2 Weeks Post Surgery- pain, cramping, discouraged. Help!

[HBOO]

I had RYGB on Jan 28. I had almost no pain or discomfort while in the hospital. Now, I am in constant pain from gas and cramping. Muscle spasms in my gut, and fecal incontinence. I can't sleep because of the spasming. I have no appetite, getting my fluids and protein and soft foods goals is a challenge. I have cut out lactose, I am trying probiotics. Really tired and discouraged. The doctor says this is normal and takes time, but my patience is wearing thin. Is this really normal? Does it go away?

 

[Bill S.]

Yeah it’s normal I went through the same thing. It might last awhile I don’t remember how long I had it I still get stomach pain sometimes

 

[Cyxelsid]

Is this really normal? Does it go away?

Everyone is different, our bodies all react differently. I had the gastric sleeve, not the full by-pass.

Be gentle and patient with yourself. This is short-term discomfort, for kong term benefit.

You may consider asking your doctor about taking an antacid. My Surgeon prescribed Prevacid for me. That has helped me with the gas.

But getting water is your #1 priority, followed by your protien.

 

[HBOO]

Thanks for the encouragement, Bill and Cyxelsid. I will try to be patient.

 

[Nathancoimbra99]

I know how you feel sometimes I feel kind of depressed because the cramping and the stomach pains and intolerance of foods just feels like it will never end

 

[HBOO]

I know how you feel sometimes I feel kind of depressed because the cramping and the stomach pains and intolerance of foods just feels like it will never end

I know how you feel sometimes I feel kind of depressed because the cramping and the stomach pains and intolerance of foods just feels like it will never end

Nathancoimbra99, how long since your surgery? What helps you cope?

 

[HBOO]

I had RYGB on Jan 28. I had almost no pain or discomfort while in the hospital. Now, I am in constant pain from gas and cramping. Muscle spasms in my gut, and fecal incontinence. I can't sleep because of the spasming. I have no appetite, getting my fluids and protein and soft foods goals is a challenge. I have cut out lactose, I am trying probiotics. Really tired and discouraged. The doctor says this is normal and takes time, but my patience is wearing thin. Is this really normal? Does it go away?

Update: I was referred to a GI specialist who ordered labs that came back negative. They doubled the anti-spasmodic, and that helped control the pain. Had my 4-week follow-up appointment yesterday. The doctor thinks my trouble may have been a combination of the protein shakes and a gallbladder medication they put me on as a preventative. They progressed me to the next stage of my post-surgery diet. Deli shaved meat, chicken, fish, ground turkey and lean ground beef, peanut butter. Doctor told me to stop the gallbladder med and wants me to lay off the protein shakes through the weekend and see what I can do to get as much protein as possible in my 5 tiny meals. Day 1 is in the books and let me just say, I am going to survive February! What a difference! The diarrhea, cramping, muscle spasms - all gone. The lactose intolerance is still there, but I can manage that. Thanks, everyone, for the encouragement. It's been a really great day. Ready to put that all behind me.

 

[3momchaos]

Happy to hear you are feeling better!

 

[mmitti]

I'm glad it's working out.

 

[Brenda2010]

I would always encourage folks to have their gallbladders removed with this surgery. I had un-diagnosed gallbladder "attacks" for over a decade until I finally had to have emergency surgery to remove it, 6 months prior to my WLS. These episodes would come out of nowhere and they were the most painful things I've ever dealt with, lasting 5-8 hours at a time. I have a high tolerance for pain but these had me fainting. After the removal, I learned that my drastic weight yo-yos through the years were likely the cause of the stones, and finally swelling to the point of possible rupture.

My advice to everyone, just have it removed during your surgery, your surgeon is right there anyway!!!

 

[mmitti]

Mine wasn't removed because I had no stones. I'm on Ursodiol for 6 months to protect the gall bladder from stones developing. I hope it works.

 

[Brenda2010]

Mine wasn't removed because I had no stones. I'm on Ursodiol for 6 months to protect the gall bladder from stones developing. I hope it works.

I hope so too! I'm glad to hear that there's a preventative medication out there. I'd hate for someone to heal up from their weight loss surgery and then start experiencing these painful gallbladder "attacks". And obviously, the less surgeries, the better!

 

[3momchaos]

I

I would always encourage folks to have their gallbladders removed with this surgery. I had un-diagnosed gallbladder "attacks" for over a decade until I finally had to have emergency surgery to remove it, 6 months prior to my WLS. These episodes would come out of nowhere and they were the most painful things I've ever dealt with, lasting 5-8 hours at a time. I have a high tolerance for pain but these had me fainting. After the removal, I learned that my drastic weight yo-yos through the years were likely the cause of the stones, and finally swelling to the point of possible rupture.

My advice to everyone, just have it removed during your surgery, your surgeon is right there anyway!!!

Im specifically requesting that my gallbladder be removed because of its issues. It was almost removed 16 years, but because it was only gall sludge instead of gallstones, they let me keep it-yippie

 

[HBOO]

N

so they didn't take out your gallbladder? it's almost always removed when bariatric surgery is performed because the gallbladder tends to create stones when a body starts to lose mass, or weight. this is a problem you don't need, and your doc obviously made the connection soon enough to do something about it.

but other people can learn from this and ask if your surgeon plans to take out your gallbladder at the same time. apparently it's not an essential organ. i haven't had any trouble in 12 years. i wouldn't even know what to look for, but aside from a staple coming loose, i haven't had any complications from RYGB.

I'm so happy for you.

I still have my gallbladder. They did warn me of the possibility of gallbladder trouble following surgery, but my never discussed removing it. Only medicating.

 

[HBOO]

Mine wasn't removed because I had no stones. I'm on Ursodiol for 6 months to protect the gall bladder from stones developing. I hope it works.

Ursodiol is what I was taking. My surgeon prescribed it for 3 months following surgery.