I'm so sorry!

DH had this - right after Thanksgiving as well, about 9 years ago. Echoing Indy's comment about triggers - I think that was a trigger for him, fatty food, etc. He was in the hospital a couple of days, no surgery and it doesn't sound like his was as bad as yours. His recovery was ok. He ended up losing 30 pounds after that over a period of about 6 months and it has never recurred.