I'm seeking some input on reflux following VSG and some (apparently) related physical symptoms. I am 6 months post-op, and have had no problems at all - no nausea/vomiting, no pain - I only took one day off work! However, I can say that from the day following my procedure have stayed hungry. Of course, I eat a couple of bites and I'm full, but still . . . So, I was recently speaking with a co-worker who is about 3 years post-op, and she also happens to be a physician. She said it is likely reflux that I'm experiencing, not "real" hunger pains, but I don't experience any of the typical reflux symptoms ("sour" stomach, heartburn, etc.). I did a little additional research, and discovered that the vagus nerve (you know, that nerve that causes the horrible shoulder pain following your pneumoperitoneum) can become irritated by reflux and cause other symptoms. I have had benign PVCs since I was in high school, and they have been very well controlled until recently. Guess what - vagus nerve irritation can trigger PVCs. Then it dawned on me - the awful shoulder pain I have been having for over a month feels a lot like that following surgery, and no pain medication or muscle relaxer will make it go away. .. hmm, could it once again be irritation of the vagus nerve? I started on OTC omeprazole, and low-and-behold my shoulder pain is gone!! So, now to my request for input - I have a PCP visit scheduled in about 3 weeks and will bring this up to him at that time, but knowing how little most physicians - especially family physicians - know about the after effects of VSG, is there someone on this forum who can validate any parts of my unscientific theory? I'm just having difficulty resolving the possibility of having reflux while not having any of the "typical" symptoms. Thank you!
