8 month update

[Guest guest]

Hi Gang,

I don't post very often, but I wanted to update you on my

results, almost 9 months after the MGB. To date, I have lost 89 lbs.

I started at 250 and I am now 161. I have had some problems though.

In April, I had some problems with major burning and pains in my

stomach. I went to the ER and they could not figure out what my

problems were. They said it was gas, that I should go home and take

Gas-X. The gas-x did not help, and for 3 days I stayed in pain until

I went back to the ER. They gave me some Pepcid, and it decreased

some of my burning. I had tried contacting Dr. R but he was out of

town that weekend, but the ER doc spoke to him on Monday, and he

told me to go back on my Prevacid and Carafate. Dr. R also requested

to see me that week.

Dr. R saw me and spoke to me about my problems. I always took my

vitamins, citrucel (almost always-in pill form) and I always chewed

tums. I did not always take the fish oil, Creatine, whey protein etc.

He told me at that time I needed to be completely faithful in taking

that medicine as well as the Prevacid and Carafete. I said no

problem, and went back to taking all the meds.

Well, its two months later and the problems have not gotten any

better. I started throwing up in the middle of the night, a nasty

yellow lliquid and the burning would stay in my throat and chest. It

comes up so quick, that I can't always make it to the bathroom. I

burn in my tummy 4-5 times a day, which most times eating will make

feel better. At first I thought it was hunger pains. But if I didnt

eat within a little while, I would get a nasty taste in my

mouth..which too started to burn.So in May I went to see my PCP and

explained to her the problems I was having. She gave me some tips

about things to do to make me feel better ie; no spicy foods, no

dairy, no red sauces, no peppermint etc..and also raising my bed. I

followed her orders and my problems lessened, but did not stop. She

referred me to a Gastro.

The gastro doc talked to me and he also spoke to me about the

surgery. He told me to stop taking the carafate and prevacid. He

stated that my problems were related to excess bile in my tummy and

backing up into my stomach. My gastro doc gave me an endoscopy. When

he did, he said he had to drain a large amount of bile out of my

tummy to complete the test. According to him, my tummy is about the

size of a small orange, or about 6 oz. He did see ulcerations, and

alot of imflamation in my tummy. He is doing a Gall bladder test on

Thursday to make sure its working properly. He said if nothing is

wrong with my Gallbladder, then I will need to speak to a Surgeon. He

said that the bile is beginning to eat at my tummy, and I will need

something done to correct this problem. I was a little drowsy after

the endoscopy, so I couldnt speak to him in complete detail. After my

Gallbladder results come in I will meet with him and speak with him

in depth.

I am planning on getting a second opinion, to make sure that this

diagnosis is correct. I am not posting this to get slammed or spat

at. I am just posting my results and my problems. I really would like

some opinions if you have them. I know there are others out there,

because my Gastro doc is seeing 4 other MGB patients with some

simular problems. Is anyone out there having these problems? I am

young (24) and really want to live a long healthy life. Please if

someone is familiar with these problems email me..either privately

(julielassiter@...)or public.

I do look feel alot better about myself, the changes I have been

through have been both positive and negative. I have gone from a size

24 to a 12, and look fantastic. I really wish that I could feel as

good on the inside as I do on the outside.

Thanks for listening,