Lipase Concerns After Surgery
Greetings, medical professionals. I’m a 31-year-old woman, measuring 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds. I quit smoking six years ago. I recently underwent a sleeve gastrectomy and am now one week post-operation. My current medications include Topamax for intracranial hypertension, along with bariatric multivitamins and calcium supplements. The surgery itself went smoothly, though I have been experiencing some more significant overall discomfort and difficulty swallowing than I had anticipated, which led to an additional day of hospitalization before being discharged on Sunday. Since then, I’ve been striving to stay hydrated by consuming roughly 88 ounces of water daily—split into two 44-ounce cups—as well as two protein shakes that each contain 30 grams of protein. However, on Monday, I found myself in the emergency room due to an abrupt onset of a strange sensation in my body, which was determined to be a result of dehydration. During my ER visit, my lipase levels were found to be elevated at 105, alongside high blood pressure of 145 over 100 and an accelerated pulse rate. After receiving intravenous fluids, I began to feel much improved, and the medical staff suggested that the elevated lipase levels might be attributed to postoperative irritation. Today, I had a follow-up appointment with my primary care physician. On my way in, I noticed that even walking short distances was causing me to feel breathless and my heart rate soared to 150 beats per minute while standing still (my resting heart rate typically hovers around 100). My primary physician ordered a D-dimer test, which returned positive, and subsequently, I was sent to the ER for a CT scan. Thankfully, the results showed no signs of blood clots, so I was discharged shortly thereafter. I also experienced a dip in my blood sugar during this time, but after consuming some juice, I felt better. My primary doctor reran the lipase test, though the ER did not conduct one. By the end of the day, the results revealed a concerning rise to 213. My doctor indicated that ideally, these levels should stabilize or decrease, yet mine have doubled. Additionally, I am experiencing pain beneath my left ribcage, which may correlate with the location of my stomach. As I await further communication from the office, I understand it’s now the weekend, so I am uncertain about how long it might take for the on-call physician to respond to this matter.
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 12:31:04 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your elevated lipase levels and overall symptoms following your sleeve gastrectomy. Elevated lipase can indicate several situations, especially post-surgery. Given your recent experiences, let’s break down what you’re facing and what you can do next.
Overview
You’re one week post-surgery with elevated lipase levels increasing from 105 to 213, alongside discomfort, excessive thirst, and a concerning dip in your blood sugar. The pain under your left ribcage and feeling breathless during activity adds to your worries.
Explanation
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Lipase Levels: Elevated lipase levels can suggest issues related to the pancreas or irritation due to surgery. In your case, your doctor suspects this may be postoperative irritation, particularly given that you had surgery very recently.
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Dehydration: Your previous episode of dehydration highlights the need for consistent hydration, especially post-surgery, when your body has increased needs.
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Breathlessness and Elevated Heart Rate: These symptoms, along with your D-dimer test being positive, raised concerns about possible clots, but the absence of blood clots on your CT scan is a relief. Breathlessness can also arise from factors like anxiety, dehydration, or increased effort with physical activities due to your recent surgery.
Next Steps
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Continue Hydration: Keep focusing on hydration. Aim for at least 88 ounces of water daily, as you have been doing. You might also include electrolyte solutions if suggested by your healthcare team, especially since you’re recovering from surgery.
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Monitor Symptoms: Track your symptoms closely, particularly your heart rate, breathlessness, and any abdominal pain. Write down when symptoms occur and their intensity to provide clear information to your healthcare provider.
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Rest and Activity: Prioritize rest but also try light movement as tolerated. It's important not to strain yourself; short walks (as comfortable) can help in recovery without inducing breathlessness.
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Dietary Adjustments: Ensure you’re consuming small, frequent meals post-surgery to help manage blood sugar levels. Keeping a balance of protein and carbohydrates can be especially beneficial.
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Know When to Seek Help: If your pain worsens, you experience new symptoms (like significant shortness of breath, confusion, or severe abdominal pain), or if your elevated lipase levels increase further, don’t hesitate to seek emergency medical attention.
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Follow-Up: Maintain communication with your primary care physician regarding the rising lipase levels and any other concerns. If you don’t hear back soon, consider reaching out to their office early next week to follow up.
Your current situation is understandably unsettling, but you are taking the right steps. Please feel reassured that with good management and monitoring, you will continue to recover. Let me know if you have more questions or need additional guidance!
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