Hello- new here from Florida

[BellePug]

Hi, I am new here and I am from Pensacola, FL. I had RNY 11 years ago and I have successfully kept off most of my weight. I went from 282 pounds to 132, but I have gained to 150 and I have been stable at that weight for 5 years. It has taken a long time to finally find out what has been wrong with me! I was given a "blind loop" diagnosis this year. After moving back to Pensacola last year, I got in with a wonderful GI doctor that said I have blind loop syndrome and it is causing my immune system to be in overdrive. I also see a Rheumatologist that agrees with the GI doctor and she said it has been labeled "bypass arthritis" and it is very much real. I suffer from malabsorption and Vitamin D def. and have to take Thiamine (B-1) injections and B-12 injections for life. For years, I would have flares with painful joints, swollen glands, terrible fatigue and muscle weakness. I would feel cold, and just sick, like I was coming down with something.
I was told that it is treated with antibiotics and they have to be changed and switched, at times. I have been on Bactrim but it is not working as good anymore. My GI doctor advised me to try the antibiotics but he said I needed to consider a surgical consult for a revision in the future. I am EXTREMELY scared of facing a revision. My doctor is very kind and he said that a revision is not to be taken lightly. I do not want to go that route at all unless it is necessary.
I am looking for any info on Blind loop or a revision or really any kind of support!!! Thanks to all that read my post.

 

[southernlady]

Welcome @BellePug
No help with the blind loop. Sending hugs tho. You've been thru the wringer.

 

[duh_Mom]

Hi @BellePug and welcome to the site. The support here is great as well as the info. You will find a lot on revisions but I have never heard of 'Blind Loop" . Don't despair, I am such a newbie that I don't know much.
Search and read and learn. Glad you are here - this site is by far the best informational site around.

 

[Clematis]

Welcome @BellePug

I hope your setbacks get sorted out soon and you improve without the need for surgery.

There are a few people here who have had SIBO (aka BLS) and I'm sure their stories will give you additional information.

 

[Larra]

Hi and welcome! I am so sorry you are going through all this. It shouldn't happen with gastric bypass as there is no truly blind loop, but I guess things happen.
Has your surgeon explained exactly what type of revision he would do it if comes to that? Whatever the case, I hope your doctors are able to get you feeling better without further surgery.

 

[SJB41976]

Welcome and so sorry for everything that you have been through. This is a great site.

 

[DarkRoux]

I'm sorry I don't have any help for what you are going through but I just wanted to say hello to another site newbie. Wishing you health going forward.

 

[newanatomy]

Welcome. I am sorry that you are having such a difficult time. I hope your doctors are able to help soon.

 

[aaa]

Welcome. Wish I could help.

 

[BellePug]

Hello, and thank you all for your kind words and for the welcome. I would appreciate any information, as I am very frightened and quite worried.

My original surgeon has since retired, since I had my surgery in 2004. I haven't seen a new bariatric surgeon yet. I now see a gastroenterologist that works along with the bariatric surgeons in the same hospital. I also see a Rheumatologist. My gastroenterologist confirmed I had SIBO earlier this year. I will always feel better with antibiotics, after every course for another ailment, I would feel so much better. Told this to doctors for years who couldn't find anything wrong with me. One rheumatologist suggested something like blind loop 5 years ago but due to the insurance regulations, I wasn't approved to see a specialist at that time. ( I was living in Los Angeles then) I have been back in Florida for a year now and finally some answers. They haven't said which type of surgery I could have, but when my gastroenterologist was telling me about possible revisions, he said having one is very risky and the blind loop could return and a reversal wouldn't be good either. He said when I was ready he would refer me but we needed to try the antibiotics first and get me managed. I need to actually call today as I feel pretty lousy right now, the Bactrim isn't holding up as good anymore.

Thanks, and Happy New Year everyone

 

[DSRIGGS]

Hello and welcome. I would reach out to Dr Ara Keshshian @ dssurgery.com(glendale, CA) or Dr Rabkin in the Bay Area. They are the two best in the world at revisions and very knowledgeable about the intestinal track. They can look over your records and weigh in. Keep in mind if there isn't an experienced revision ds surgeon in the area they won't know what these two do and they won't look at all options.... You really need a consultation with somebody of their caliber.