I had gastric bypass on july 30, 2002. I began with pancreatitis in sept. Of 2003. Well, that is when it was diagnosed. I have not found anyone else who has had gastric bypass who has it! I thought I was all alone in this. Do you have a cyst on your pancrea also? Have you gotten help for your pancreatitis? I cannot have the ercp done because of my gastric bypass so I may have to have the whipple procedure done to remove part of my pancreas. The docs assure me it has nothing to do with my bypass but I can't help but think it did!
Let me know how you are, I would love to know if we have similar issues!
Dixiemailman

I had gastric bypass about 3 year ago. My gallbladder was removed shortly thereafter. I've gone symptom free for about a year and a half and suddenly find myself back in a bad situation. I have been having severe upper abdominal pain = heart palpatations and bouts of nausea, vomiting and fainting. At first they said it was vertigo - but that hasn't seemed to pan out. I am tired of tests, dr visits, etc.
It seems that it is my pancreas. I can't help but think this is all somehow related. I see my Dr on Wed for the "official" diagnosis. I have days that go by and I don't feel any pain, just discomfort. On other days - its overwhelming - I find it hard to think of little else other than stopping the pain. I haven't had a good nights sleep in weeks it seems. This is all new to me, so I hope that it is in a treatable stage. I don't relish taking medicine again - since this was one of the main reasons I had the bypass done. I've been without perscription meds and it has been wonderful - until now. What a trade off????

i had a GBP in september 2006, and just in the last few months, started with the pancreatitis. never know what will set it off, tuna one day, and not the next. bread hurts. . . no booze. . . sour cream started this last one. but five guys hamburgers (ok, so half a hamburger), doesn't hurt. it's the most annoying thing in the world. mother's day sucked because i couldn't eat anything. i ended up just having a grilled burger. one taste of potato salad, and i was under the table with pain. i'm so tired, i can't work, i can't concentrate, and the fainting and other stomach issues are getting worse, vomiting and diahrrea. i could go on but i won't. good luck to all of you. . .
Judy

The M & J talk show today 7/7/09 seems to say there is a connection between gastric by pass and pancreatitis something about bands and the way the used to do the procedure

I have had Gastric Bypass surgery Jan 2004 and in Dec of 2008 had an episode of acute pancreatitis. The doctors immediately blamed it on drinking too much and didn't look any further. In my own research on the topic it does appear as if I may have triggered the bout of pancreatitis with alcohol to some extent however all the information I can find indicates that a person will have been a "heavy" drinker (more than 10 units a day; a 750 ml bottle of 12% wine has 9 units) for as much as 10 - 15 years prior to a first episode of pancreatitis. By the definitions they use, I would qualify as a heavy drinker but I have only been drinking at this level for about 2 years...I am wondering if the Gastric Bypass Surgery has in some way made me more vulnerable to pancreatitis from drinking? Obviously since December 2008 I have significantly cut back on my drinking but every time I "slip" up and drink even less than I used to drink before the first episode I have a flare up. I have not seen my doctor about subsequent episodes. If anyone has any information on the relationship of pancreatitis and gastric bypass surgery I would appreciate a reply.