My story

At my heaviest I was 322 in May of 1995. I was desperate to get the weight off and have kids. I wasn't regular enough to conceive at that weight. So, I found out from a friend who had had Open RNY that there was a surgeon right there in TRF that could save my life. I had the surgery May 25, 1995. I had no problems with the healing and dropped 75 lbs and became regular. 7 months out I became pregnant. The doctors were all concerned that I was still losing weight and that the baby wasn't getting enough. And stupid me.. I listened to them and ate more often and more than I should have. I did end up getting down to about 180 after Kyle was born. And only gained a whole 3 lbs while carrying him. With Kaitlin I gained 13 lbs and lost all of that after. But, slowly the weight came back on and I found myself back up to 275 lbs. There wasn't the follow up and education back then for post-op patients or the support available now either. I thought and prayed very hard about what to do. I tried Atkins and other programs again and again. But life had been very stressful on me. When my daughter was just 6 days old, my Dad died from Lung cancer in Feb 99. Followed by a childhood friend passing away in April, May it was my Grandmother, and to top it all off... my Mom died suddenly from a heart attack on the 4th of July... ALL the SAME year. I became very sick that July and they couldn't diagnose what it was until it was already getting better. I had a mild case of Gillian Barre Syndrome. PTL I didn't have a severe case as most. If so I would've been incapacitated and on a respirator. Losing muscle and had a much longer recovery. It was about 6 months for me to get back to most of my routine. Anyway, I researched revisions and about 9 months after I had a consultation with Dr. Smith's team in Park Rapids. I was so sure that the insurance company would deny me because I had failed before. But, with all my health issues... they said yes. Oh, I was anemic from my first surgery and spent 4 yrs trying to get my hemoglobin back to normal. After all said I finally got Iron Infusion treatments and got it back up. Amazing how much more energy just that can give you. So, December 15, 2003 I had Open RNY revised.... repaired... in Park Rapids. I came through the surgery great. But I wasn't able to keep anything down... they thought it was the stoma that was swollen-exit of the stomach... so after a week they did a scope and found, no, it was fine.. But I had a yeast infection and was given meds for that. That still wasn't all that was wrong though, because I still wasn't keeping anything down. After doing an upper GI Jan 29th they found that I had adhesions that were causing a blockage in my small bowel. Happy New Year!! I was admitted back into the hospital and had surgery to remove the obstruction New Year's Eve. I developed internal bleeding from that surgery and they did emergency surgery to stop that. Praise God He wasn't ready for me yet!!!!! So after being packed up to keep from bleeding they went in to close me up. I spent 7 days in the ICU and 3 more in the hospital. It was quite a shock to find out that I had these adhesions... which are common and also had an infection in my intestinal tract. No wonder I was so run down and had a longer recovery. 4 surgeries in 3 wks is a lot! Now I am doing much better and am down 52 lbs and feeling great. I am so happy that I did this because who knows how long these other problems would've been there undiagnosed? And with all the family history of heart disease and everything... I just want to be here for my kids and see those precious grand babies some day!!! Today I am down 52 lbs from the surgery in December. Slowly getting there. Kristi Appell

Hello again, Thanks for posting your story, it is always great to get to know another fellow Decemberite! Well, it's gotta be all up hill for you from here on out! Tracy

Kristi, Wow you have been on quite a journey. I had a revision from a banding to an rny on December 8th. What advice would you give others that have just had surgery to prevent them having to have a revision in the future due to weight gain? Jackie

Kristi, bless your heart you have been through the ringer. I always try to keep in mind that there is a reason for everything and it sounds like you have that same thing in mind. When you get the time Kristi we would love to hear your thoughts on Jackie's question. Thanks, Jill

WOW that must have been rough... 1 surgery was enough let alone 3. You deserve some smooth sailing from now on! Hope you will continue to hang out with us for the after support!

Kristi, Thanks for sharing your story. I pray that you have an easy time from here on out. Keep posting and let us know.' Lisa G

Thanks so much to all of you for posting back. It's always encouraging to hear what others have to say and know that you are not alone. In regards to Jackie's question... my plan this time around is to make sure to get my protein in first, stay away from the sweets, and only eat when I'm truly hungry. Not that the plan is full proof obviously. But, that is what I'm trying to do. Kristi