Encouragment needed

I am 1 and 1/2 years post op RNY and I am having a hard time. I had surgery in NC but my husband was relocated to NH. I moved two weeks after my surgery. I do not have a doctor here because none of them would take me because I did not have the surgery with them. My problem now is GI related. Also, I am very anemic and vitamin deficient. I have fibromyalgia and lost 80 pounds. My goal was 100 pounds. I have gained back 20 pounds and am so upset about it. I finally got a call from an obesity weight loss center to meet with their Physician's Assistant. I jumped at that opportunity. She prescribed an iron pill that will be easy on my stomach. She told me how much vitamins I should be taking. I am so afraid of gaining the weight back. I have no energy to exercise or walk due to the anemia. Does anyone have any encouraging words? Any suggestions to get back on track?

I truly feel your pain Debbie... I have gained back about 20 pounds myself.... It is a hard thing to go through... I am so terrified of going back over the 300 pound mark again.... Anything you can get I would take.... I can't even imagine how hard it must be to re-locate after RNY.... I know most dr's won't take your case if they didn't do your surgery.... I don't know what advice to give you other than to keep calling, keep trying and eventually you will hopefully find a doctor to take your case.... I will keep you in my prayers that you get the support and the help that you need.... HUGS, Shawn M.

Hi Debbie!! Welcome to the november board! We're happy to offer encouragement! I'm really surprised to hear that no doctor would take you. It's not like you went out of the country and had surgery...you were relocated. It just seems odd that no one would be willing to see you. Anyway, you didn't mention what your dietician recommended for you to take for iron but my surgeon is a proponent of VitronC. I can't take the average run of the mill iron supplement because it does really upset my stomach but the vitronC doesn't at all. Also, I'm not sure if you have a whole foods market near you but they have an iron supplement that is made up of all natural foods. I take that as well (because I have to order the Vitron C and am too lazy) and it doesn't upset my stomach at all. My surgeon also has me taking a B50 complex, 1000mg of B12 (three/week, every day if you can only get 500mg), 500 mg calcium, 4000 IU of vitamin D, and a multi vitamin. This is what he prescribes to all of his patients. The few months I got lax about taking them was the only time my blood work came back with lower numbers so I know they help. The vitamin B especially will help with energy!! And protien, between the food I eat and protien shakes he wants me near the 100 grams per day mark. To combat weight gain I've had to go to planning my meals and tracking my food diligently! I also maintain a fairly low carb diet (30 grams per day) most of the time. It helps to come on this board too. We have accountability posts which totally help keep me in line when I'm tempted because I know I'll have to report it later. Also we're reading the Beck Diet Solution book together and having a weekly chat about it which you are more than welcome to join! Well, I hope that helps a bit. Corinna Q

Debbie, With people moving around all the time, it's hard to believe doctors don't take on patients from out of state. I'm sorry that is happening to you but I hope your PCP will educate him or herself on post-WLS patients and be able to help you. There's a wealth of information online but make sure you can verify some of it! If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Please, please take the iron! And, the recommended vitamins. It takes a good long while to build up from anemia but your energy will increase. Just how low was your hemoglobin level? Was your PCP not concerned about that even if you didn't have a WLS surgeon following you? A good doctor is a gift but you have to be your biggest health advocate. Find out everything you need to know about your aftercare and then bug your PCP or any doctor you go to so that you get what you need! Good luck and keep on coming here! CeCe

I hope all goes well at the weight loss center. Let us know how that goes. I think the key to success is support groups like this one. I think you will learn more on these forums than at the doctor's office. I've have anemia too. It takes so long to get the iron back up after it gets too low. Just keep taking your iron and vitamins and it will turn around eventually. Did the PA tell you that you should take iron at night along with Vitamin C? And space your calcium at least two (four if you can) hours prior to your iron. Keep fighting the good fight! The important thing is that we keep paying attention. If we lose our focus, we will gain it back before we realize it! Wanda