Gastric sleeve complications: a warning

[Bridie]

I have had a very rocky recovery from the sleeve in February. I have lost the weight I want but can't stop losing because of the problems I have had. I haven't got beyond thick liquids and had to have a hiatal hernia repair in June. Thinking it was the hernia still troubling me, I have patiently coped with nausea and vomiting for several weeks.

I finally got so bad that I managed to get to see a bariatric surgeon at UC Davis, Dr. Mohamad Ali(yes the name caused a smile) for a second opinion. I had to be rehydrated immediately and tests revealed I have a stricture(narrowing) between the stomach and large intestine. Dr. Ali's view is that the angle of the staple join in surgery needs to be 135 degrees and many doctors only make it 90 degrees. Dr Ali talked about this being the worst complication of sleeve surgery. He seems to be a pretty decent surgeon and very experienced for those living in the Sacramento area.My MD daughter-in-law is an anesthesiologist and highly recommends him.

Now I have a semi permanent nutrition line in my arm. For the next week of so I will have a calorie boost and fluid boost to get my nutrition levels back up. This way I don't have to stress about eating and then vomit. It will also give my stomach time to recover.This will also give them the chance to try a couple of things-ballooning the stricture and/ or a temporary shunt. I will know more after further tests this week.

It is good to know there could be an end in sight; although, I still may have to have a complete gastric bypass if these steps don't work. This has not been a fun experience and I wouldn't want to repeat it. I am a little unlucky but there are others out there who have not bounced back after surgery.

To say I have waited patiently to heal and put up with all this has been an understatement. Sometimes we can be too patient and I should have pushed my original surgeon more. Just know I am feeling much more positive about the coming week.

[workinprogress40]

Thank you for sharing your story!!!! And I hope your recovery continue to progress.

[Dee Leshuz]

Damn, a stricture! You've been through so much! But at least you know what it is and can get started w/ some proper nutrients. I'm so sorry you're going through this.

[pack89]

OMGosh! I feel so bad for you! Hopefully you are on your way to a solution and recovery. Sending you virtual (((HUGS)))!!!

[Cattitude]

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope the PPN makes you feel better and helps your healing!

[lindsaywalker76]

I am in the same boat that you are in and it sounds like our problems are similar. I am 3 months post op. My first 2 weeks things were going great and then all of a sudden week 3, I couldn't even swallow water, everything just came up. I spent about a month like this, getting IV's every few days. Finally my surgeon decided to try a dilitation (they take a balloon and stretch the area they think is causing the problem). I am now able to get liquids down, but really just clear liquids. I have a hard time with thick ones and food. I just throw it all up, no matter what I try to eat or slurp or how slow I go. I have lost 100lbs in 3 months which is great but my poor body has had absolutely no nutrition. I am going down for a procedure on Tuesday, another dilitation to see if they can get it to open more. I am keeping my fingers crossed. If this doesn't work I don't know what is going to happen, I'm not sure they do either. If it doesn't work I may talk to them about getting some sort of IV nutrition thing set up. I'm sorry to think someone else has had to go through this too. I am always sick to my stomach and always exhausted. I would take it all back if I could, but I can't. Anyways, if you ever need someone to talk to who understands what you are going through, please don't hesitiate. I personally have felt really alone through this whole thing and daily I have to remind myself of all the things that can still make me smile so I don't fall into that dark hole. Best of luck to you

[lindsaywalker76]

On another note, everytime I tried to talk to my surgeon about it, he told me I just needed to wait it out and be patient. I'm sure you understand just how frustrating that is to hear from the only person you feel like can really help you.

[Kylady1975]

Wow you two will be in my thoughts and prayers. Im glad you both on the road to figuring it out. Good luck to you both.

[jerzeygirl]

Sending all my positive thoughts to you ladies. I am so sorry you've had complicatons, but hopefully; you will find a balance for yourselves and move forward w/better health. Please keep in touch as we all care.

[Bridie]

OMG I thought 85 lbs in 5 months was a lot but 100lbs in 3 months!!!!You are worse off than me. I can at least keep somethings down. After my barium swallow I vomited about 25 times the next day and about 4 times on the day.
Is your problem in the same place? They can do a temporary shunt to open things. The only other option which they won't do yet is the gastric bypass. I got sick to death of my Indian doctor telling me things would settle when I was dealing with the reflux.It was 4 months before they would look and see. This vomiting thing is newish and its in a totally differnt area to the reflux. I think I have had the stricture from the start-a problem created by the surgeon I believe. I could have thrown a rock at him when I emailed about the vomiting and he said to taKe more antacids!
I would actually suggest a second opinion as I did. Do your research and find out someone really well known. I send lots of hugs.

[LMS]

THANK YOU both for posting, I think it is so important to hear the good, bad and ugly. I wonder at what point does one know they are in the "clear"? I was told at 14 days chances of leaks are slim but we never talked about what you are going thru. Thank you both again and prayers to you both.

[LauraM5]

Wow! I wish you both good health soon!! We are ALL pulling for you!! Feel free to post whats going on so we can support you!! Sending you ((HUGS))!!

[garrison36]

Hello, I'm glad to hear your on your way to getting better, I had complications as well and only a few on the site gave me support but it's ok. The nutrients will help alot and you will feel better soon and If you want to talk I'm here.

[Bridie]

I appreciate all of your comments. This is the one place where you can get support from those who know. I will keep you updated as the week progresses.

[mamamckinzie]

My heart goes out to all of you that have had complications. I cannot begin to understand how terribly frustrating this must be for you. Sending you positive thoughts and healing prayers. Please keep us posted...we really do care and want to see you healthy and happy.