Too far out from the program....

So I left a message at my clinic yesterday and I was happy to have a very friendly nurse call me back first thing this morning.  I have been having pain in my left side just under my breast, under my ribcage. It isn't severe, but very uncomfortable. It is more pronounced when I eat something, and I find now that most foods I eat, I can't have very much of at all before I feel pain and nausea. I get really bloated in the top part of my stomach and also have a ton of gas (TMI- sorry). Yesterday morning, before I even put a piece of food in my mouth, I had an episode of what felt just like dumping (extreme sweating- like dripping off my face, chills, and the trots)....weird. Anyhow, I described all of this to the nurse who said it sounded like something dietary, and sometimes throughout our journeys, our pouch rebells against things that we've been fine with before, etc...  I have heard that.  She said it could also be gallstones (although, I thought that pain would be on my right side), and here is what concerned me.  She said I should see my family doctor to investigate the potential gall bladder issues since I was too far out of the program (8 months), to be seen by one of the barriatric surgeons.  Has anyone else ever been told this?  I don't feel "too far out", and am a little concerned to be dealing with doctors *****ally don;t have too much idea about my new anatomy.

Do these symptoms sound like anything to any of you?  I was worried about internal hernia, but the nurse said it didn't sound that way.  I will be calling my Doctor's office when they open this afternoon, but wonder if anyone else has had any of these specific symptoms, just so I have some info to go on.  I love my Dr., but I don't think he really knows much about the RNY patient.  I am his only one to my knowledge. 

Sorry to hear you're having troubles, Marny.  With regard to the gallbladder - the pain can radiate to both sides and into the back.  As I recall, I felt most of my gallbladder pain on the left side and in my back/shoulders.  When I had issues with mine, I didn't go back to my WLS, I went to my family doc who ordered tests (ultra sound etc) and then to a general surgeon, not related to my WLS.  No need for that really.  I would definitely get checked out.

Similar to Karen, I had pain in my liver and my gut and my back, and behind my shoulder blade.
Turned out my gallbladder surgeon was Dr. Starr, who also performed my RNY.
It took 8 months of waiting for a surgery date (!!!!) despite repeated visits to the ER, because it was low priority for the hospital.

The pain and nausea were usually bearable, although there would be attackes where the cold sweats and pain were really off the chart.

I was told later that had they been large stones, they wouldn't have wedged themselves into the biliary duct - so the pain wouldn't have been as bad. With "gravel" (Dr. Starr's words) the little bits, all jagged and nasty, got stuck in the duct - hence the birth-like discomfort.

They're easy to diagnose, once you get in for an ultrasound.

Hey Marny, sounds to me like gall bladder. Mind you I am only pre op.  I had my gall bladder out about 5 yrs ago after I had my daughter.  Karen is right..mine was on left side with pain in front and back. Mine would flare up at the sight of food. :(   Good luck and keep us posted.

There is a bit of myth in regards to taking everything to your bariatric team. I actually wrote about it in my journal because someone in my support group was very upset and she was having pain and she would not be seen by the bariatric Center. Whenever you are in pain you still have to go to your family physician or to the emergency room and they will do the tests needed . Your bariatric surgeon more than likely is not going to touch you unless it's something directly related to surgery like a stricture so you go like everyone else to your family doctor or to the emergency room and they will do the appropriate tests whether it's kidney gallbladder or appendix.

Thanks all, for your valued advice.  I appreciate it.  I guess I just thought the clinic would deal with anything gastric related, but I am fine to go to my family dr.  I have an appointment on Tuesday after which I will be going to have an ultraasound to check for gall stones.  Hopefull it is nothing.

It has been going on for montths, and then today, I have been absolutrly fine today- go figue??

Hi Marny
I assumed that my refering physician would always see me - he has continued to see me in his private practice office since I had my first surgery. I am a bit concerned if the pain happened every time you ate for months and there was bloating. Could be gas but really should be looked into. The first thing I thought was leak and you mentioned internal hernia. I hope you get a thorough exam.