6 years post op and struggling a bit...
Hey guys,
So I had the gastric sleeve procedure right before I turned 19, back in 2013.i initially lost over 160 lbs and got down to my lowest weight of 190 by not eating at all and weighing six or seven times a day. To say I was compulsive would be an understatement. It took a couple of years before I was able to calm down and eat more naturally without weighing daily. This was where my gain back began several years ago. I have since gained back about 65 lbs and I would definitely like to lose it and then some. I am six feet tall and have always had a goal of 170. In the past year or so I have moved out of state and no longer am in contact with my surgeon. I have recently been seeing a new primary care provider who I have discussed these issues with. I have been having severely bad acid reflux for over a year now, and within the last several months I have been getting sick like in the early days. Anytime I eat anything I feel like I am going to vomit within ten to fifteen minutes. My current PCP is concerned that the bottom of my esophagus is expanding and causing all of the backflow and has been causing me to eat more with the reflux. I am currently waiting for the surgery scheduler to call me back about my endoscopy appointment. They want to see if this is what is causing the issues and if so they are talking about doing a r&y procedure to help fix it. I’m just wanting to know if anyone else hs has these issues this far out? I’m concerned because I really don’t want to go through another surgery. The first time was extremely rough on me and anytime I would drink water I would vomit (I lost 42 lbs in the first month after surgery). Any info or advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
-H
Re: 6 years post op and struggling a bit...
I am sorry you are not feeling well; it is upsetting and a little scary to not be sure what will fix both things. Well done finding a PCP - be sure they really listen wo what you want to at a lower starting weight fix. I can understand being nervous if your first surgery was a bit challenging, but at a lower starting weight, it should go more smoothly.
Please keep posting.
Re: 6 years post op and struggling a bit...
I have bad reflux and vomit all the time, too. Mine has been constant since surgery 4 years ago. I'm interested in what you find out from your doctor, as I I have not had a doctor try to help me at all. I hope you find the answers and that they can fix you.
Re: 6 years post op and struggling a bit...
It's nice for doctors to hypothesize what's wrong, but it's now time for you to be imaged (upper GI, endoscopy, etc.) to learn what's REALLY going on.
IMHO, of course.
You can certainly lose the weight you've gained and get to goal. All you have to do is be committed to reaching your goal and committed to doing what it takes to get there. And that's what we were all told to do in the beginning: Protein first, then veggies and fruits, then whole grains. Avoid/minimize sugar and other processed foods. Eat healthy. Drink lots of water. Take your vitamins/supplements. Move daily. Then move more daily. Build a lifestyle that will keep the weight off.
FYI, I never stopped weighing every day--but just once. ;)
I also never stopped planning and tracking my food on My Fitness Pal, although most people for some craaaazzzy reason(s) ;) can't handle this. I love it. ;)
I walk tons, do yoga, aquarobics.
Oh, did I mention I'm 73 years old. :) If I can do this, YOU can. I have faith in you. And welcome back. :)
Re: 6 years post op and struggling a bit...
I can't begin to imagine your frustration with all of this. I hope that your new Dr can help you sort it out. Just remember that you know your body best and don't be afraid to seek a second, or third/forth opinion if you are not satisfied.
I'm sure that once you get the reflux/vomiting sorted it will be a little easier to get back on track. As Ann2 said above if you go back to the basics I'm sure you will do well.
In the meantime I hope that you get sorted soon.
Re: 6 years post op and struggling a bit...
Hi Heather,
The endoscopy appointment is a great idea! I'm not sure if you've tried any meds yet for the reflux. You probably have, but if not, I think you should get some Prilosec OTC (there is a generic too) and try taking that routinely until your appointment. Good luck and let us know how your appointment goes!
Re: 6 years post op and struggling a bit...
Yes. I know that some people have to convert to a bypass when they have or develop severe reflux. The sleeve is known to be an issue for anyone with reflux. And endoscopy should definitely provide some answers for you. I know that the thought of a second surgery is scary but that might be your only answer. As for the weight gain, I agree with Ann. You can totally get back on track and lose the weight you have gained. I think that daily weigh ins are a must to maintain because you can do something after gaining a few pounds versus letting the weight gain get out of control. Wishing you the best of luck.
Re: 6 years post op and struggling a bit...
Hi Heather,
I'm 3 years post-op and have many issues since this Summer. Part of it is complications from the arm lift/tumor removal I had in July, I had severe anemia, then many infections and lungs issues, one full week of non stop asthma attacks, and after many exams, a scan found that part of my stomach is in my lung cavity. The radiologist thinks the asthma did create the hiatal hernia.
My pneumologist thinks that with silent reflux, my diaphragm was fragile and also chloridric acid did damage my lungs.
My reflux was "contained" by a low acid diet (well, I thought it was) but actually I will find out more next week.
My new bariatric surgeon is making me stay one week in hospital to have more exams, PH metrie, one exam to know the pressure on my stomach (forgot the name), endoscopy to know if there is damage in my stomach and esophagus, and other exams for other issues with lungs and vitamin deficiencies.
So far the surgeon did talk about a bypass, but also an other surgery, which is "new" called Hill gastroplexy. Since it's new there's not many studies about it, but basically after a sleeve it's not possible anymore to do a nissen plication (to repair hernia/esophagus) and I did contact the surgeon who did my sleeve, his advice was to go with a bypass if the hernia was small, a repair if the hernia was big.
But the most important, I've been taking a PPI for one month, and between that and cortisone for my lungs, my health is starting to improve.
Take care!
PS : I did gain weight with the medication, several times in three years. This time it's the worth, I gained 20 pounds. It might take a while to go away, but the most important is to get healthy. Forget about your weight gain. Just get better, reflux is very bad for our health, you need to address this issue asap!
And I second Ann and Christie. The weight can go away with a more controlled diet. I went back to tracking (which I don't like) but try to do it once a day, I plan my food for the day that way, adjust if I have to eat out or change my plan. Same for the scale, I have "days" for it (Wednesday or Sunday in general) because too much scale time drives me crazy too.
But it's better to know what's going on, and except December ( Idid avoid the scale) because I knew I was gaining a lot with the medication, I need to check my weight weekly to stay on track. Because what you don't know can't hurt!