Question:
I has an intestinal blockage. Was this something I caused or is it a common complicat

I am 19 1/2 months post-op open rny. Went to the emergency room last Friday with abdominal pain and vomiting. Had to have emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage. Do you know what usually causes this problem? I have lost 153 lbs and would like to loose another 15 pounds.    — lbruzzese (posted on June 25, 2006)

June 25, 2006
Its a relatively common risk of any abdominal surgery including WLS. It is frequently the result of scar tissue. It is not something you caused.
   — sratliff

June 25, 2006
Statistics indicate that intestinal blockages occur in a little less than 2% of gastric bypass patients. The cause is, as the prior poster indicated, due to changes in the texture and consistency of the scar tissue that forms after your intestines are cut. There are some surgical techniques that can possibly reduce the risk of a blockage, but there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer to this issue. When I experienced my blockage, and emergency surgery, I was assured that there was nothing that I could have done to prevent it. Of course, the important issue is to be mindful of the intense pain that accompanies a blockage and to seek immediate medical treatment before long-term health is impacted.
   — SteveColarossi

June 26, 2006
I'm sorry you had to go through this, I hope your healing goes well from this second surgery. I had an blockage at exactly the same time - 19-1/2 months out, from an Open RNY. Mine was down very low, next to the appendix, so she took it out while she was there. She said a flap of scar tissue had wrapped itself around my intestine and was strangling it. Since it was so low it could have been scar tissue from my tubal ligation but she said there is no direct relation to the RNY. Take care. Anita
   — ALF

June 26, 2006
Lisa, I am so sorry that you had to go through with this. I am 13 months out and devolped an ucler where the new met the old and busted. I to had to have emergency surgery....I've bee having a lot of gas which causes a lot of tummy pains. June 07 - 06 I have to have my galbadder check out. For about 4 days I was having bad pains in that area. I am now doing much better.
   — RobertMiller

June 30, 2006
Lisa, Just wanted to say that we are very similar, since i am 18 months out, weigh 155, and would like to lose about 20 more pounds! good luck to you.
   — Novashannon

Click Here to Return