Bloating and pain in left side after Gastric Bypass - is this normal? (photos)

Question

Hello I had my RN7 7/15/20 and just now am having an issue—- every time I eat I get constant pressure and intermittent pain on my left upper side. I had CT done only with IV contrast in the ER and it said there was “continued flow of air and fluid in remnant stomach may be from retrograde flow fistula could not be excluded” mind you i didn’t drink anything for almost 4 hours before this Is this normal ? I feel as though something is causing this bloating and intermittent pain and pressure.

Jorge Maytorena, MD · Answer

Colic-type pain may occur immediately after eating, this may be due to candy cane syndrome, and it is when the union of the stomach with the intestine, the intestine grows and appears u. candy cane

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

It sounds like what you're experiencing isn't entirely normal and could indicate a potential complication that needs closer attention. The pressure and pain you're describing on your left upper side, along with the bloating, could be related to the finding on your CT scan. The mention of "continued flow of air and fluid in the remnant stomach" raises the possibility of a fistula, which can sometimes develop after gastric bypass. A fistula is an abnormal connection between the bypassed stomach and the digestive tract, allowing fluid and air to pass through when it shouldn’t. This could explain the symptoms you're feeling.
Even though you hadn’t had anything to drink for hours before the scan, the presence of fluid and air suggests that something could be flowing backward into the remnant stomach, which is not typical. This isn’t something to ignore, as it can lead to ongoing discomfort, bloating, and potentially more serious issues if left untreated.
I recommend following up with your bariatric surgeon or a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. They may want to perform further imaging, such as an upper GI series or endoscopy, to get a clearer view of what's happening. It’s important to address this now to avoid any complications down the line. In the meantime, try to avoid large meals and stick to softer, easily digestible foods to reduce discomfort.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I am sorry to hear you are struggling with this. Although bloating may be normal following a bypass, your imaging findings are not as they suggest the presence of a gastro-gastric fistula. This appears to refer to a possible communication between your gastric pouch and gastric remanent. It is important to visit your bariatric surgeon as soon as possible in order to establish the correct course of management.

H. Joseph Naim, MD, FACS · Answer

“continued flow of air and fluid in remnant stomach may be from retrograde flow fistula could not be excluded”Retrograde is possible, but a communication between your pouch and gastric remnant (fistula) is more likely.An Upper GI swollen study and/ or Endoscopy can confirm that.That can surgically be treated by removing the connections and preventing further complications, like Marginal Ulcer.

Michael F. Sedrak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

A known complication of gastric bypass is fistula from the gastric pouch to the gastric remnant. It sounds like this is what the CT scan you had is describing. If this is the case, the treatment is an operation to repair and close the fistula. You need to consult with a very experienced surgeon who is familiar with treatment of these complications

Bloating and pain in left side after Gastric Bypass - is this normal? (photos)

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Answer: Fistula after Gastric Bypass

Answer: Fistula after Gastric Bypass

Answer: Fistula after gastric bypass

Answer: Fistula after gastric bypass

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Bloating and pain in left side after Gastric Bypass - is this normal? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Fistula after Gastric Bypass

Answer: Fistula after Gastric Bypass

Answer: Fistula after gastric bypass

Answer: Fistula after gastric bypass

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gastric Bypass

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