13 days post-op (RNY) - Comps?????? Scared!!!

Today is day 13 postop – RNY. Everything regarding recovery seemed to be going well except for the fact that my blood sugars and A1c have been higher post surgery than ever before. This is a huge disappointment to me since the reason I had the surgery was because of the diabetes. Of course, I am pleased with the weight loss to date - 20 lbs putting me almost ½ way to my goal weight already. Well, I’ve also had 2 liver function tests since surgery and both are worse than the other. I have no idea what this means – nobody will really say other than they are setting me up with Endo and for an ultrasound of the liver. I’m very scared – is my liver failing? Then, yesterday afternoon I started to notice that when I swallow (still on stage 3) rather than feeling it slowly move down, it now just “drops" to my lower left abdominal area with pain. Been waiting all morning for the surgeon to call.  Have constant pain in that area.  I describe the area as between the left hip area and navel – kind of between the upper and lower incisions on that side. So scared – regretting surgery......why did I do this??????????

I'm glad you are calling your surgeon, and hope you get some answers and help soon.

You only had 40 pounds to lose? Wow!

Regrets are common early out- I sure had them. But now I am so grateful- I bet you will be, too, once your weight is off.

Feel better soon- keep us posted!

 There is no guarantee that diabetes will resolve with the surgery.  There is 75% chance that it will and a 25% chance that it will not.  The 75% chance that it will resolve makes the surgery worth trying.

 I never felt food moving through, so can't comment on that.  For me, the pain on the left side was from the muscle that was cut to insert the stapler for surgery.  It went away after a few weeks.

Talk with your doctor and ask what the liver tests mean.

I realize that the diabetes will most likely stay with me for life - to some degree. I just didn't expect it to get worse. That's what is discouraging. The pain is aweful - I can't even drink or eat today. It causes too much pain when the liquids "fall" to where I don't think they should be falling.

 You do need to talk to your doctor.

I am no expert, but here is what I know:

Your blood glucose may be elevated as your body heals.  The real test will be an A1C as soon as your doctor deems it appropriate.

Elevated liver enzymes may also be surgically related, as your liver was manipulated during the process.  Again, it may takes weeks for those numbers to resolve.  The endo will probably do all the hep testing, just in case and the ultrasound is normal protocol.  Usually, they look at your gallbladder too for stones, as those can elevate liver enzymes.

As for the pain, you did the right thing by calling your surgeon.  Your days of taking any gut pain lightly is a thing of the past.  A scope might be necessary to make sure everything is in tact.

Help me understand--How is it you only have 40 pounds to lose?  I was a lightweight and still had a 100 to lose to get to the top of a normal BMI.

Thanks JoAnn. Actually, 50 is my personal goal at this point. 75 is my total goal eventually. Doctor office just called back. No clue what the pain is from and why it hurts when my liquids drop and why they feel like they drop. "Take tylenol". What?????? I told her I can't even eat/drink because it hurts to bad. She said she'd let him know - um, thought she already did and the answer was tylenol. All I can do is sit here and cry right now.

Hang in, love. Sorry this is so hard for you right now.

Please keep drinking. Your protein is important, bu****er or other fluids is essential. I ended up in the ER because I couldn't drink early out- don't let that happen to you.

Because of our surgery and the nerves getting cut, we don't have an accurate way of telling where the food and water are going.

But keep advocating for yourself- insist on talking with your doctor, OK?

Keep us posted.

I would go to the HOSPITAL....i wouldnt be waiting for no dr and i been in pain all day......I wish u luck girl....

Hi there

First of all, I think you need to take a couple of deep breaths and try to relax a little.  When you get worked up, it is only going to make your pain that much worse.  I know, I'm the queen of doing this.

Second, someone else mentioned it, but surgery all by itself can cause your blood sugar levels to be higher than normal - it is a normal response to stress.  It doesn't mean that you are going to be diabetic forever.  It may just take your body healing, and it may take more weight loss.  But its pretty early to be writing the verdict already, you know?

I hope your doctor calls you back about the new pain.  It seems like a new pain that prevents you from even eating is a reason for a doctor's visit, but that's just my opinion of course.  Don't let them brush you off until you feel comfortable with what they are telling you.

Hang in there!