. Thanks..    — T R. (posted on January 30, 2003)

January 29, 2003
Sorry about your pain, First and foremost you should be totaly up front with your PCP. There is a personal and confidentiality clause that they can't disclose any of your medical information, or talk about it to anyone. They cant help you if you dont tell them everything. They can't order the correct test if you dont give them the possible cause for your problems. Also maybe you should call your surgeon and schedule an appointment. The pain is physical not mental so zoloft wont take the pain away. And with your tummy being distended you could have a hernia or bowl obstruction or anything I of course dont know I'm not a doctor but please dont wait any longer this could be very serious. I dont mean to sound harsh or mean, you have come this far and done so well on your weightloss, you should feel great and enjoy it not suffer.
   — wizz46

January 29, 2003
If I were your doctor and you suddenly informed me about this surgery - this HUGE deal surgery - after I'd been beating my head against a wall to figure out what was wrong with you, I'd be quite upset with you. I personally feel that even if you can't be honest with your husband you MUST be completely up-front with your doctors. This is your LIFE we're talking about here. Have you contacted your surgeon about this problem? I mean it could be easily remedied or it could be life-threatening - but how would you know? If you simply do not trust your doctor with this information then you shouldn't be trusting them with your life. You need to go out of town and get a new PCP.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 29, 2003
I agree with the previous posts. You need to tell your doctor about the surgery above everyone! And like the previous post said, if you don't trust your doc with the info you need to find another doc. Even if it means driving an hour or two to do it. I also live in a small community but unlike you, I have always been very open about my surgery. I have even started a support group that is doing quite well. The scary thing for me about living in this small community though, is that the doctors here are very uneducated when it comes to this surgery. But if you tell them about it, they are usually pretty interested in learning more. At least that has been my experience. I hope you find the answers for the pain you have been having. Good luck!
   — Laurel C.

January 30, 2003
This just blows my MIND! Not telling him your medical history, and having him try and treat you is grossly unfair to him. This guy is trying to help you, and YOU are the reason behind YOU not getting the treatment YOU need. You could have been "fixed" by now. Not suffering from pain! Not to mention what you may be doing to yourself- all in the name of privacy? If you died from this, do you think it would have been worth the "privacy"....??? Get thee to a DOCTOR, NOW!
   — Karen R.

January 30, 2003
I guess I have one question -has your PCP even noticed your weight loss? Tell him immediately. Also, call your surgeon and let him know.
   — dolphins94

January 30, 2003
Privacy???? I'd just like to point out that anyone that comes across this site can find you. Your email addy gives your full name. The city/town you live in is listed, and with just one more click I can tell you the date of your surgery. I'm not trying to scare you away from this site or any other (this is true all over the internet), I'm just pointing out that the internet is public domain and anyone and their brother can find out loads about you. You can do a google search on anyone's name - you'd be surprised at what you can find. Tell your doctor - your pride is not worth losing your life over. (sorry if that comes across as harsh)
   — Toni C.

January 30, 2003
You haven't been examined by your doctor in over two years? He hasn't noticed the scars??? The almost 50% weight loss? He must not be much of a doctor then. <p> I agree with the others that you need to discuss this with your doctor. If you don't want to tell this one, then go to another town and find another doctor. <p> As far as telling others in the community about your surgery, don't you think people are speculating about you as it is? You see someone lose 140 pounds and you think that something is majorly wrong (hepatitis, cancer, AIDS, etc) if you don't know any better about the person's condition. <p> Hell, I went to my PCP early this month for my 3-month checkup and I had lost enough weight from the previous visit (both were post-op) that he was concerned about my health. And he *knows* I had the surgery!! JR
   — John Rushton

January 30, 2003
Are You Stupid? You should tell any Doctor your FULL MEDICAL HISTORY!!!!! If you tell your doctor and everybody else in Jackson, Kentucky finds out, who cares? Someone from Jackson, KY may be reading this now, think that it will not get around then? You should tell your doctor and see your surgeon. If you don't it could mean you die, where would your grandkids be without their grandmother? Tell your PCP, your Phychatrist, your Chiropractor, your neighbor, your best friend, your worst friend, tell everybody.
   — Grady E.