WLS Question

I am curious to know if anyone knew where I might be able to find information on the long term effects that WLS would have on our bodies. I was thinking about my health like in 10 years or 20 years after surgery. I know with no doubts what the surgery corrects, but are there any issuses that we need to worry about later on down the road. I mean besides worrying about protein and vitamins is there anything elese. I am not sure if I am make any since or not, but this is a decison that I am making with all the information that I can get my hands on.

I am almost 3 months into my diet of 6 months, so I am looking at July before I am done with the diet. I think that I will try to aim for surgery in Sept once I have vacation time. Plus I am still trying to get my ducks in a row as far as facts and peace for my mind.

Thank you for your input. You guys/ladies are the best!!

Hi, I am a newbie to weight loss surgery. I had the DS with Dr. Schweitzer in December, but I wanted to say you are in the right place and you are starting with a fabulous doctor. I am not sure which surgery you are considering, but there are some long time post ops on the DS board and I am sure on the RNY board as well. Good luck in your journey! Amy

Thank you Amy!

I am looking at RNY. So far I have been lucky with this journey. I am very excited with the results that I have gotten so far. I will say that I already see that it is not going to be an easy road to go down. I am already a little sad about having to get a new bathing suit this summer. Most people are telling that i should not be upset that it is a good thing and I know this. But you know how you find something that is your favorite and then you have to get rid if it. well that is me right now. I loved that suit. Any way enough of be babbling. Thanks for the reply and I wish you continued success with your journey.

Kellie

I have kept a few of my favorites from before wls. I plan to have them altered at some point. You get to find new favorites now.

I have met several people who are 6+ years out. They are doing very well. The important piece is staying vigilant about nutrition and vitamins.  I am 18 months out and feel better than I have in years. I am also over 50. I feel more like I did in my 20's every day.

Thanks Amy for stopping by. I think that I am orry about nothing. I have done some digging and I have not found anything bad after the after effects only how great it has done for people. I think that I am just freaking about nothing, but I am not taking this lightly my decsion. I want to have all my facts in order. The ony people that I know besides the croton support group are a few people that are 2 years out, 9 months out, 3 months out. There is also 2 ladies at church and I am not sure how far out they are, but any woo. Thanks for the reply and showing some to this uneducated soul.

P.S~ How are the grand babies doing?

Kellie

Hi Kellie, I had my RNY at age 54 (4 years ago).   I am sure that WLS saved my life and while I am not positive that I will live LONGER I surely know that I will live a better more active and enjoyable life for what ever time I do have. I know that this may not be the answer to your question, but you have to make the decision based on your own thoughts and beliefs.   I was miserable and was slowly but surely becoming a recluse other than going to work each day.   It was increasingly difficult for me to get around and to enjoy anything.   Now you can't hold me back! Best wishes as your journey continues. Hugs, Mo

I am only 2 years out from RNY, but I can tell you that when I decided on surgery, there were still not alot of studies on very long term effects. I was not warned of things that I have seen are common in WLS patients. It would not have changed my mind, but would have been nice to know.  For example, I became lactose intolerant around 1 and 1/2 years out, but thought I was getting a stomach virus for a long time :(   I also developed hypoglycemia just after 1 year out. My blood suger drops hard and fast and I have to carry glucose tablets or I'll pass out. But for the longest time, I was being tested for a heart condition cause of the palpitation that are a symtom of hypoglycemia. So I wasted alot of time on the 'heart issue' when it was really just a common development from WLS.  If you look up hypoglycemia, it tells you that it can develop in people who have had stomach surgery (when the stomach empties fast).  I also developed a severe intolerance to caffeine about 18 months out.  Other than those minor issues, I have not had any problems post op.  Hope that helped a little.   

first  let me say - you couldn't find a more supportive group of wonderful people to be talking with.  I'm  almost 18 months past surgery (RNY) and I was 58 years old.  I had big medical problems all related to my weight.  I was killing myself and I didn't much care.  My primary care doc and a few friends suggested I look into WLS and I didn't want to do it.  After so much research and so many conversations like these with people who have been there, I knew it was right for me.  I spent many sleepless nights thinking it over and many times I didn't know if I could do it, but I did and my only regret is that I didn't do this years ago. It's very natural for you to hesitate.  Take your time, read, read and read some more.  WLS for Dummies is a great book.  By the time I had my surgery, I had so much information, I felt  I could have done the surgery myself!  As for any long lasting side effects, none that are important.  I have my life back and I'm glad I took the journey.  Stay on these boards and ask lots of questions, everyone is here to support you!  Good luck