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Roux-en-Y surgery complications

Posted by bborth @bborth, Aug 5, 2019

Well, after dealing with bile reflux on and off for 5 years my GI has recommended this surgery for me. I will be having this done at the U of M after have been treated by Dr. Martin Freeman there for the past few years, and many ERCP procedures. The surgeon claims I am a good candidate for this being in good health otherwise and relatively young (56). A bit scared of course given the nature of this type of surgery, but staying as-is can't be a long term plan for me. The surgeon agreed, and was concerned that the bile is now getting up in the esophagus/throat which can pose more serious issues down the road if not abated. I guess if anyone has advice on recovery, or hints on moving forward in life post roux en y surgery I would appreciate it.

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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jul 5, 2025
In reply to @kimmy1970 "May I ask how were you diagnosed with bile acid? I have been treated for GERD..." + (show)
Profile picture for kimmy1970 @kimmy1970

May I ask how were you diagnosed with bile acid? I have been treated for GERD and reflux. I had 2 bleeding ulcers that have been repaired. However, I still deal with the burning most days which is an all day thing. I have been referred to another specialist who prescribed meds, but they didn't work. I have a follow up next week. He thinks it is bile acid despite a gallbladder removal last year.

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@kimmy1970
It must be very annoying to have burning every day. I had ulcer that were treated with meds and did not return. I have also had SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) multiple times and it was treated with antibiotics. Both were diagnosed by doing an endoscopy, for SIBO they took a sample of fluid from the small intestine via endoscopy and culturing it to identify bacterial overgrowth. There is also a breath test for SIBO.

Did you have a endoscopy? Hope you get answers in your follow up meeting.

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kimmy1970 | @kimmy1970 | Jul 6, 2025
In reply to @roch "@kimmy1970 It must be very annoying to have burning every day. I had ulcer that were..." + (show)
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@kimmy1970
It must be very annoying to have burning every day. I had ulcer that were treated with meds and did not return. I have also had SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) multiple times and it was treated with antibiotics. Both were diagnosed by doing an endoscopy, for SIBO they took a sample of fluid from the small intestine via endoscopy and culturing it to identify bacterial overgrowth. There is also a breath test for SIBO.

Did you have a endoscopy? Hope you get answers in your follow up meeting.

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I have had numerous endoscopies and other tests. My gastro referred me to an esophagus specialist who I have seen once. I have a call with him on Wednesday. Hoping he can recommend some type of treatment that will work. I also read on a report I had SIBO, but it was not addressed. Would that cause burning?

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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jul 7, 2025
In reply to @kimmy1970 "I have had numerous endoscopies and other tests. My gastro referred me to an esophagus specialist..." + (show)
Profile picture for kimmy1970 @kimmy1970

I have had numerous endoscopies and other tests. My gastro referred me to an esophagus specialist who I have seen once. I have a call with him on Wednesday. Hoping he can recommend some type of treatment that will work. I also read on a report I had SIBO, but it was not addressed. Would that cause burning?

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@kimmy1970
Not sure if SIBO would cause burning, but I suggest asking specialist about the SIBO mentioned in report and if that could cause your symptoms.

Hope the specialist can provide a solution.

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lhom | @lhom | Oct 20, 2025

How are you getting along? How were they able to confirm bile reflux?

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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Oct 21, 2025
In reply to @lhom "How are you getting along? How were they able to confirm bile reflux?" + (show)
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How are you getting along? How were they able to confirm bile reflux?

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Hi @lhom - super nice of you to check in on another member. Wondering if you're checking in on @bborth, the member who originally started this discussion, or another member in this discussion on Roux-en-Y surgery complications?

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lhom | @lhom | Oct 21, 2025
In reply to @lisalucier "Hi @lhom - super nice of you to check in on another member. Wondering if you're..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier

Hi @lhom - super nice of you to check in on another member. Wondering if you're checking in on @bborth, the member who originally started this discussion, or another member in this discussion on Roux-en-Y surgery complications?

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@bborth

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Oct 21, 2025

Hi @bborth - @llhom and I are wondering how you are getting along and if they were able to confirm bile reflux?

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tdkelly18 | @tdkelly18 | Dec 20, 2025

Did anyone answer? I have experienced weight gain and want to know if and how I can loose some weight.

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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Dec 21, 2025
In reply to @tdkelly18 "Did anyone answer? I have experienced weight gain and want to know if and how I..." + (show)
Profile picture for tdkelly18 @tdkelly18

Did anyone answer? I have experienced weight gain and want to know if and how I can loose some weight.

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@tdkelly18
It is so frustrating when you gain weight after surgery, even years later. I had mine over 13 years ago, and I have gained weight and had to concentrate on losing weight again. I have to go back to the basics, focus on what I eat and exercise. I see you also mentioned in another discussion about still dumping weekly.

There is a 2018 article from Mayo on subject that might offer suggestions:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/endocrinology/news/weight-regain-after-bariatric-surgery/mac-20431467
Have you discussed the dumping or weight gain with your primary provider?

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dwinters | @dwinters | May 13 11:54pm
In reply to @bborth "Interesting to see this reply come in. I was in the hospital for a couple days..." + (show)
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Interesting to see this reply come in. I was in the hospital for a couple days 2 weeks ago due to an infection of the liver that was caused by a newly found stricture/scar tissue in one of the ducts leading into the liver. An abcess had started to form, so I went on some antibiotics pronto, and had an ERCP to clean out some "sludge". Fever is gone, but I am feeling really backed up and sore in that same small area where the stricture was found (via MRI). The MRI was ordered after bloodwork showed higher liver enzymes and sign of an infection with a high while cell count. Came on all of a sudden after a good spell of normal health/digestion. Can these strictures suddenly develop after a surgery like this? Getting some anxiety of course to think of going through another surgery to fix this after feeling like the worst was behind me. Really appreciate any insights here!

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@bborth how are you doing currently? I've read some of your posts and I've got a similar path as you. Hope all is well.

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