NORCALRN

yes, it can be a challenge. i actually had a difficult recovery with complications (see previous posts if you wish). it gets better and you can try water at room temp., sometimes if it is too cold it can cause pain, for me, due to my inability to have any fluids orally for weeks, I can only drink water with a ton of ice in it and yes, it does cause spasms sometimes but it is the only way for for me and I really love water, always have been a water drinker. So, now check for lovenox injections sites - bruises, etc on your thighs. also, referred pain is often the culprit but in your case I bet just sore muscles. hang in there. hope you feel better!!

I had that problem......no one listened to me. I thought it was due to the 7 weeks inpatient post op sleeve. Turns out it was due to Scopalamine patch for nausea......just a thought if you are on any meds such as Atropine to decrease secretions - that might be why you are experiencing a change in vision. Maybe review your meds? Hope it resolves.

I know how you feel......it will get better though. I was sleeved 7/12 and within one week was admitted to my local hospital where I spent almost 7 weeks there. No leak but abcess on spleen tunneling to liver, hospital acquired pneumonia, raging infections, the worst nausea, vomiting, and nothing helped. there were more problems...and the PICC line as well as the chest tube drains JP drains all sucked!!! But I survived and do not remember too much, which my family tells me that is good. To be honest, I still vomit regardless of how little I eat or drink and generally get my calories in prior to early afternoon. I rarely eat dinner unless it is a social gathering. I did have a Jtube nasal then J tube inserted in the OR for a feeding tube - for about 18 months. My weight is still not ideal but I am weak and always tired. I am only telling you this so you can see that in the BIG picture, you will feel better. I hated when people told me that...I kept saying "when"??? Supposedly, the sleeve was "pristine" said by the GI doctors, but my surgeon still swears there had to be a leak for me to be that ill. SO, when you look at your medications and you are feeling awful, try to visualize yourself healthy, eating well and back on your feet. I know it is hard when you do not feel well. I am a nurse, working only about 20-32 hours/week and almost done with my masters (on line). I never thought I would get to this point. What I am trying to say is that even though you are wondering "why", try, please try, to focus on the new you. Keep posting so we know you are improving each day and inching towards feeling "whole" again! Trish

Well, after a very long haul, (sleeved 7/24/12), my feeding tube ( J tube) come out 5-27-14. I am counting down these last two days. If interested, you can find my previous posts.... I have been on formula forever and started tolerating Water about 4 months ago, and a variety of food (been a vegie for 30 years and continue to eat the same manner). I have vomited a few times in the last several days so I am a bit worried. I have not been able to do any cardio and 1. cannot wait to work out 2. I GET TO sleep ON MY TUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So for everyone that has suffered through some very horrible times with complications..eventually it does get better. I am not sure the total damage to my liver and spleen; the zillion of scars I can happily live with. I do have to watch my Fluid intake, I dehydrate super super fast. (fatigue, puffy eyes and temp...then boom..I know I did not drink enough. I used to hook up to my pump at that point and I would feel better within about 2 hours. Now, with no pump, no feeding tube, I have to rely on what I know and follow through. Those 7 weeks in the hospital (much I do not remember) seems like it was not as long ago as it was, but I know I can finish this out. My goal was to lose 65# and due to formula, I am still over by 15#. That should drop quickly. Down from a 16 pant to a 8, and 2xl top to Lg (boobs never got smaller, but my back went from a 38 to a 34 so 34DDD is me. Just wanted to thank those that followed me and checked in. Sorry I was off posting, I just felt overwhelmed. Looking for a new nursing job and in grad school for my MSN with an emphasis on Public Health (distance learning). Ok, so I guess that is it. I will let everyone know Tuesday after it is OUT!!!!!!!!!

I am thinking maybe nerve irritation? vagus nerve? Sometimes after weight loss gallbladder issues arise. Esophogeal spasams also can radiate to the back. Either way, check in with your doctors. good luck. sounds like you are doing great other than this new issue...post a follow up if you get a moment!

This sounds awful and scary for you. It is my understanding that fresh blood will be bright red; older blood, likely to be seen in stool will be black and tarry -like. Do you have a home blood pressure machine? If not, see if someone can get one for you. They are around $30. Take your BP lying down write it down; sit up - wait 2 minutes and take it again; stand for 2 minutes and take it for the last time. If there are significant changes with you BP and heart rate- maybe contact an advice nurse or your doctor's office. I highly doubt that increasing anything that reduces acid will make an impact on your symptoms. Blood in vomit or in a BM - unless you have a hard stool or hemmroids, is not ok! Please follow up -go with your instinct and head to to the ER - if it happens one more time. in the meantime, get up slowly and sit a bit before getting out of bed. NO falling!! Hang in there...you are the one that knows what is normal for your own body. Trish

I was diagnoses with tempral lobe seizure about 13 months post op sleeve. thank goodness just that. on gabapentin 800mg3/day via j tube, plus lamictal 2/per day oral. I am so sorry for your new diagnosis. I, too, cannot drive and my 21y/o has special needs and does not drive. I rely on my mom, dad and brother. working out the poor public transit we have in Marin Co, CA.My neurologist told me I can drive if I go 3 months without seizures..but I am not sure I should. I have MAJOR stress and with that along with being tired..sets off a series of short ones. I The longest set of me in/out was 28 minutes. After all of my major comlications, well, a series of unfortunate events. Keep posting - share your knowledge with us and take it easy. I know how disappointing this is for you. Trish

I was sleeved 7-24-12. had severe complications including splenic infart, abcesses on liver and spleen, hosp. acquired pneumonia, got septic. chest tube, drains, pleural effusion - 7 weeks in hospital. i know i am forgetting some other issues. I still have a j tube for feeding but keep trying food per my doctors. BUT YES, I would do it again. needed to lose 65# +/-. I feel terrible that i made my family worry. that is the regret. dr reyes - jeruselum hosp - TJ. The complication postings are not meant to scare anyone, just to provide information so you can make the best choice for yourself. I am lucky to be alive and i try not to dwell on what happened. I am moving on - and i know each day i will get better!!!

that is great news! with the liquids - go slow. 2 ounces at at time . i found it hard not to chug - i was ssoooo thirsty. but really take it slow. glad they left the picc in (hopefully you will not need it)!!!! i still drink too fast and get hot and nauseous but i cannot help it. Vitamin orange zero is my go to.water is still hard but i get a bit down each day.one thing, i did go to that catastrophic thinking anytime i felt weird, but that was just anxiety after being so sick. use your instincts...you know your body the best. i am so happy for you. what a relief it must be for you--looking forward to your updates trish

PLEASE let me know how things are progressing....just a few more days..you can do this! trish

I was at jp 2012 and saw the same thing on a woman that had to fly back from I think Alabama d/t her insurance not wanting to touch her. She had massive infections and had wet-dry dressing changes without pre medications. she was there for weeks. and this was her 2nd time there- for a mommy makeover. It was awful and i am a nurse and was appalled at their lack of taking this seriously. I hope you get some support and let them know what happened. They ignored my calls, as "we" are to call them first prior to going to the R. I have had extensive complications and still do. Please advocate for yourself. I know you can get through this!!!

I, too had those symptoms. had 4 upper GI - all negative for leaks although I presented as if I did. i also have had pleurisy.... this was different. High fever ended me in expLoratory surgery with nothing found - spent 4 days inpt. At home the same day 104 temp - back to the ER. I spent 7 weeks there with a myriad of problems. Just to let you know, make sure if symptoms persist - you persist on anWsers. The bariatric surgeons said no leak bu tmy local surgeon, at my local hospital told me I was too sick not to have a lead.."subclinical leak" iswhat she said. I ended up with abcesses on spleen, lover and had a spLenic infarct. hospital acquired pneumonIa, chest tube, jp drains 5 antibiotics was in CT all the time, interventional radiology all th time. PUSH FOR ANSWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Supposedly, my body just did not like the procedure. think things turned bad from exploratory surgerybut who knows. I still have a J tube for feeding, but have made huge strides just in the last month. (sleeved 7-2012). HHmm. I know there are other things but cannot recall right now. First, monitor for temp, second head to the ER if you are not able to get into a position of comfort. Remember how amazing your support system and you are. please ask me anything.......keep us posted Trish

Well, with a NG tube, it is difficult to do much of anything. Does you doc have you resting your stomach so tube it is? what formula are you on? Ask about Jello, broth all things you were probably sick of before sleeved. Signs of hunger are likely a good sign. With a sticture, the chance of aspirating increases esp. with the tube in your stomach (not an issue with it your jejunum). Do you have a home health nurse? I wish your testing were this week. Can you call for cancellations or does you doc want this waiting period to see any improvement. I wish I had a magic answer for you. waiting is worst cuz it builds the anxiety. With my tube, I have to balance my oral intake and time on my pump. I think I need to back off on oral cuz my vomiting is getting worse and the nausea is too. I take Anzamet due to tehe Zofran not working for me. Oh, wha tis the rate of your NG tube feeding? I can only due 60ml/hour. Maybe ask about changing the rate. The best thing is asking about broth, etc.I hope your day is a good one. Trish

Hang in there. I had a NJ tube for 32 days until I was strong enough for surgery for the J tube/It sucks. I had a NG tube but pulled it out in the hospital ( bad patient as nurses tend to be)! I am so sorry that you have to go through this but it does get better. I got so tired of people telling me that, but it is true. It seems that you have everything under control regarding getting things done. I hope tests, etc show minimal issues. Heal rest breathe! Remember how strong and awesome you are!!!!!! please update us Trish Trish

hello there I have been with complications since 8-2012. BUT most people do great. As far as your home treatment, instead of a PICC line, what about a feeding tube placed directly into your jejunum (intestine). leak or not, you need nutrients. A PICCl line is not the best for treatment t home. Do you have a home health nurse? That should be addressed. A stent is for strictures how many upper GI tests have you had? CTs? please ask questions... advocate for yourself. you always have an ombudsman on site who is specifically for mediating choices between patients and doctors and they generally have a lot to offer. Please post so we know how you are doing. hang in there. I have been there and still have a feeding tube although I am eating some food now. again --post please!!

So here is an update....still with a J tube, had it replaced twice. very few foods I can eat. very few. I an struggling with a desire to return to an active lifestyle. cardio irritates my tube. i am still not at my goal weight even though i needed to lose about 65 pounds...so I continue to moderate my life. I hope to have this out soon but nutrionally, I am limited to food. I know things will get better, but it bums me out. loose skin removal/lower body lift will have to wait, no doctor will touch me at this point. one day. anyone with question are welcome..i have a ton of information that i would be happy to share!!!

So i finally got the NJ tube out and a low profile MIC-KEY J tube placed. surgery went well adhesions, scarring as expected. Although my surgeon ordered 5 kits - not one was the correct size, so she modified it at bedside the day before discharge. i chose no pain meds to come home with. in patient = IV zofran with ativan to go with the dilaudid. came home with the zofran but it doe not help much. not incapaciatated with nausea this time around. in 6 weeks my surgeon will replace this j tube with a more approriate fitting one (in office since the tract with be well-developed. in the meantime, i have to super careful since there is no retaining ball of saline anchoring it inside. my folllow up is 3-6-13...maybe she can tweek the design a bit so it is more secured. i wanted to start walking during PO am one but up until my discharge my bp was 80's over 50's but i did walk with 3 people. foley out after 24 hours (my bladder was too distended for me to pee. weird feeling but foley and peeing took over. now, if the swelling goes down quicker - i will be happy. my belly feels huge of course. so, i think i have turned the corner. real food even sounds good sometimes. looking forward to our sunny day in the low 70,s, and maybe a quick visit to sit next to the pool. have 2 new VS swimsuits to wear. cannot wait! the shopping has been fun. so for those of you that are early in your unexpected journey - hang in there. it does get better. it really does!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! '

hi there I, too, have ulcerative colitis---use Asacol as needed. Stress is a major trigger. Post -op issues may be irritating your colitis. I know it hurts like nothing else. Do you have a gastroenterologist? Yous should be on something and a proton pump inhitor such as Protonix which is RX not OTC. Mine flares with stress. I have a feeding tube a( J tube) so my issues are a bit different. Please speak with your doctor and get something so your symtoms can be relieved. Good luck...post a follow up please. Trish

sleeved 7-12, and 6 weeks ago started having partial complex seizures...on meds cannot drive either. wondering since i am weaning off my feeding tube (jejuostomy) if that had something to do with it since it is packed with so much nutrition. hhmmm, i hope your seizures get under control. in CA, i can drive after 3 months and seizure free. good luck and please, like everyone says, keep us posted.

are you taking anything for nausea? scopalamine Patches are nasty regarding vision...mine was blurred and it took several weeks for me to figure it out. i thought that the 7 weeks in the hospital OR my age changed my vision, but it was a medication. just something to think about...keep us posted!

kaiser is great..hang in there!

i applaud you for advocating for yourself. i know what it is like to suffer complications. i hope you feel better and get the answers you need. please keep our community notified and i and i am sending you warm wishes trish

kaiser in richmond, has a great bariatric team.

i, too almost lost my life last summer....complications still, but i made the choice-i live with the outcomes. i hope those that are so worried about complications really look at the outcomes you are looking for with wls. no regrets here- a minor pity party now and then! but overall, if you trust your medical providers i think that if you need the surgery, go for it!

YEAH, I have UC and should try this when i am off my feeding tube. the stuff they add the the formula is awful - good luck Globetrotter....go for it. you can only try and if it does not work for you - at least you made an effort to reduce the chronic inflammation!