*Susan* revision from band to sleeve

[*susan* 1,709]

Hey guys,

Well, I haven't been around much the past few days, did anyone notice I went missing? :thumbup:

On Wednesday, I started having a lot of pain under my right breast area. I started noticing that if I breathed real deep it hurt. Then, as the pain increased, I also noticed that when I drank, it hurt. So, being the dummy that I am, I started drinking less and less. All while continuing to have diarrhea on Wednesday and Thursday. My nausea had become worse, I was very lightheaded and felt like I was fighting a constant battle not to vomit.

By Friday night, I finally succumbed and went to the emergency room. I was released from there about 10:30 last night. I went in thinking something had gone wrong with my sleeve surgery. It turns out, what was wrong with me pretty much had nothing to do with the sleeve. I did get severely dehydrated and was put on IV fluids. They took four vials of blood, two urine samples, an EKG, ultrasound and a cat scan. By the time we got through all this it was determined that other than a little swelling, which is to be expected, I am healing beautifully from the sleeve surgery. However, I have a major urinary tract infection and there is a bunch of "sludge" in my gall bladder. The doctors said that is probably where my nausea and pain is coming from and that it looks like my gall bladder has to go. Just what I wanted to hear, more surgery.

So anyways, I was discharged with antibiotics, meds to help with the nausea and new pain medicine. Oh, and an order that I need to follow-up with a surgeon by Tuesday at the latest on my gall bladder. They said he might be willing to wait to take it out a few weeks based on the fact that I just had surgery, but at the same time, with the amount of pain I am having, that is unlikely.

So, that is where I have been the past few days and what is going on with me. Just thought I would update you.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Hey guys,

Well, I haven't been around much the past few days, did anyone notice I went missing? :thumbup:

On Wednesday, I started having a lot of pain under my right breast area. I started noticing that if I breathed real deep it hurt. Then, as the pain increased, I also noticed that when I drank, it hurt. So, being the dummy that I am, I started drinking less and less. All while continuing to have diarrhea on Wednesday and Thursday. My nausea had become worse, I was very lightheaded and felt like I was fighting a constant battle not to vomit.

By Friday night, I finally succumbed and went to the emergency room. I was released from there about 10:30 last night. I went in thinking something had gone wrong with my sleeve surgery. It turns out, what was wrong with me pretty much had nothing to do with the sleeve. I did get severely dehydrated and was put on IV fluids. They took four vials of blood, two urine samples, an EKG, ultrasound and a cat scan. By the time we got through all this it was determined that other than a little swelling, which is to be expected, I am healing beautifully from the sleeve surgery. However, I have a major urinary tract infection and there is a bunch of "sludge" in my gall bladder. The doctors said that is probably where my nausea and pain is coming from and that it looks like my gall bladder has to go. Just what I wanted to hear, more surgery.

So anyways, I was discharged with antibiotics, meds to help with the nausea and new pain medicine. Oh, and an order that I need to follow-up with a surgeon by Tuesday at the latest on my gall bladder. They said he might be willing to wait to take it out a few weeks based on the fact that I just had surgery, but at the same time, with the amount of pain I am having, that is unlikely.

So, that is where I have been the past few days and what is going on with me. Just thought I would update you.

Oh Susan! That's not good! I'm so sorry to hear that. Keep us updated.

Are you feeling better now?

[*susan* 1,709]

I am still experiencing pain, but I am in a happy place right now! I am sitting here eating my first official mushy meal. I am eating a scrambled egg and it is wonderful. I just finished my fifth tiny bite and feel totally stuffed.

[Elisabethsew 50]

Hey guys,

Well, I haven't been around much the past few days, did anyone notice I went missing? :thumbup:

On Wednesday, I started having a lot of pain under my right breast area. I started noticing that if I breathed real deep it hurt. Then, as the pain increased, I also noticed that when I drank, it hurt. So, being the dummy that I am, I started drinking less and less. All while continuing to have diarrhea on Wednesday and Thursday. My nausea had become worse, I was very lightheaded and felt like I was fighting a constant battle not to vomit.

By Friday night, I finally succumbed and went to the emergency room. I was released from there about 10:30 last night. I went in thinking something had gone wrong with my sleeve surgery. It turns out, what was wrong with me pretty much had nothing to do with the sleeve. I did get severely dehydrated and was put on IV fluids. They took four vials of blood, two urine samples, an EKG, ultrasound and a cat scan. By the time we got through all this it was determined that other than a little swelling, which is to be expected, I am healing beautifully from the sleeve surgery. However, I have a major urinary tract infection and there is a bunch of "sludge" in my gall bladder. The doctors said that is probably where my nausea and pain is coming from and that it looks like my gall bladder has to go. Just what I wanted to hear, more surgery.

So anyways, I was discharged with antibiotics, meds to help with the nausea and new pain medicine. Oh, and an order that I need to follow-up with a surgeon by Tuesday at the latest on my gall bladder. They said he might be willing to wait to take it out a few weeks based on the fact that I just had surgery, but at the same time, with the amount of pain I am having, that is unlikely.

So, that is where I have been the past few days and what is going on with me. Just thought I would update you.

Yes, we did miss you and I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble with your gallbladder, diarrhea, and dehydration. Thankfully, I never had to deal with the diarrhea. Actigall (also called Urso) is a medication that is used to dissove gallbladder sludge and prevent gallstones and crystals.

I had my gallbladder out a few years ago and landed in the ER several months post-op with the exact same pain. I thought they forgot to take the damn thing out but, as it turned out, I was suffering from small gallstones and crystals. When they take your gallbladder out, the common bile duct is preserved so you can still have gallstone problems. Most surgeons will NOT take out a functioning gallbladder (assessed on a DISIDA/HIDA scan). See if you can get an MD to Rx Urso 250-500 mg 3 x day with meals.

Enjoy your first day of soft foods and keep us posted on your progress.

[kareyquilts 1]

Susan: I did notice you were gone, but just thought you were busy, so sorry to hear of your gallbladder problems. I had several gall bladder attacks before I finally agreed to surgery. It was extremely painful. I went on the medication that Elisabeth suggested for over a year after my first attack and the stones never changed, but they were large stones. Multiple surgeries suck, especially when you had to have 2 surgeries for your sleeve. Sending you hugs!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Awww... Sorry to hear about your gall bladder problems Susan. I hope you get well soon!!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Wow Susan, you've really been through a lot lately. I hope you're on the mend soon. Maybe the medication Elizabeth suggested can help you until you are ready for another surgery.

[Elisabethsew 50]

Susan, how are you doing? Give us an update when you're able to.

[*susan* 1,709]

Hey, I am doing lousy. Had a big snafu with my long time surgeon here and ended up having to find a new one. I am really ticked at my old surgeon, but don't feel like going into it right now.

At any rate, I see the new surgeon on Monday. I am still weak and dizzy. I just want this silly gall bladder out now, even if it does mean more surgery. I am ready to feel better, more like my old self, and to start exercising so I can really maximize my weight loss during these first few months.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Hang in there Susan! I hope it works out better with your new surgeon too. We all want you to get better and back to what you know.

[Elisabethsew 50]

Good luck with the new surgeon on Monday.

[*susan* 1,709]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Question, is it possible for someone who loved milk and drank quite a bit of it to have this surgery and come out being lactose intolerant? It just dawned on me that when I drink anything with milk in it, I get very sick to my stomach.

[Elisabethsew 50]

I don't think VSG converts you to being lactose intolerant. If you're having problems with your gallbladder, it's more likely that the fat in milk products is causing the problem.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Question, is it possible for someone who loved milk and drank quite a bit of it to have this surgery and come out being lactose intolerant? It just dawned on me that when I drink anything with milk in it, I get very sick to my stomach.

Yes, absolutely! Not sure why but it happens to a great many of us however, it is short lived.

[Ruthi 60]

Hi Everyone,

Well, its going to happen, I am getting the sleeve on 5/1 by Dr Aceves. I had the partial gastrectomy/sleeve last month and 6 weeks later I am going for something more permanent. I even think I will go for spinal anethesia just so I dont have to go to sleep. I am sort of scared still. My big mistake was telling my daughter (BIG MISTAKE) I think I scared her really bad when I got so sick with the band removal and emergency surgery. I guess I cant blame her for that and should have kept it to myself. Oh well, this time next week I will be on my way to Mexico. Thanks everyone especially Was a Bubble Butt for all of your words of encouragement. Renee at Dr Aceves is really great also. Wish Me Luck

Ruthi