HCG levels possibly difficult to detect after gastric bypass surgery?

[smileyone]

First of all, I am a 28 year old mother of one, and in November 2002, I under went Gastric bypass surgery for morbid-obesity.  It was a great success.  I went from a size 22 to a 4 and have not had any major complications. I have been using birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. However, I don't think my body was completely absorbing the horomones, because I was constantly having break through bleeding between cycles.  Due to this, I discontinued the pill 04/10/05 (when I started bleeding again).  On 04/22/05, I started cramping as if I was going to start my period again.  On 04/23/05, my breasts started hurting and tingling (resembling the feeling I had when I breast fed my son and the milk released).  One week later, my breasts were extremely sensative and I had an extremely sharp pain in my lower abdomen (left side) that lasted about one hour.  It subsided, but I continued to cramp as if pre-menstrual for another day.  It is now 05/06/05, and I am no longer cramping, but my breasts are still extremely sore and my lower back is slightly aching.  I have taken 3 preg. tests (25 mIU sensativity) and all have indicated negative.  I took the third preg. test 05/05/05.  I don't feel completely like myself, and I am confused about the symptoms that I am experiencing.  Is it possible that I am pregnant, but due to the gastric bypass, my body is not processing the hcg as it should, and it is not being detected in my urine?

[rationalbalance]

I would imagine that HCG levels would be unaffected by your surgery.  You are probably just adjusting to your new weight.

[Debra_Maine]

Have your dr. give you a blood test. That will tell you for sure.

[Angel4JohnnyB]

I agree with rational.......going from a 22 to a 4 is a huge difference for your body.....and I'm sure your body needs time to adjust to that.
I also agree that a blood test would put your mind at ease either way.
Best of luck

[Still_AndiJ]

Again, I agree with the others. Gastric Bypass would have no bearing on detecting HCG levels in your body. Try and get a blood test if you are still unsure.

Andrea

[smileyone]

Any other thoughts?  My weight has been stabilized since 11/03 (1 year post-op), and have never experienced these symptoms before.  Is it possible that my body is responding to the lack of horomones since I stopped taking birth control pills.  And thanks for the advice to see my dr.;  I have made an appointment to see her.  I would just like to know if anyone out there has experienced a simalar situation before (just to give me piece of mind until the dr. appt). Thanks again.

[Stacie30]

I experienced something similar after coming "off" birth control pills. It probably is just your body adjusting to not being on them. The pain you felt was probably ovulation... I don't see how the surgery could affect HCG levels since HCG is not produced in your stomach or your gastrointestinal tract... blood test would rule it out, but it's probably unnecessary...

[smileyone]

Happy Mother's day everyone. I just took my fourth pregnancy test...POSITIVE! I'm still shaking from the results! That explains everything.  Thanks everyone for your comments!