Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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jjklmommy 09/09/2013

I spent 7 hours in the ED yesterday. I had worked a couple 12 hours shifts and had little time to eat and literally ran all night long. Saturday afternoon I woke up and had some pain between my shoulder blades. I chucked this off to sleeping wrong. Later that evening I had some upper chest pain and having pain when I tried to take a deep breath. I again thought it was from being tired a little dehydrated and throwing off my diet. Sunday am the same symptoms persisted and now I am scared as these are all heart attack or PE symptoms. I went to the ED, and long story short after a battery of tests including serial EKG's and cardiac enzymes, D-dimer and CT scan. All the EKG's were normal as were cardiac enzymes. The D-dimer was elevated which can be an indicator of a clot so that's why I had a CT scan which, thank God was clear. We went on the assumption my symptoms were from irritation from reflux. So after a long day I got some omeprazole. I have a call in to my surgeon this am to see if there is anything else he recommends or a different PPI (acid reflux med). Do any of you take acid reflux meds. I think my issue was caused by my over working and not taking care of myself, but maybe this is more common than I had thought.

SgtSmith 09/09/2013

Sounds like you are miserable. I take omeprazole. I took Nexium and some other thing in the past. Doc said I didn't have to take it after the RNY but I could if I wanted to. So I still take it. No ill effects.

becca1960 09/09/2013

I also take omeprazole.... but not for reflux... because my surgeon wanted me to take it for 3 months post op as apparently it helps our pouch heal up after surgery.

Sounds like you had a miserable time of things! I am glad it was not your heart... but do hope you get it all figured out soon!

jjklmommy 09/09/2013

Thanks, Sarge and Becca. I was curious if others take reflux meds. It makes me a little crazy that this could have been avoided and just wondering if maybe we should all be on this after surgery. I am still waiting for a call from the surgeons office.

KatLin 09/09/2013

I take aciphex 2x a day now........early on probably my 4 th month I had extreme chest pain. .......I was already in the hospital luckily when it happened........my blood pressure was way up so they over the course of the evening gave me nitro 3x ekg's and blood work several times over 24 hrs. ...........I was fine however I have had a few more episodes over the last 2 years my bp does go up which the doc says is because of the pain level. My surgeon says its because of where your pouch is now. not every one has this issue. I had bad reflux going in and my meds are 2x a day not one because of it. i chalk it up to that.

deleted_user 09/09/2013

I'm pre surgery, but suffer from severe acid reflux. I have tried every med out there and the only one that works for me is nexium. Because of the reflux problem, my dr. Says the RNY is the only type of surgery that won't make this worse.

rbd74 09/09/2013

I've taken that same med for over a year. I had the same symptoms while on it.

In June I got very sick. My gallbladder was the issue. I had two very large stones. Search for the topic under gallbladder and you should find my post. My rny surgeon took out my gallbladder, it was a much longer recovery than I expected. Message me if you want more details.

bouvier 09/09/2013

I have been taking omeprazole since my RNY. My surgeon wants me on it for 1-2 years minimum. He says it helps prevent ulcers.

Boo1962 09/09/2013

AWW! So sorry you went thru that! Hope you feel better soon, and the meds help. Keep us posted what Doc says.

big hugs,

Boo

jjklmommy 09/09/2013

Thanks all. The PA from the sugeons office called and agreed with the order for omeprazole. She reinforced that I need to get my fluid and protein in rbd I have already had my gallbladder out. I am just worried I will need to find a day job and my current unit does not have any day positions available. :(

rbd74 09/10/2013

Well, it wouldn't be your gallbladder then, would it! Ha!

Is there any way possible for you to keep food and drink on your person?

I have a water bottle with a belt clip, you can put a bag of nuts in your pocket. I've recently seen collapsible water bottles. You could put just a little water in it.

Good luck!

deleted_user 09/10/2013

i take zantac 150 twice a day...for reflux iget the generic from costco real cheap.i have been on Rx prevecid..ass-effects..tagamet..but the zantac works awesome for me...many WLS peeps never have an issue with reflux after surgery...i dont unless i eat too much...or in the middle of the night...which i tend to do...

jjklmommy 09/10/2013

rbd, I have got to take a protein shake with me. I am a NICU nurse so we can't have food around except for our break room, but I can have a covered drink and the protein shake will have to do. It's just difficult sometimes to take a "real" break and have time to eat.

deleted_user 09/10/2013

While I was still in nursing~I went to the ED. What I was diagnosed with was Costal chondritis. I had chest pains and could not take a deep breath. It was d/t repetitive movement and an inflammation of the spaces between my ribs. neg. ekg.

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