Kidney Stones... Wish I'd known!

A few months ago I posted about blood in my urine.  Neither my PCP or bariatric surgeon knew what was going on... even after a few urine tests.  Well, on Monday I found out!  I had the worst pain of my life and drove myself to the ER (first time ever) and had a CT scan that revealed kidney stones.  The one on my right side that's causing pain is 5 mm and has left the kidney and is on it's way to my bladder.  I have 2 more 6 mm stones hanging out in my left kidney that I hope stay there forever.  

Unfortunately it still hasn't passed and I had a 5 hour episode of excruciating pain today.  BP and heart rate drop, nausea, dry heaves and no comfortable position to be found.  Upon researching kidney stones, it appears they are a common occurance after gastric bypass.  I wish I had known so I could have been prepared!  

Any tips to help with them in the future? 

It's not the surgery that causes them. Anyone who has massive and rapid weight loss is at risk.

I have no tips, but take care. Everyone says they are more painful than the surgery, or even childbirth. Best of luck.

I know rapid weight loss can cause gall stones but upsetting the balance of bile salts, but how does it cause kidney stones?

Make sure you are taking calcium citrate and not carbonate.  Calcium carbonate can cause kidney stones while calcium citrate actually helps prevent them.  Also make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids.

I've suffered kidney stones since I was 12, they suck.  Drink lots and try to catch the stone so that you can have its composition analyzed.  Those results will tell you how you need to modify your diet to help avoid them in the future. 

I'm so sorry to hear that! This is my first and I can't imagine having them for so long!  I've been filtering all week trying to catch it, what a concept! lol

Are you feeling better yet?  I hope?  

Hi, I appreciate you asking! Not yet, I actually just had surgery this morning to remove the stone on the right that was stuck in my ureter for 10 days. :( they also placed ureter stents on both sides for a few weeks. Next Tuesday I will have the stones still inside my left kidney shock waved.... I'm on the road to recovery, just not quite there yet! 

Aaah, that's awful!  I'm sorry you had to have actual surgery!  I've had lithotripsy a number of times, and it's a piece of cake.  Especially compared to WLS!  

Good luck.  Stones suck.  I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy.  

Thanks for the tips!  I will be sure I'm taking citrate and getting lots of fluids from here on out!  From what I've read on almost all of the "medical type sites" kidney stones are common when having bypass surgery due to the change in digestive track.

I've had 3 C-sections, 3 abdominal surgeries (including RNY) and 2 broken bones in my life and none have caused this level of pain.  Honestly, I've never admitted to a pain level above 5 in my life.  On my Monday ER visit I rated it a 7-8 and today was an 8-9.  Thanks for the well wishes.  I hope it passes quickly!!