Post RNY

Question
I had gastroplasty in 1980 and lost 125 lbs. I was never able to eat food that wasn't pureed without vomiting. After 25 years I found a physician that was able to do a revision in 2004. Basically what he did was start from scratch and do the bypass. The procedure that should have taken about 50 minutes took him over 2 hours to do. He told my family that there was so much scar tissue and that he had removed as much as he could. I lost weight as anticipated at first and was actually able to eat real food for the first time in 25 years. However, after the first year, I started to feel as though I had a plum size something in my stomach and as time has gone by it has grown to what feels like cantelope size. When it started growing, I stopped losing weight (tried Atkins for 10 weeks and only lost 1 lb). I have since started to gain weight (~ 18 lbs.) What would cause something like that? More scar tissue, stomach CA, etc? It is sometimes hard for me to breath because it feels like my lungs are being smothered as if there is no room in my torso for everything to fit comfortably. If it's scar tissue can anything be done or would further surgery be too risky? What type of procedure might be necessary? Thank you for your time!

Answer
Sonja,
It is impossible for me to make a sensible projection about the lump in your stomach without being able to examine you physically.

The good news is that your bariatric surgeon, possibly assisted by some diagnostic tests, has a great chance of defining exactly what is going on and helping you know what should be done next.

I strongly recommend you return for an evaluation in person with your bariatric surgeon.

Best of luck,
Dr JP

1. Prev:Recovery from RNY reversal
2. Next:Lap band removed still in pain!!!!!