Post-Surgery Complications: Ulcers & Abdominal Pain After Gastric Bypass

Question
Have you heard of problems with bleeding ulcers following gastric bypass surgery? I have 2 that are just healing. I was taking motrin for pms and broken toe.  Also I am having lots of stabbing pain on the left side lower abdomen every so often that lasts a minute or two and then is gone. When it does it -I am bent over usually. Dr says no idea why. Not a hernia. Been through mri/ct/xrays/swallow tests. Thanks for your time. Jane  

Answer
Hello Jane,

I HAVE heard of having bleeding ulcers prior to AND after surgery, but not AS A RESULT OF Gastric Bypass Surgery.  Motrin should be ok.  But I'm VERY concerned about the 'stabbing pain' on your lower left abdomen.  I would rather not guess.  You don't say whether the Dr that has no idea why is your Primary Care Manager or your Surgeon.  If it is your PCM, ask for a referral back to your surgeon.  If it is your surgeon, try to get a second opinion.  Has your surgeon seen the results of the MRI CT X-Rays and Swallow Tests?  Pain is an indicator that something is wrong - Don't let your Doctor give up.  Ask and keep asking different doctors until you find the answer.  I wish I could have just answered your question straight away, but I'm speaking from your side of the table and I know how disruptive internal pain can be.

When you find out, please let me know so that I can build my knowledge base and actually HELP the next Jane that comes calling with this problem.

I'm sorry, Jane.
Please keep in touch,
Your Friend Steve