Question:
Will I still be able to get ulcers?

I had my endoscopy today, and the doctor said everything looked great. I currently have no ulcers, and I tested negative for H. pylori. My question: Does this mean I will NOT get an ulcer after surgery, or is an ulcer still a possibility? I currently take Prevacid for heartburn. Will I have to continue taking Prevacid after surgery and, if so, for how long? Of course, I will ask my doctor all of these questions, but I just wanted some input from you folks. Thanks!    — Kristie B. (posted on April 16, 2002)

April 16, 2002
Yes, we can get ulcers post-op. The restrictive procedures (bands) are as likely as the general population. We (RNY) are a little LESS likely, because the acid is sealed away in the lower part (along with the ability to digest). But we can form marginal ulcer at the connection of intestine to pouch (stoma). It's more common in distals, but does happen with proximals, rarely. It is easily fixed, however, if you can get the diagnosis right away. I had ulcers for 30 yrs BEFORE my WLS, so it was pretty much a "given" for me. BUT I have had none since my revision to transection 2 yrs ago. FINALLY!
   — vitalady

April 17, 2002
Yes, it is definitely possible. I speak from experience. One complication I had from my RNY was that I developed an ulcer around the stoma after about 3 weeks. And to be completely honest it was EXTREMLY painful. It landed me in the hospital for a few days (partially cause they didn't realize it was an ulcer that I had). Anyways, they did an endoscopy on me and gave me some more meds for it that I took for a couple weeks (and continued with the prevacid a little longer), but all is well now. It is however a rarity that something like that would happen. The percentages are very small, but to answer your question, yes it is possible.
   — ladeechef