Bariatric Surgery/stoma blockage

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Expert: Cathy Wilson, ACC-ICF, CLC - 10/30/2008


Question
I had a gastric sleeve on 10-01-2008 and am still on a strict diet.  Yesterday, I had some pasta, (I'm allowed to have egg noodles).  I don't believe I had too much, however, when I called my surgeon's office about this, I was told that I may not have chewed the food properly.  Anyway, dinner was at about 7:00 p.m. and since then, I have not been able to eat anything.  I've been able to sip a little water, though not too much.  When I called the surgeon's office, I was told to get some meat tenderizer and mix a tsp. with a cup of water.  That this would help to dissolve the food that was there.  I was able to get about half of that down, but the second sip was largely thrown back up.  I have not vomited except for that, but I have been gagging.  I have hardly peed, but I haven't been able to drink either.  So, does it sound like a bowel obstruction and what do they do about this?  I am very very uncomfortable.  Thank you ahead of time for any help you can give me.

Answer
Hi Dianne,

What you're describing could be simply a case of an irritation from probably not chewing enough.  However, it could also be something more.  The fact that you haven't been able to drink is a concern.  

I'm not a physician or health care professional but I would rather be safe than sorry, especially since you just had your surgery less than a month ago.  I'm glad that I just received this so you can receive my response.

I would strongly encourage you to call your surgeon's office now and not wait until the morning.  If you call this evening, there should be a doctor on call.  Please describe your situation in detail and include the fact that you can't drink and are "very very uncomfortable."  If necessary, go to your local urgent care or even an e.r. to make certain everything is okay.  

Now that we've had surgery, we've taken charge of our health and being your own advocate for yourself starts now.  There is no question or concern, especially at your stage of post-op, that doesn't deserve to be addressed with you by your surgeon or the office staff.  

If you don't mind, please follow-up and let me know how you are.  

Take care,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator  

Bariatric Surgery

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Cathy Wilson, ACC-ICF, CLC

Expertise

I am a certified life coach and specialize in weight loss surgery. I am an ACC accredited coach with the International Coach Federation, the equivalent of the ASMBS in bariatrics, in the profession of coaching. As a successful RNY gastric bypass post-op since 2001, I've lost and maintained my weight loss of 147 pounds. I have worked in the bariatric field since 2002. Currently, I am the director of support groups for a weight loss surgery internet education and support company. I train weight loss surgery members that want to lead support groups. I teach the set-up and operation of support groups, overview of the various bariatric surgical procedures, and basic bariatric nutrition. I am a certified back on track facilitator and enjoy working with post-ops finding their way to get back on track and stay on track. I have written and teach a bariatric coaching workshop and conduct weight loss surgery group teleclasses and coaching. In my current position, I am also the Mental Health Professional Liaison and work closely with the leading bariatric mental health professionals in the country. Coaching weight loss surgery patients, pre-op and post-op, back on track are my passion.

Experience

I am a gastric bypass post-op since 2001. I lost 147 pounds and my other co-morbidities including diabetes. I conduct training in the areas of support groups, nutrition, all of the surgery procedures, and teach a bariatric coaching workshop. I am an international coach and coach clients throughout the entire United States. My website is www.LoseWeightFindLife.com.

Organizations
ObesityHelp.com, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Action Coalition, International Coaching Federation, International Association of Coaches.

Publications
ObesityHelp Magazine, ObesityHelp Member Newsletter, eZine.com, SearchWarp and numerous on-line publications.

Education/Credentials
I am a certified life coach and specialize in weight loss surgery. I am an ACC accredited with the International Coach Federation. I have taken extensive courses in formal coach training including addition, group coaching, teleclasses, and bariatric foundational coaching.

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