Excessive ? weight loss and Med absorption problems.

andiL

New Member

Joined : May 2014

Posts : 1

Posted 5/10/2014 10:40 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone, I have read quite a few of the other threads re NF and felt a lot of reassurance already. However, I'm having 2 possible problems that I didn't see talked about.
about me - I have had GERD, quite severely for over 10 yrs, and gained nearly 50 lbs in the last 5 years. I believe not realizing the connection between GERD & my symptoms, and the weight gain are due to extreme stress. Finally able to address the reflux & constant hoarseness, many tests, and just had my 270 degree wrap done on April 21. I am a health care professional, who knew nothing- I see now- about everything involved with this procedure.
Weight loss - It has only been 2 weeks,5 days since the wrap, and I have lost 21lb already. I have progressed my diet as instructed,but after a bout of esophageal spasms, had to start hyoscyamine (Levsin) 10 days ago, & cutting back 2 days ago was not good. So,I'm back to full liquids, thickened liquids for now. I welcome the weight loss, but know enough that too fast is not good! I have felt tired,somewhat weak & cut back on activity which hasn't been much to begin with.

Med absorption problems - My well-controlled depression has returned with a vengeance. My 2 primary meds are Extended-Release forms, and I wondered if they are not being absorbed correctly, or completely. There is info available for weight-loss surgery, but not post-fundoplication.

Thanks !

dencha

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2009

Posts : 7263

Posted 5/11/2014 2:07 AM (GMT 0)

Hi andiL,

Welcome to the Healing Well

Wrapped Club!

Glad you've joined us! Weight loss is common during the first months of recovery, so it's nothing to worry about. The more weight you carried before surgery, the more weight you loose during the first weeks of recovery, as your intake is so severely decreased.

Once you've healed, you'll have to be careful not to gain your weight back. This recovery takes a full six months for most of the healing and a year for the rest. Right now you are likely at peak swelling. Your wrap becomes increasingly more swollen during the first two weeks or so post-op. It can cause discomfort/pain/and make it difficult to swallow and get food/liquids/medications through the wrap and into the stomach.

My guess is that your timed release meds may be stopping at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach/wrap, and are not making it into the stomach intact. Generally it's suggested that pills be crushed, or capsules be opened and mixed with a little applesauce/yogurt to get them down during the period of peak swelling. Some people don't seem to have any trouble getting pills down right away. I'm not one of them. I still have to use smaller pills/doses, or if I need to take a large pill, I either cut or crush it. (I'm 5 years post op).

I know timed-release pills can't be crushed. I wonder if you can get a lower dose/smaller tablet prescribed, then take them several times/twice instead of once, or whatever works, to make sure they're getting through. I often get lower dose pills and take multiples of them, rather than one big one.

I don't know if you've run across it, but here is my early recovery journal, FYI.
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

Sorry to hear about the spasms. I wouldn't be surprised if they were brought in by the swelling. Glad you had the surgery and are on the road to recovery. I had horrible, uncontrollable asthma because of reflux, and have had wonderful results. I'm sure once you've healed, you'll be happy to leave those terrible symptoms behind.

Again, glad you've joined us!
Best wishes,
Denise

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