I haven't been well #malabsorbtion #gastricbypass #anemic

Me & Brianna, © 2022 thismomneedswine.com

It's been 10 years since I had gastric bypass surgery, and I'm almost at my goal weight. The process isn't easy, and it's a daily battle... no one truly prepares you for the life after surgery with possible complications, and severe malabsorption. I'm currently at 175 lbs, with the goal weight of 150 lbs. Over the years I've had an issue with malabsorption, and it recently snuck up on me. I went for routine bloodwork due to having dizzy spells, and my doctor called me over the weekend advising me to go to the ER right away. Apparently my hemoglobin was so low, that she called me on her day off... it was 61. By the time I went to the ER and they did testing, it was 67. No wonder I was feeling dizzy and always fatigued... my body wasn't able to function. I went to RVH and after further testing, they ended up doing a blood transfusion and an iron infusion... I was there for most of the day, and expected to feel better directly after it. Well, I felt worse for a few weeks actually... was constantly freezing, but had night sweats, my chest was hurting - could feel a weird discomfort in my lungs, incredibly tired and had zero energy. It's been a little over a month since the procedure, and I'm finally starting to feel somewhat human again! 

I have been referred to a hematologist, as well as supposed to go for a colonoscopy and a scope down the throat. I guess they want to rule out any kind of internal bleeding and/or cancer. I've been calling around trying to get follow-ups regarding the referrals, and it's taking forever. I truly feel like I moved to a city where I will die if I need to go to the ER. Barrie, Ontario has to have one of the worst hospitals in which there's a major wait for everything.