I've been having "weird pain in my pouch/stoma" region lately. I had an appointment with my pcp yesterday, so I dashed off a quick email to my surgeon. I asked him if there was anything I could say to the pcp to help her determine if my discomfort was wls related. I sent the note off as rather an afterthought. It's been two years and I just saw the guy, I kind of thought he might not answer me. He's one of the busiest men I've ever met.

Lo and behold, I open the email this morning to a quick reply from him. He said nothing about talking to the pcp, but he did tell me to try OTC prilosec for a couple of days to see if it helped. This would help determine if I'm having the early signs of an ulcer.

It amazes me that we live in this age of computers and internet. I found my surgeon through the internet by doing Google searches. I found this website through the internet by writing a blog and doing some responding.

People from all over the world reaching out to one another. Makes me shake my head with the wonder of it all...

Me too Sandi! I found my surgeon on the net and I found my support right here!

Yes, it is amazing...and gosh...if I find a husband from on-line dating, we can add that to the list of "worldly wonders".

Back to the ulcer. Like I said in your other thread, this is the first thing that I thought about. At the support meeting that I spoke at, there was a big discussion about ulcers and how you're a "lucky one" if you get symptoms. Many go from no indication to throwing up blood. Not good at all. Several of the long term post-ops there had experienced ulcers. My nutritionist spoke about caffeine and alcohol as being big time players in the development of ulcers. You should have seen the look on the faces of all the post-ops in the room that were holding a Starbucks cup.

So my dear, take all of this stuff seriously and take care of YOU!!!

Caffeine? I had no idea that caffiene could be a contributing factor in ulcers in wls patients. Guess I will have to seriously give up my addiction...alcohol will be easier since I don't drink..lol.

Yes...when I heard that the recent studies were showing this to be true, I had to think long and hard about my choices. You see, it is all about the choices we make. The information was provided to me, now it is up to me to do with it what I will. I made adjustments in my lifestyle...like cutting waaaaay back on my daily coffee consumption! I was drinking coffee or green tea all day long. Now, I have my two cups in the morning and enjoy decaf after that. There may come a time when I give it up all together, but for now, this is the choice that I make.

I went from drinking a 12pk of diet pepsi a day, to waking up with 1-2 cups of tea...but as long as I can find decaf in peppermint, I will be fine..lol. I will make sure I have tylenol until the caffeine headaches pass...and just make a few changes. You are right. It is all about the choices we make.

The internet is an awesome tool.. I am so thankful somebody thought it up!! lol. ANd to Kim I found my Fiance from an online dating site. So its def possible!