So I went to the urologist yesterday to bring in my stone for examination. The urologist told me that weight loss surgeries increase the likelihood of kidney-stone formation because of lack of absorption. However, the band is the least of the evils of all the WLS's as far as kidney stones go. But still. :( If a person has a predisposition at all for kidney stones, the band makes it more likely that they will form. He said that a lot of surgeons doing WLS don't really cover the relationship between WLS and kidney stone formation with patients.
Drinking water, cranberry juice, etc. (not caffeine though--that's counterproductive)--see Amy W.'s post from a few week's ago--is one of the best things to do as far as prevention goes. Based on the examination of my specific stone, I will have other dietary habits to implement to prevent these puppies.
Oh, but two good things--1) I didn't have a catheter done yesterday, and 2) he said that my stone was nasty looking (I needed some validation--and since it is out, it can't hurt me anymore).
We should compare stones. Somewhere in my house I have my stone from 8 years ago! But as I said, I did not suffer nearly as long as you did!
ReplyDeleteI am drinking watered down SF cranberry juice today, and hope to make it a habit!
I can tell you my stone was the result of doing Atkins. My Dr. said the big water loss that goes along with low carb, as well as increased calcium intake from milk products, can cause stones. He also told me to stay away from carrots for some reason.
Glad you are better.
Hmm...I never would have thunk that. I know about WLS causing gall stones, but not kidney stones.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear you went through this whole thing. I know in nursing school they taught us that kidney stone pain is akin to natural childbirth. Can we say OUCH? I hope that you never have to experience this again!
ReplyDeleteGen, the doc took my stone (for the time being at least). I have a fun little 24-hour urine test in my near future and then a couple more appointments. Maybe they'll give it back after that. :) I will remember that about carrots. And it is likely (94%) that mine is a calcium-caused stone too. They are analyzing it to be sure. But I will know the specifics after the appointments. BTW, I did a watered down SF cranberry juice today too--you gave me that idea. :)
ReplyDeleteLacey, me either! I didn't know that about gall stones. We learn together, I guess.
Thank you, Melly. It was pretty terrible. I love your blog BTW!
I'm so sorry to hear you went through this whole thing. I know in nursing school they taught us that kidney stone pain is akin to natural childbirth. Can we say OUCH?
ReplyDeletelap band