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Bariatric Surgery/Gastric Bypass and Hernia Repair

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Expert: - 7/19/2011


Question
Four weeks ago I had roux-n-y along with the repair of a hiatal hernia. My recovery is going well with the exception that I have a gurgling/growling sound every time I drink, coming from my chest area, which I assume is the area of the hernia repair. I have mentioned this to my surgeon and he said that it goes away. He did send me for an upper GI and the radiologist said she saw nothing out of the ordinary. What could be causing this and is it something that generally goes away?

Answer
Sheila,
The sound and/or sensation of gurgling in the lower chest or upper abdomen are fairly common after gastric bypass.  When you swallow fluid, there is also air in the area, and these are mixing in their new smaller area.  The odds are very high that this will go away with time, and the key thing is that you apparently have no sensation of pain or nausea or a sense of fluids backing up in your chest.  I am also reassured that your surgeon took you seriously and arranged an Upper GI series - if any new concerns arise then I'm sure that he/she will be right on top of this.

Best wishes!
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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Volunteer

John Pilcher, MD

Expertise

I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.

Experience

I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.

Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia Medical Degree - University of Virginia Surgical Residency - University of Virginia

Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha

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