Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 10/12/2009

Question
Hello, I had lap band surgery in May 2009, in July 2009 they did a revision and hiatal hernia repair as I was having severe stomach pain and uncontrollable vomiting. This second surgery did not change anything. So in August 2009 they removed the band. I am still having the severe stomach pain, can only eat tiny little morsels of food and need to vomit constantly. I have been hospitalized for several weeks since the last surgery and I am at the end of my ropes.I have seen several specialist including GI and NOTHING no answers, my surgeon said there was some scar tissue were the port used to be....could this be causing my pain, if not what is? Please help I need answers to get on with my life which has stopped for the past five months.

Answer
Tracey,
I am super sorry but I have not run into this type of problem before.  It sounds as if you have had a thorough workup (potentially useful tests include CT of the abdomen, upper endoscopy, and Upper GI X-ray) - if nothing shows up on these tests then I can't think of anything that would cause your pain and obstructing symptoms.

My only advice at this point is to not give up on the docs who have been taking care of you so far.  Seeing them in person is going to be the best shot at getting better.

You might also want to read a book called "How Doctors Think" by Jerome Groopman.  This book is written for patients to help their doctors figure out tough cases.

Best of luck,
Dr JP