Worst mistake of my life?

[Jcfresh 3]

I have lots of questions and concerns. I was so excited to have this surgery. I am very dedicated and follow rules and guidelines to the t. My surgeon did a great job. However, I was constantly throwing up the first week after surgery....they kept me a day longer and put me on Reglan. I was miserable. Barely able to keep any liquids in me. No where near my 60 ounces a day. The second week I was graced by the most painful diarrhea I have ever experienced. Not yet allowed to go to Protein Shakes yet....still working on liquids. The third week left me absolutely beyond fatigued and not able to use the bathroom for 9 days straight. They put me on Linzess to help with that. I go to my follow up apts and my stage two and three classes with the rest of my group. They are all doing great and telling of higher energy and moving on to solid foods. I am barely into the puréed food stage at almost two months out. I have never felt this sick and tired in my life. The weight loss is unimpressive. ( maybe because I barely get 500 calories a day? ) I try and try....it's so frustrating. The bad thing is , I don't get to see my surgeon. She is done with me. I am left in the hands of the PA and nurses. Who just keep telling me to hang in there....and on top of that, .I have experienced this horrible pain event three times since surgery. It goes like this : out of nowhere I get the most painful " punching" pain in my lower chest upper stomach. Once had it it while driving....it was so painful I almost crashed....had to pull over my eyes were watering...doubled over. I got myself home and plopped on the couch . My husband and I were discussing who could watch our kid while he takes me to the emergency room....by the time we made plans about a half hour later, it was starting to subside. This happened two more times. I know about "dumping syndrome" but it doesn't seem to be this as it never happens after eating....the first time I had taught for three hours only lightly sipping Water, second in morning before shake or water and the third at night about a half hour after I finished my Protein Shake. It hurts so bad. Each time , it seems to slowly get better at the half hour mark. I don't know how many more months I can go feeling this much fatigue, malaise and pain. I wish my doctor would see me ( it's an hour and half away.. ). But still I would gladly make the trek! Any ideas what could be wrong? Anyone else feel this way? Thanks.

[Twinkle Toes 29]

Do you still have your gallbladder?

Sent from my SM-G925V using the BariatricPal App

[Jcfresh 3]

No. They took that out when they did my bypass.....sorry , should have mentioned that as that is important!

[CINNAMON 2015 43]

Hi, I am so sorry for your situation. First of all I would demand that surgeon see me. After I had my RNY I threw up consistently for 3 months. Surgeon went back in and loosened the pouch a little, no more vomiting! When I first started to eat I got a pain in my upper chest right side, it was awful, it finally subsided. Everything takes time and I know it's hard when you're going through it, but hang in there. But do make that surgeon see you & discuss what's going on. The P.A. and nurses haven't been trained like the surgeon. Good Luck to you, and stand your ground!!

[James Marusek 5,244]

I am drawing a blank. The sudden onset of pain might be something like kidney stones or gallstones. But since you had your gallbladder removed, strike gallstones. You mentioned that you were nowhere near you minimum Fluid requirement. But I couldn't figure out if that was the first week only or if it is still continuing. Dehydration is a major risk factor for kidney stone formation. Blood in the urine is a sign of kidney stones.

The most important daily minimum requirements after surgery are Protein, fluids and Vitamins. You indicated that you are following the directions to a "T". Does that mean you are meeting these minimum requirements? Are you getting in around 30 minutes of walking exercise per day (or equivalent)?

[Jcfresh 3]

I will look into the pouch widening. I wish I could " demand" the surgeon see me. Is that a thing? Can I do that? As for following to a T .....I guess I should have phrased that differently! Leading up to surgery, and intentions after, yes. I just simply can't seem to meet my 60 ounces of Water AND my Protein requirement. Lately , I have been alternating days with trying to meet liquid one day and protein the next. It takes me three - four hours to drink a 14 ounce shake. Then I can fit anything in for at least an hour. The puréed type food I have been trying Lately is scrambled eggs and canned chicken with a little mayo. I get about two bites in and then it comes up. I was hoping by the end of month two I would be having small bits of food. I do get all my meds and Bariatric Vitamins in every day, though I still have to crush them. Thanks all

[Jcfresh 3]

Oh, and excercise. For sure. I teach dance and Acro plus love my long walks with my puppy....was hoping I can get more energy so I can start my Zumba back up....

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@Jcfresh call your surgeon's office and tell them you need an appointment with the surgeon. If that doesn't work - go to the ER. You should not still be feeling this bad!

[Read2016 658]

I would call the office Monday, I would say due to my lack of ability to keep food down and my bouts of pain I want the surgeon to evaluate me before matters get any worse... Add on how feeling this way is affecting the quality of you life etc... What can you do to squeeze me in today?... Good luck

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them"

Einstein

Edited June 5, 2016 by nyteacher125

[James Marusek 5,244]

O.K. based on the fact that you are two months out and struggling to meet your Fluid and Protein requirements, and also because of a piercing intermittent pain problem, I would recommend you see your surgeon's office.

[Jcfresh 3]

Thanks everyone, I will push them harder to let me see my doc.

[Read2016 658]

@@Jcfresh if your here in the US, the is no letting you see the doctor, you have a right to see the doctor when you request to see the doctor... Don't be passive about this, it may not be in your personality but you need to be assertive on this one... Good luck

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them"

Einstein

[esskay77 785]

Definitely see your doctor (at your insistence). I have no idea what could be wrong. I do know that for other issues it helps to have expectations set. I was told up front most of what would be happening and that I wouldn't be seeing the surgeon on a regular basis but would be meeting with the nurse practitioner and the Nut and here is how often, here is why, etc. If you know that up front, it's not as offensive. Same with understanding that even though they are setting the goal of 64 oz of water/fluid a day, they know that you can't achieve that right after the surgery and that it is just a goal that you are trying to reach and that you should eventually get there and stay there. Little things like that. I do remember them telling me that I couldn't drink out of a straw. I thought that meant for life and when I was at the support group meeting (with the nurse present), everyone was drinking out of straws. I finally asked and they said that it was just until you have healed, then you can. Nobody told me that! It's just nice to have all the facts up front.

[Read2016 658]

Can I ask where you are from that you see a nurse instead of the doctor? I know there are some states doing that... I haven't encountered that here in NY but if it saves money I'm sure it will be here soon enough.

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them"

Einstein

[esskay77 785]

I'm in Massachusetts. They have a team--the surgeon, the nurse practitioner, and the nutritionist. THey all work in the same office. I have seen the surgeon a few times but can't usually for my visits because she is usually in surgery. When I first met the surgeon, she introduced me to everyone so I knew up front what to expect. That helps a lot. If the surgeon is available, she does meet with me. And I know that if I insisted, I would get to meet with her for sure. I no longer have to see any of them and am back to my regular doctor now, who will just forward any blood work to them throughout the years.