Long Way Out, Long Way to Go

Hi friends, Elizabeth's post compelled to do some sleuthing at other 'long timer' boards - it's simply dumb practice to deny the health ramifications of our surgeries this far along. Knowledge is power. So I'm going to start posting some info that I find in my investigative work in the hopes that everyone will accept this as positive support from one who cares - I come from a good place, always! Here's something of interest, April 2004 Board:

"All is still good despite the many bumps that have happened and are still happening along the way. I was 350lbs when I started this journey and am now 117lbs. I am having lots of difficulties though along the way. I was in the hospital for reoccurring ulcers and possible fistula on December 4th for 4 days. I was scheduled for an endoscopy but they canceled that because on January 20th I had a grandmal seizure. I've now had four of them and they don't really know why but they believe is is because of the vitamin deficiency that I am having. My vitamin d level is less than 4 and my b12 is 160. The worst part is not being able to drive. They take your license is the state of PA. What can you do. I love being thin and no matter what I'm still a happy camper after almost 5 years. Wow! It doesn't seem that long. Hope you are doing well. I wish I was more deligent about following the protein vitamin thing. I'm learning some hard lessons because I've been a stupid girl. Anyway on that note, I will say good bye."

And this one:

"Just checkin in here. It's been a long time but I can see that therer are many of us in the same boat...(slowly sinking). I eat now just like I did as a pre-op. My pouch doesnt even work anymore except that I'm hungrier more often that I ever was pre-op. No food bothers me......its like I never had surgery (except that my Farts stink more).
I think I'm ready for a lap-band. This year the weight is creeping on fast. I gained 5 lbs just last month.
Every morning I tell myself, "today I will eat better" and then by noon I forgot my pledge.
Oh well. My question is: How many of you on this forum, have managed to reach goal and keep it off?"

From a different Board (February 2004, I believe):

"Thought I'd give a brief update...still working through medical issues.  Just diagnosed with my second stress fracture in less than a year (fourth metatrsal in each foot); had a bone density scan which showed 'moderately reduced bone density'; could be osteopenia.  May consider switching to calcium citrate, to see if that helps with the calcium.  Migraines are back, makes me wonder about the thyroid issues.  Some possible calcium/vitamin d concerns...but nothing concrete.  Weight continues to creep up, exercise is a struggle now with the boot/immobilization on my foot.  Hoping to star****er areobics soon to get some exercise in.  I'm beyond frustrated, and at a loss.  My weight is becoming a huge anchor around me and I feel like a complete and total failure...."

It's interesting, but it looks like none of the 3 people who's posts you copied are really following any good vitamin regimine.  Not taking calcium citrate?  Not "following the protein vitamin thing"?  I could say that all of their issues are to be expected if they aren't taking care of their nutritional needs.  What about when you are?  I've been a Nazi when it comes to my vitamins.  I think most of us on this board have done a pretty good job of following doctor's orders, but here we are.  Anemic, low D, low Protein, lo everything except weight.  I think there is just too much about the long term effects of gatric bypass that just aren't understood.

Reenie & Connie,

I agree with Connie - these three folks didn't "take care" of themselves post-op.  I know I've done my protein and vitamins just like I'm supposed to and though I've kept the weight off and my labs are mostly good, my health is awful.  I have a horrible time staying hydrated - I'm thirsty 24 hours a day and no it's not diabetes they've checked and rechecked - but I am hypoglycemic.   I drink about a gallon and a half of fluid every day and I'm still thirsty - I honestly can down 20 ounces of water in one drink and still be thirsty. My electrolytes are way out of wack because I drink so much.   Plus I have low blood pressure which both the LBS and the dehydration both aggravate.  I apparently had a silent heart attack about 9 months and now my Aortic valve is causing about a 30% regurg - I'm not intersted in surgery at this point - I don't think my body could stand open heart surgery.  The low blood pressure causes my heart to beat to fast trying to keep blood following to all the vital stuff.   My cholesterol and tryglicerides out astronomical - but I don't eat hardly any carbs nor do I eat fatty meats or fried foods.  I do exist pretty much on lean animal protein with some whole grain bread and raw fruits and veggies.  I still don't drink after I eat and that hour is torture because I'm thirsty.  

The specialists I've seen over the past 9 months have no clue as to how to fix me...one did suggest I have the surgery reversed.  I did ask my WLS physician's assistant and she said this far out there would be anything left of the old stomach to reattach.  I wouldn't really consider it anyway but that's definitely a closed door for me. 

Like Connie said - there's so much they don't know about the long term effects - we're kind of embarking on new territory now. 

Oh, Va - I didn't know you were experiencing such difficult health issues, I'm really sorry to hear this. Like you and so many of us, I have been absolutely vigilent about my daily vitamins - since the day I released from the hospital post-WLS, I have never waivered from the daily's, and the water every day, and following the pouch rules. It only stands to reason that after so long of dealing with the malabsorption, our bodies will start showing signs of wear and tear - I'm really concerned about your heart issues! Your the 3rd or 4th person on this Board alone that has posted about racing heartbeat - but I think you're the first to report on being constantly thirsty even though you're drinking the quota - and then some. Keep us posted, ok? Be well, Va. Maureen

Just those posts show how many people have different issues, but many can be in the same boat as others. I have great cholesterol fortunately. My father, (who was always very tall and thin) has terrible cholesterol and watches what he eats religiously but can still have high cholesterol because it runs in the family. Medication for some is the only way it can be treated. Other than to try to eat certain foods that also help to lower such as specific things as black walnuts...etc... things of that nature that are off the mark of normal eating. and who knows how much of an effect wls has in contributing to cholesterol, there just simply isn't enough research behind all the different effects, they're still comming out. I take vitiamins (chewable) high potency every day plus extra iron and still my levels are a mess. D and B12 and Anemic. Not too badly though. (I hope) I have to go again to get my blood done, but many have issues. Thats why its good to look at surgeons and doctors who specialize in these areas to see what they have seen, and see what they say about certain issues that may pertain to you or others. I sure noticed the one person saying they are more hungry now than post op. That hunger is a killer man it drove me insane.