THREE YEAR CHECK-UP

Hi all - wanted to share that I saw my WLS surgeon last night for my 3-year check up; my weight was up 2 lbs. from last year (148) - but I'm not sweating it, nor is he. Overall, I'm very healthy and fit. Bloodwork was excellent except for the pesty liver results but again the results are only of marginal concern. I was surprised how stressful this was for me as I approached this appointment - silly. I'm glad it's behind me and I face the day and this next year with a renewed commitment to living heathily, passionately, truthfully and leading a life of example with kindess and generosity in whatever way that I can be of help. Speaking of which, I decided to stay for the weekly SG meeting - something I haven't been able to do for several months. As I arrived about 1/2 hour early, I decided to go up to the 4th floor (the recovery floor for WLS patients) and see if there were any new patients who might benefit from talking with a long-term post-op. I felt shy and intimated by the risk involved in doing this, but pushed through my strong feelings of insecurity and did it anyway! Ended up talking with a woman who had had her surgery that morning and was feeling quite afraid and overwhelmed by it all. We had a lovely talk and I hope she felt a little better for it. I know I did. She reminded me of the strength and courage it takes to make the decision of opting for WL surgery. I was humbled by talking with her. Anyway, enough rambling...just wanted to check in. Hope all is well in your worlds. Love, Reenie

I bet you were a huge inspiration to that poor newbie. It's hard to remember how excited/overwhelmed/incredulous I was the day of surgery. I was everything but scared because I knew that no matter what, life after surgery HAD to be better than waiting to die pre-surgery. I'm glad that your labs were excellent and of course that is due to your diligence. I just found this article about liver disease. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/DS00577/DSECTION=4 The most interesting part was: Other risk factors include: Abdominal surgery. Operations to remove large sections of the small intestine (small bowel resection), treat obesity (gastric bypass) or bypass parts of the small intestine (jejunal bypass) often lead to rapid weight loss, which may increase your risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Love ya huge, Connie

Connie, this is exactly what my PCP has diagnosed me with - NASH - of course, the concern is that it will progress with non-reversible liver damage (leads to death) or liver cancer (leads to, you guessed it - death). I try not to fret too much and just get up each day resolved to take good care of myself. What else can you do??? M.

Hey Maureen; I'm glad that your check-up went well although I don't like hearing about this liver business. The liver is way too important, so please stay on top of this issue. I've always thought about visiting the 4th floor again....but haven't gotten up the courage yet. Someday soon....... Mike

Hi Reenie, Happy to hear the 3 year check up went well. I have mine coming up on the 23rd. The whole lliver thing is distressing because I had fatty liver disease prior to WLS, and have been prone to liver function fluctuations for many years going back into my 20's/30's. I will still stick to my thought that I may not live longer but I will live better as a result of WLS. Happy anniversary. Hugs, Mo