I feel as if I have a heavy heart today. I sit here wondering, praying and thinking of my big brother Ronnie, as he suffered from a heart attack last night on top of going through chemo treatments for luekemia. Life seems so short and unfair at times anymore. But there seems to be more on my mind........I miss my baby girl, I miss my mom and dad. I haven't beem eating as I should......to much carb intake and htat always seems to depress me.
 I look forward to another day.........a new day. Maybe it is this time change. I don't seem to do well with that anymore either. 
 So I will get up, shake this off and get on with the day in hopes that these feelings will soon fall by the way side.

QUALITY AND QUANITY............I BELIEVE WE HAVE BOTH,  ESPECIALLY AFTER READING THE FOLLOWING POST OF THESE HEARTFELT WLS PEEPS.  I HOPE TO KEEP A COPY OF THIS POST FOREVER!



Question:
How long can I live after this surgery???!!!!!

I have a question that nobody seems to be able to answer. I am ready to have my bypass surgery within the next month or so, and now I am not sure which surgery to have(lap-band or bypass). My question is this, I know that I will be healthier after losing all this weight, but what about the effects of taking supplements for the rest of my life? Is there anyone out there that has got more than 5 yrs. post-op? It seems like this surgery is now 25-30 yrs old, but where are all these people that had surgery all those years ago?? I would really love to hear from someone that had surgery more than 10 years ago. I know my quality of life is going to be much better after surgery, but what about quantity?? I am 53 yrs.old and would like to live at least 20 more years!!!! Thanks to all !!!! Mary B.    — Mary Beauregard (posted on October 29, 2008)

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October 29, 2008
Mary, Quite frankly, I do not know how old this surgery is, but I do know that there is probably no comparision between surgeries done in the beginning and those done now. Laproscopic surgeries were not done back then and so much more has been learned over the years. I know people who had WLS 6 years ago who Had it much harder than I did because of experience of surgeons and worlds of imporvements made recently, within the past 3-4 years. I do know that my health problems, including uncontrolled diabetes, would have killed me within 3-5 years and now it is 95% gone along with bp, cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea problems. The quality of life I have now is far superior to the one I had before WLS and however long I last has taken second seat in my head. Lyn
   — Lyn Anders

October 29, 2008
i have 2 friends who had wls rny in the late 70's and early 80's- they are both healthy as horses, but they stick to their daily protocol and do not forget what used to be if they think a piece of candy is fine- just one. If you ask around, and people are truthful, you will discover some of the diabetes comes back, as does the HTN- why? because people become complacent, want to be "normal" and start to slowly start eating like before surgery. The best results, for enduring weight loss without pre-op co-morbs slipping back in, is to treat every day as if you are newly post op. Adhere to all the rules despite how much you want something not on your protocol. I try to live it that way and have maintained my 230 lb loss, just like my 2 friends who are 25 and 30 years post op. Its up to us, we can make this work for life. We love how we look, lets keep it this way. Good luck Cindi 3.24.04 -230# and maintaining the loss :)
   — Doodles *****

October 29, 2008
I can tell you this, my aunt had open cut 35 years ago. At the time she weighrd 450 lbs and all kinds of health issues. She has maintained her weight to stay around 130 lbs, and no health issues now. She just turned 65. Hope this helps you . Take care Darlene
   — Darlene B.

October 29, 2008
Good friend of mine had WLS (rny type) in 1969 and is still between 125 and 130 She does still watch what she eats and says she only takes, calcium, B12 and a multi. She looks great and is nearly 80 now.
   — Sheri R Pendlebury

October 29, 2008
The surgery is not as old as you think it is and has progressively become better and more improved over the years...So the surgery you are having next month is NOT the same surgery some very few have had 20 years ago....I know several people from the Grads Board who are 10+ years. One person in particular whom I love and adore is Michele AKA Vitalady. I believe she's 14 years Post OP and her hubby is a year after...so he's 13...She's had her troubles, I think they both have! But they are alive and well and look awesome! There are several others that pop in now and then to annouce they are just living life and enjoying the years of being trim and healthy...They pass on some short words of wisdom and go back into the world away from the boards and just go on iving...You cannot have a long term study on longevity for at least and average life span and that is more than 20 years! So no ...you will not find your answer. Even if there was an average life span to quote from a study...I am a RULE breaker! I will do everything I can to live longer...live healthier...How? Simple rules...Get your labs, KNOW what your levels are and watch them...DO NOT wait til you are low, even if the doc says it's in the "normal range"...Don't ignore symptoms, eat healthy, follow the basic rules that come with the surgery you had...be you own health care advocate, keep up with new vit studies and discoveries...do not undestimate malabsorption. Exercise...If you have RNY you will malabsorb! PERIOD! You do not suddenly start to absorb better as you eat more...You only eat more nutrients which might not be the right ones if you don't eat a balanced meal like soooooooooooo many who somewhere decided all breads and grains are forbidden and share their fears of weight gain if they eat a little bread or rice or potatoes in moderation! Anyway...I'm going off in a tangernt now so I will just say two words...PREVENTION and MODERATION...My two favorite WLS words. Many wishes and luck and long, old years to you! Hugs!
   — .Anita R.

October 29, 2008
I can tell you from the moment my mom had the surgery in 1989 that she felt so much better then before. My mom was 58 years old at the time of her surgery. She did not get the information and education that we get now. She was well over 450 then and when she past away was 180. Her death was prolong some 20 years because of her surgery. She was able to see and love her grandchilden, She was a nurse that love doing it and caring for the older people. So If you live 1 year more or 50 years I thing it for the best. I was 43 years old when I had mine, I am out 1 year and 6 months. I feel better then ever, Now the first couple of weeks I ask myself why I did this to me but now I have 2 wonderful children that I can walk with, hike with, run and play. I can enjoy life as I never did before. I am in college, I am grandmother of 7 wonderful children. Maybe If I never had did the surgery I would not be here to have everything I got. Your choice should be from your heart, know what you want, be reasonable about just how much you want, not all of us should be a 1 or 3, maybe 15-16 or 18. I am a 22 right now I will never see a 3-5 or 9-10, but I am truely happy. I know several people that fell off and gainit back. You got to be true to your self. What do you want to do next year? A trip, run a mile, set in a movie seat and be comfortable, eat out with out being look at wrong. Just be healthier. I will pray your choice will be easier for you. Carman Rose WV
   — Carman Rose

October 29, 2008
I can't say much more or different than what has already been posted... What will your life span be in your current state of weight and health? and then quality of life? Loosing weight makes one feel so much better and does eliminate type 2 diabetes over 80% of the time. I was one in the presentage. I'm seven months post op and 92 lbs down and can hike and walk like I don't remember when. It's a choice that you will have to make and be determined to stick with it as it's only a tool and one can gain back all their lost weight and then some. It's a life change choice. Blessings, Anita
   — Anita Powell

October 29, 2008
i don't know for sure who they are. i have ran into a few people myself. they just seem to be normal folks. there is alot of questions that come up. and i understand the feelings. i am so very glad that i have done the bypass. i know you will make the best desion for you.
   — Peggy Rodabaugh

October 29, 2008
whats up i am ten years plus u'r age and i expect to live at least 40 more years.all jokes aside i am in better shape than i have ever been ,lost 265 lbs ,5 years post op and have maintained my loss for 3 1/2 years so why focus on quanity?Its mostly about quality and mine is uncomparible to before surgery. had bypass partly because band was not available but in all honestly i would have chosn the bypass because i need to mal asorbe i have no regrets and thank God and a great surgeon and program daily for the chance to have a life that is great at a size that is good for me.choose what is best for u.Good Luck
   — Bette Drecktrah

October 29, 2008
Hello Mary, Have you asked your DR. about your life expectance after surg? I dont think anyone can answer this question as the surg of 1975 [when my mother in law had hers] is very different than what is done now. So you cant get a true comparison with 1975 to todays surg. I know I am very thankful for the improvments that have beeen made for more of us to be able to have the WLS done. We will ALL have better lives because of this. Iam sure this is not the answer you wanted..but I do not know how you can compare the first surg to the latest. I wish you well and hope you get what you want.
   — Julie Patterson

October 29, 2008
Dear Mary B. Please know that I am truly being respectful when I say this,but there are absolutely no guarantees in life of just how long we will live! It is in Our Plan With God just how long we live.No pun intended, tragedy could happen to any of us at any time. I commend you for your statement of the QUALITY of life will be much better. This being the reason we opt for procedures such as this. We want to improve the quality of our lives,as I reflect within my family,I much prefer the quality time! Please know that I,too, am opting for wls. Gastric Bypass, I have researched the options in depth and with the support of my husband,kids and my surgeon I am entirely elated.I am 42,the biological mother of 3 great guys,another young man I have been blessed to raise for the past 8 years,hes now 19, and the foster parent of 2 little girls,(10 & 1) I am so thankful. Our new technology can now do major brain surgery in an outpatient basis. With much success!!!! Please,Please know that I truly meant NO disrespect!! Best Wishes in any decision that you choose for yourself,you wont regret it!follow your heart! God Bless You! Kim
   — Kimberly Masters

Tomorrow is our last day in Illinois and then it is back to Missouri, where it is about 20 degrees warmer. Suprisingly enough, I haven't gained any weight laying around in these motel rooms, Thank God. I did manage to walk just about everyday, whitha few exceptions. I am so looking forward to being home again. Halloween is Friday and it is also my oldest grandsons birthday. He wanted a costume halloween/birthday party this yr with even the adults dressing up. So, I am going as a ghost maid. Iwill get into costume earlier because both of the grandsons will be in a halloween parade that day and their mom will walk with one and I will walk with the other. It is going to be alot of fun.  
 The guys will be archery hunting all weekend so Jamese and I will just hang out.  So till next time...........

Well, it is Sunday and we still have 3 more days here in IL. I can't keep from feeling a little sad this morning since it is "church day". I have been going to church for so long that it is so hard not to sometimes. Even though I know that WE are the church and I can worship anywhere.......I still "LOVE TO BE IN HIS PRESENCE WITH HIS PEOPLE SINGING PRAISES"!!! It is hard when you have been hurt by a church to ever trust again or find what you are looking for in a church body, especially a loving and called and equipped pastor and pastors wife. We didn't get hurt in the last church that we were attending but watched as someone was treated very wrongly and being in that position before, we felt that we just could not get on board with a vision that was based on a lie. SO, Here we are AGAIN, waiting in the valley. I am not saying that it is always a bad place to be all the time because we tend to grow in the valley, but it is sometimes hard and I seem to grieve at times. ANYWAY, God is still Good all the time and I will continue to give him Praise, and my weight loss is a big area that keeps me doing that. I am STILL so thankful. It is only since I have lost weight that I look at my body and realize that I am suppose to like it........and I do, even with the sagging skin.........I am now just a self-proclaimed sagging wonder-women!
 So in 3 more days we leave to go home and get to see my kids..I can hardly wait!

Here I still sit in a motel in Gilman Il., fighting boredom and head hunger. I have already had a protein drink, my morning vitamins and little thyroid pill and a handful of sunflower seeds,,,,,,,,,,,still wishing I had some fruit!
 I will take my walk shortly and then settle in to watch a movie, I guess. I have turned down maid service and cleaned my own room, even brought bathroom cleaner along because you never know out here.
 I have found out that there is no fitness room here but there is a spa room with a hot tub, however I didn't bring a suit.
 I found myself a little depressed today thinking about My grand babies at home, the holidays coming around and my sweet little Erin B. being gone for almost 6 yrs. I still miss her as if she just passed yesterday and still yearn to take care of her as I did for half of my life. After all I did have her at 19 and then cared for her for 22 yrs.
 Anyway, back to the grandsons..........my daughter, Jamese told me on the phone this morning that she had to ground the oldest (Isaiah-almost 9 yrs old) yesterday for mis-behaving and he cried about it all night. She had to sit down with him and explain to him that discipline was necessary and not the end of the world, that you make it through it and you learn valuable lessons from it. He finally understood and settled down and was much better this morning.
 BUT on a brighter note......the weather is pretty here and I need to be out in it, so I believe I will go ahead and take a nice little walk now.