2 months out and I'm worse

Hi there, me again...

I've been in to see the doctor almost every week since surgery. He's put me on Reglan, Zofran, Protonix. Yet here I am, pretty much unable to eat anything, feeling nauseated all the time.

When I do eat I feel like a giant lump in my stomach.

The doc says don't worry about the protein, so I'm getting about 10 grams a day.

I'm just at a loss. He says I'm just of the 20% that heals very slowly and that it's all structural--it's all the swelling that is causing the problems.

He did an EGD while I was under and then I did the swallow test a couple days later, so he's confident I don't have anything going on.

Any advice or words of encouragement?

I'm so upset because I come on here and go to support meetings and everyone is doing so wonderfully. Why me?

I'm dealing with narly acid reflux and most days I regret this surgery because of nausea and burning ( i seriously feel like Im burning from the inside out sometimes)

I'm still able to get my water and protein in though - i sip on the protein shakes all day and it helps a little with the acid in my stomach (definitely doesnt get rid of it, but i have less pain). Im usually gagging and wanted to throw up, but I gotta do what I gotta do.

Hope you are able to resolve this soon. I've been having nightmares of the worst possible scenario ( a revision to RNY or something).

I'm really sorry you are struggling so much right now.

Can you get a 2nd opinion???

I had a leak, leak repair, a week in ICU on a ventilator due to anesthesia complications, and was NPO fed via a pic line with TPN, and was still able to eat at 2 months out, and was hospitalized a 2nd time at 6 weeks post-revision due to abscesses from the leak repair. Grant it, I was on mushies/purees/super soft solids, but I was able to eat. Not trying to negate your issues, or discredit what he is telling you, BUT if I were you, I would getting a second opinion asap.

 I am healing slowly, too. If I eat a really dense protein like chicken or salmon, my stomach hurts no matter how little I put in there. I do better with greek yogurt or soft cheese. Have you thought about doing a semi-liquid diet for a few more weeks to see if that will help? And have you noticed if temperature makes a difference? I've noticed that cold things do not bother me at all, but room temp or warm food tends to make my stomach ache.

On a side note, it looks like you're really losing weight. Not fun when you're constantly feeling sick, but at least the scale is moving.

Hang in there. 

I should have mentioned, two weeks ago I was told to go back to liquids (minus protein shakes) and this this past week I'm on mushies again. Honestly, I never really moved from mushies.

I'm just able to eat less than a few weeks ago.

Thanks for the responses so far, I hate that I'm such a whiney ass :(

I will think seriously about getting a second opinion.

Could this be a leak this far out??

Yeah, I've lost almost 50 pounds but honestly I don't even care!

My surgeon said with a leak you would know - pain, racing heart rate, high BP, sweating. Dont know if it's true cause I havent had one, but just saying.

Try eating cottage cheese and greek yogurt. They are soft, easy to digest, soothing for my acidy stomach and high in protein. Can't go wrong with that !

so sorry you are having this problem..

i havent seen anyone else report anything like what you are describing on here before..

i second what USAFwife said, you deserve a second opinion, even if just to ease your mind. You can see a Gastroenterology specialist..thats maybe your best bet?

Sorry you are both having so much pain and discomfort from the acid, I am guessing you have tried everything, but I have read on this board before about people doing 'home remidies' that cleared it up. I think one was apple cider vinegar, nasty stuff, but it couldn't hurt to look up this type of remedy. Good luck! 

I'm pretty sure it's not acid.When I wake up in the morning I have major acid gut but within 15 minutes of taking my protonix that feeling is gone. So I think that the acid reducer is doing it's job there.

*sigh*

I do have a GI doc. Here's the thing, I talked to all my docs before the surgery, all were very positive but the GI doc, who was not real educated on the VSG was against it. So now I almost feel like he will be "I told you so" about it.

Even as I type this I realize how stupid I sound.

Somebody smack me!

I agree about getting a second opinion, even if that's your doubting GI doc. Maybe you have a stricture?? That would explain why it's tough to get in enough food. They could do a scope and dilate if that's the case.

I feel so bad that you are having trouble. It's not fair. Plain and simple.

*hugs* I hope you get better soon! It's no fun to struggle. Keep us posted!!