Question:
how do you know your getting all the vitams you need and if your in good health?

how do you know if your getting all your vitamns and protein you need and how do you knowyour over all health is good i have had a doctor who studies pathology tell me that the bypass i had done was the worst thing i could of done that it hurts your body and that his last three patients were bypass patients that really is scary and he shouldnt be saying stuff like that. but i told him i have a god that does miracles everyday and he said it wont hurt to cross your fingers too. i couldnt believe what i was hearing but he just needs prayer.but please anyone know the answer to my question.it will be much appreciated karen [270]    — 270 (posted on January 7, 2008)

January 6, 2008
First of all I would get another doctor. Secondly they are supposed to take blood tests regularly to MAKE SURE you are ok and in good health. I take 2 flinstone chewables daily and have not had a problem with anemia. I am 4 years postop. Plus I take vitamin E,D and C. My only problem I have to deal with is now I have a tendancy to go hypoglycemic (low blood sugar), where as before surgery I was diabetic. I wish you all the best!!
   — MCraig3

January 6, 2008
Complete blood panels as warranted by your surgeon. I had one at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months etc...basically every follow up that I go to see my surgeon. I've had some other's done in between just to check some things as I've changed multi vitamins and to check my iron. Don't listen to that pathologist. Stop going to him you don't need that negativity. Everyone has their own opinon on this surgery and he's already stated his. Question is are YOU happy you did this? How are YOU feeling? If both good then put his responses behind you and move on. Good luck, God bless and welcome to the losing side!
   — crystalsno

January 6, 2008
the doctor who'se tellling you those things is not acting ethically. My wife had a bypass in 1980, and has had a few problems. Every time she went to the emergency room, there was usually one "high horse" doctor who made the same claims. You should be getting blood tests for the first year, normally at 3-6-9-12 months to check your blood levels for B12, protien, proper hydration, and other vitamin levels. These tests will indicate if you a higher intake of specific things. My tests constantly indicated I was low in Vitamin D. I had to take special prescription supplements for Vitamin D 3 times during the first year. Finally, I was in the low normal level for that vitamin. Follow the protocol from you surgeon, and he'll order the periodic tests to make sure you're doing OK. My insurance company does follow ups every 6 months past the first year after surgery.
   — Dave Chambers

January 6, 2008
I am not sure how it is all done at this point due to being so new to this procedure but prior to the surgery my surgeon and nutritionist both expressed that I would need to take Vitamin B-12 (which I got a shot of this when I was in the hospital), Vitamin C, Calcium and a Daily vitamin. My nutritionist also suggested if I was experiencing hair loss that I could also take Zinc, but I of course wouldn't take anything without consulting my physician. I to would also seek out a new doctor who cares about there patients of all sizes and shapes.
   — iwilllose

January 7, 2008
FIRE your DOCTOR! Excuse me, but professionals who are uneducated re: WLS should not speak to people about things they do not understand fully! Because if they did understand the procedure the follow up etc. they would know how successful it can be and how rewarding it can be to those who have no life and live in fear of being fat, etc. FIRE HIM/HER - immediately and get a new doc!! Secondly, my only answer is get your full blood work done every 3 months. That is what I do. I get a clean bill of health every time, and know that I take care of myself, eat right, take my vitamins and supplements, get my exercise and stay hydrated.....but get my labs done every 3 months regardless to make sure that I am as good as I feel on the outside, on the inside. LOL.
   — jammerz

January 7, 2008
thanks for the help the doc. that said that was just the one that happen to be the one to take my blood one day military clinic my doctor is very good and would never say that. i am glad i got it done just gets scary sometimes. i have blood work done and so far my bloodis low and i take iron pills just not helping yet and i also take vitamns everyday. thanks for the input.
   — 270

January 7, 2008
I just want to say that YES, WLS can hurt your body. I never regret having surgery. I was 23 and weighed 369 pounds, and no life. And now I have a husband and 2 beautiful babies that I would have never had if not for this surgery. But, I have suffered serious issues because of malapsorption. I don't even think it was the bypass itself, but I had 2 plastic surgeries following it. And I felt wonderful until that. But I don't think my body healed properly after the second plastic surgery. Then I started having babies and with the first one I became very anemic and exhausted. I am still exhausted on a daily basis. I think your doctor has a point about the surgery hurting ones body because anytime you change the structure of your body (the way God didn't make it, LOL), you have to deal with other things that come up because of it. That is the same with anything though, like when I had my gallbladder removed, I couldn't eat certain things anymore. I wouldn't let him discourage you though, WLS is a GREAT solution to a life long battle of morbid obesity, and imagine the way being overweight HURT your body!!!
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS

January 8, 2008
I agree that you need to find a competent doctor. For the first 2 yrs you should be getting very extensive bloodwork done every six months, possibly even more in those first few months. My take on the deaths the doc was talking about is that maybe these folks weren't complient or not followed up on close enough. Next time you see that guy ask him how many people he sees that die from conditions caused or worsened by obesity. You really should make sure your various blood levels/elements are good BEFORE you have issues. Remember that you are your own best advocate and medicine is also a bussiness, if your provider does a crappy job then FIRE him! Best of luck to you and God Bless-Heather
   — tazthewiz23

January 8, 2008
The job of a pathologist is to diagnose diseases by examining blood, body fluids, organs, and other tissues usually at a microscopic level. A pathologist is likely to encounter hundreds (or more) specimens over the course of a week... they do not generally see or treat patients. I think the pathologist was trying to scare you... which is absolutely pointless and not at all helpful, especially if you've already had surgery. Even if his last three (or last 50) "patients" (I think specimen would be a better term) had had WLS, he was not involved with them because they had had weight loss surgery.... he was involved with them because they had some sort of suspected illness or disease process. Healthy people do not generally need the services of a pathologist thus he is unlikely to encounter any healthy WLS patients thru his job. You could substitue just about any adjective for WLS... for example, he could say, having brown hair is the worst thing in the world, my last three patients had brown hair. The problem is that he doesn't see/treat healthy patients so everyone he sees, brown hair or not, is sick!!! If you have any contact with this person again, ask him how many morbidly obese patients encounters. A lot more than three, I guarantee you. Bypass surgery can cause problems. That's why regular health care is important. But I feel pretty confident saying that high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol and all those other problems that go with being severely overweight are much more dangerous to you than being someone who has had weight loss surgery. If you follow your doctor/surgeon's treatment plan, eat a healthy, balanced diet, take whatever supplements are reccomended, and have regular check-ups and labwork, you will be fine. If you aren't getting enough vitamins, proteins, or nutrients, it will show up in lab work and your doctor will work with you to correct any problems. If you are still feeling worried about this, get in touch with your surgeon. S/he should be able to provide you with some information about complications and the long term effects / outcomes of those who have had WLS. Best wishes.
   — mrsidknee

January 8, 2008
I think some people say stuff just to scare you. WLS surgery is to to improve one's life. If you are taking the supplements and vitamins your surgeon recommended you are doing what you are supposed to do and continue with your follow up visitis. What difference does it make to him other than trying to hurt your feelings and being a smart ass. I feel very comfortable with my bypass. I believe in my surgeon and i know my life is going to be better. Don't let him scare you.
   — t_roxus

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