The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

[DGNR8 0]

My name is Mikell Toms and I had my gastric sleeve procedure performed in early August of 2012. In the time since, I have lost about 130 pounds, having started at 475 pounds and at my most recent weigh-in registering at just over 345. I am eternally grateful for the weight that I've lost, but I struggle with whether it was the right decision.

When I met my surgeon, Dr. W.Turton, I immediately took a disliking to him. He seemed disingenuous and sometimes even confused, interested more in flirting with my mother who accompanied me for support than in meeting or speaking with me. I was reassured, even pressured, into moving forward. Despite my reservations, I realized how badly I was in need of help and also how precious this opportunity was. With all the stresses of psychological and dietary evaluations behind us, and with the insurance company (BC/BS) firmly behind us, I went in nervous but resolute.

Every day since has been difficult, though not in the way you'd expect.

I knew the coming weeks post-op would be challenging. The liquid diet, the pain management, the struggle to understand and adjust to a new lifestyle... they were only a few of the things that I would face, but I was ready and eager to face them head on, balls out. I was set on making steady progress, which I did for the first several weeks. The wounds healed... but that seems to be where it stopped. Something that I'd noticed very early on was that my pain never went away. Though it would dull at times, the pain in my stomach post-op has stayed with me to this day, 5 months out. It is constant, always on and unrelenting. In addition to the pain, I developed many other problems. While the portion of your stomach responsible for secreting the hormone causing you to feel hunger is removed and You are expected to feel less hunger, my hunger went into hyper drive. Imagine the hungriest you've ever felt in your life, the gnashing, burningly nauseating feeling that twists and feels as though it penetrates your spine... that's how I feel every moment of every day, but with a steady pain on top. My hair falls out in hand fulls and my teeth are rotting out of my head, but at least we know why... I am always malnurished. Why? Because of another complication. I can barely eat.

As of this posting, I have had about 8 thin slices of cucumber in the past 5 days. Any more and my pain becomes severe. I have developed these strange flare-ups that are so painful they send me into shock, and while I have had approx. 10 of these, twice they have sent me to the emergency room. I've had complete labs (blood work) drawn, over a dozen X-ray, a full CT scan, 2 barium swallows and several assorted tests done to determine the cause, but nothing is ever found. I was directed by the physician in the ER to contact my surgeon for a follow up and pain medication. When I did, the surgeon, who had already ignored my complaints of pain and an inability to eat, called me a liar and refused to contact the ER or the physician who cared for me. At this point it seems my only hope is an EGD, which I have an appointment for soon, but I must admit I do not have high hopes.

I had this surgery in hopes that it would improve my quality of life, that I could be healthier, and that I could live happier. Since surgery I live with constant, crippling pain, horrifying flare-ups, a non-existant diet, teeth and hair falling out and a doctor who doesn't care. It was definitely not worth losing 2 shirt sizes.

[desertmom 297]

Are you on a PPI?

[desertmom 297]

Can you drink Protein shakes?

[Supersweetums 1,164]

I am so sorry that it has been so difficult. Are you on any kind of acid reducer?? It looks like they have done a lot of testing, but have they given you anything?? Sometimes the feeling of being hungry is overproduction of acid. This can also lead to nausea and reflux pain. It is a shame that your own surgeon is so un-supportive. Is there any support groups in your area that you can attend?? Through that you might be able to find not only people that support you, but a good doctor that can give you a proper diagnosis.

[DGNR8 0]

I am not currently taking any pain medications as my surgeon refuses to write any prescriptions for pain, so I'm forced to just live with it, which has made functioning normally extremely difficult. Nobody really understands the extent of my pain, not even my wife. It is an absolute fight to stay positive a lot of the time.

I have tried many many different drink supplements, including Carnation Instant Breakfast, Myoplex and SEVERAL others. They all give me pain, but because of my particular sensitivity to regular liquids, they also make me quite sick.

I am on a daily Prevacid chewable, which I take religiously in fear of those awful flare-ups because I don't know what causes them. What makes this situation worse is that my surgeon, who'm I don't care to ever return to, is a 4 hour drive from my home making it much more difficult to have anything done or get anyone else to treat me. Every doctor I see says "You need to follow up with your surgeon." Once they understand it isn't possible, they explain their hesitance about following HIS work.

[MOMW 71]

Can you go to a different Bariatric center? Even though they did not go your surgery, they should be able to get your records and treat you, and have the compassion and desire to help you that they deserve. Keep on trying you are worth it.

[desertmom 297]

Acid,even without heartburn,causes incredible pain.I had this with the band.On my stomach radiating through to my back.Also,it caused gastritis which also is extremely painful.

Now,while you work on your plan of action,I would go and get carafate and start drinking it 3 times a day for a few days at least.Then,I think you need a much stronger PPI.Prevacid did nothing for me and I am now on Nexium which have resolved the pain and hunger issues.It seems hard to believe acid can cause this much agony but believe me,it can.

You need to just make an appointment with a different dr.My physician helped me resolve all these issues as we dont hwve follow up with our surgeon here in my country of residence.Having acid like this will cause Barretts Esophagus which in turn can cause esophageal cancer in the long term.Deal with this now.

Be proactive.You dont have to live like this and it might be easy to resolve these issues.Also,dont eat or drink any acid forming food or drinks.You would be surprized how many alkaline foods you can find.Just google it.

As far as protein's concerned,you need it pronto.Go and find samples of different Protein powders.Not Meal Replacements.Protein powders.Dilute them with one and a half times the amount of liquids the container says and sip it slowly over a much longer period of time.Mix with Water.

Now,go,see another dr.It will change your life.I have a friend whose gyne helped her with her acid issues.Dont give up.keep knocking on doors until one opens.

[lsereno 2,525]

For Protein powders, I recommend unjury chicken. It was the only thing I could tolerate for the first couple of weeks post-op.

Lynda

[DGNR8 0]

I appreciate the feedback, guys. I have been informed previously on the extensive damage and pain that acid can cause. This is why I take a Prevacid chewable daily and keep a bottle of Maalox with me at all times. This pain is something altogether different though. This isn't the stabbing or hot searing pain or burning that others have described. This is like being violently beaten in the stomach. Like being hit by a car... and it is severe enough that it has sent me into shock 3 times now.

[michelleooo513 245]

I agree.with the statements above.. you NEED to see a different.bariatric doctor. someone who specializes in all these issues

[MrsGina 101]

I would go to the mayo Clinic or a University Hospital their used to fixing other doctors mistakes. If you have to travel anyway, go someplace good.

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

Who is your bariatric Dr and what state?

[Crystal Woods 193]

I appreciate the feedback' date=' guys. I have been informed previously on the extensive damage and pain that acid can cause. This is why I take a Prevacid chewable daily and keep a bottle of Maalox with me at all times. This pain is something altogether different though. This isn't the stabbing or hot searing pain or burning that others have described. This is like being violently beaten in the stomach. Like being hit by a car... and it is severe enough that it has sent me into shock 3 times now.

[/quote']

It may not be from acid reflux but I can tell you that my reflux pain wasn't anything like the reflux other people describes as stabbing or hot. I was told its bc the acid doesn't work its way up on me like most people it stays in my stomach and guts and the pressure from that made it unbearable. I was put on a couple ppi's daily and ate my weight in chewable over the counter tablets and at the 6 month mark it started to improve however I still get occassional flare-ups. It's worth checking into... I am praying for you to find answers and relief!

[DGNR8 0]

Dr. Wesley Turton of Lagrange, GA was my surgeon.

[MrsGina 101]

You need to put that in his profile so no one else gets him!