Looking for more information

I went to the informational meeting this past week, and my consult isnt until september, so of course that leaves me with a lot of questions until then! :) What is the digestion time after the bypass? Normal digestion is 5/6 hours. Do you have to live life near a bathroom, or be in the near vicinity after meals?? Is this a concern? Also for anyone who has had this done years ago..........are you still able to lose AFTER the bypass becomes ineffective?? If the bypass works for 2-5 years at decreasing degrees, what is the percentage of people that will STILL lose any weight after that time period? Is it realistic to expect to lose after that time?? Any information would be helpful. Its a long wait until sept. :) Thank you so much!!!   Tracey

> What is the digestion time after the bypass? > Normal digestion is 5/6 hours. Do you have > to live life near a bathroom, or be in the near > vicinity after meals?? Is this a concern? If only!  Post-op RNY life gives new meaning to "being stuck between a rock and a hard place!" I used to snicker at people who were fixated on their bowels and were connoisseurs of laxatives.  No longer!  Now I can talk at length about the benefits and differences between glycerin suppositories, Colace and MiraLax.  No, I'm not being humorous! I would guess that the majority of post-op RNYers struggle with constipation, or at least have to work hard every day to avoid it.  A smaller group doesn't seem to have any issues at all, and a much smaller group has the opposite problem. BTW, you really should pick up a copy of "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies"; it's the bible.  Between that book and hanging out here on OH, you'll be all set! /Steve

thanks!!

Thanks steve! I just ordered it on ebay, should be here late this week or early next week, that should help tide me over a bit!! :)

"WLS for Dummies" is one of the most comprehensive manuals for ANYTHING, let alone WLS, that I've ever encountered.  I devoured it while I was waiting for surgery; I read it again and again and again, and it's packed with great information.  Every bariatric practice should hand out copies to its patients! Of course, OH has its own charms, too! I hope you enjoy it! /Steve

I'm not sure which hospital you are involved with, but if they have support group meetings for WLS patients, I bet you would be able to attend those while you patiently wait for your consult.  The program at Newton Wellesley requires me to attend a minimum of 2 support group meetings before they operate, not counting the informational session.

I also second Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies.  It's been very helpful!