Major Complications from Gastric bypass almost 3 years out and I am only 22

 The secret to winning a medical malpractice suit is that the jury must be shocked.  You would need other surgeons to testify against yours and explain what your surgeon did to make your surgery go wrong.  That surgeon and your other witnesses have to convince the jury that your surgeon made major mistakes that caused you to have the vomiting, ulcers, iron deficiency, etc.

My surgeon keeps telling me that there is nothing wrong.... I also do not have medical insurance either... The surgeons I spoke with for opinions told me they would not even look because they were afraid of a lawsuit if something happened. I really need some advice. please let me know something ASAP!!!

Galbaladder surgery is done on RNY patients. If conditions are warranted, it's done LAP during the RNY surgery.  Sometimes issues arise in a few weeks and the galbladder surgery is done then.  Appendix removal can happen to anyone, and I've not seen multiple posts on appendix removal due to rny surgery.  What are you doing about your "blood levels being way off"??  Ulcers do not happen to everyone. Smoking, drinking alcohol, eating highly acidic foods or drinking high acidity liquids can irritate to the point of having ulcers. I know a few people in my support groups who are on long range Prilosec scripts, as they don't seem to have these issues on this med.  I would think your doc would recommend you stay in the hospital a few days to track your issues and see first hand the experience you are describing.  Low iron levels are common with many female post ops too.  You may need high bp meds.  Heavy genetic history of some health issues may not be able to be completely overcome with surgery.  I know a few post ops who had RNY because they developed diabeties II. The diabeties was resolved for about a year, but returned. These people had many family members who were thin, yet had been dealing with diabeties for many years. This may be part of your higher bp issues.  I ended up with low bp after my RNY, to the point where I was passing out. The low bp issue was resolve with a pacemaker implant,and I'm back on my high bp meds also. Otherwise, I'm doing fine.  Asking your doc for nexium or prilosec, etc. may help your urge to vomit after eating.  Unless you have a narrowing that requires continued dialations, then the prilosec or nexium should be very helpful.  DAVE

My surgeon is very aware of all of my issues. He refuses to have me admitted. My bp is extrememly high for a 22 year old. 170/110. I am extrememly anemic, have low blood counts and the possibility of cancer now, which is something I just found out. I have been taking Nexium and Carafate for the Ulcers for over 3 years now...... Still nothing... My surgeon has done my gastric bypass, gallbladder removal 2 weeks later, Laproscopic exploratory surgery for an adhesion and a hernia repair, and he took out my Appendix this year. He is very aware of my problem.... He said that my stomach is exactly the same size as it was the day he did the surgery and I had the surgery almost 3 years ago. They told me if I do not get fixed  that I am going to die. I do not want to die at 22. Please give some advice after hearing this information. I hope to hear from you very soon.
thanks for taking the time to respond to me.

Sherry

wow so sorry your going through this.your story is exactly why im getting the sleeve.good luck to you.and yes i would seek a lawyers opinion!!!

The gallbladder problem is extremely common, so the fact that you consider it a complication surprises me.  It's so common after the DS, that many surgeons remove it during the DS so it's not an issue.  I'm not sure how the appendix can be blamed on your bypass.  Hernias, yes, but also very common.  Now, the excessive vomiting that has not subsided all of this time does indeed leave cause for concern.  I'd bet a dollar that the anemia and fatigue is due to that.  I'm guessing you're having a heck of a time fighting dehydration.  Have you had nutritional consultation to know how to keep healthy?

If your surgeon can't (or won't) diagnose it, then perhaps it's time to seek another opinion.  You can't sue for malpractice without another doc to determine that he's been neglectful or treated you improperly. 

The second doctor told me that me that they were complications. I cannot even hold down liquid. If i swallow it, no matter what it is, I vomit back within 5 min guaranteed. No questions asked... I cant get another surgeon to do anything because I have no medical insurance and my surgeon has basically left me to die. I weighed 360lbs and weigh now 110lbs and that was all lost in 1 year. I am now almost 3 years out and I still lose body mass. I also have been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism when previous surgery I had Hypothyroidism. I had no BP issues, No issues with Anemia no issues with anemia, no issues with Iron. I have had a vitamin test and it all comes back that all my vitamin levels are completely normal. I really need some advice please let me know and give me some advice. I desperately need it.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon


Sherry

It sounds like you really were thrown into this so young without being properly prepared with how to live with it.  I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Because iron is largely absorbed in the stomach (that you are no longer using) and also the fact that there may be some malabsorption of iron eating with food, low iron and anemia is common for RNY patients, many getting iron infusions regularly to keep in check.  Others get good results just taking a supplement.  This could be the cause of fatige for you, along with dehydration since you cannot keep anything down. 

You cannot continue to live like this, you're right.  The body needs fluids and nourishment.  I'd be concerned about a stricture or obstruction that is not allowing food or fluids to pass through.  This could kill you.  If you don't have the balls to be a ***** yourself - get someone else (relative, lawyer) to help give you a voice.  Find that 4th opinion with a surgeon who does revisions.  They're often extremely skilled, and not afraid to look at someone else's mess.  Elizabeth gave you Dr. Keshnian in CA.  He's a great recommendation, and might be worth the trip.  I would also recommend Dr. Smith in Atlanta, a little closer.

Dennis C. Smith, Jr., MD, FACS *
Email: [email protected]

WellStar Comprehensive Bariatric Services
780 Canton Road, Suite 320
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: 770-919-7050 or 1-866-535-0966 toll free
Fax: 770-919-7051
Email: [email protected]

Being that your doc isn't bothering with you anymore, I'm also concerned that they've done proper nutritional bloodwork on you, either.  With what you're describing, I can't imagine you're not malnourished more than just iron.  Once you can get food down, seek a nutritionist that specializes in wls patients to give you a full workup and come up with a good regimen for you.

Best of luck to you - and don't let this go.  What you're living with is not normal and being ignored by the surgeon should not be tolerated.

If you can't keep liquids down, you belong in the ER.