Am looking for WLS/Open RNY Post Ops 6 years post op please:

Hello, I've been having conversations with my Mom lately and she has concerns around complications she keeps hearing about. I am not familiar with anyone who is at least 6 years (ok, 5 years would be ok) who have had very MINIMAL complications and seem to be living a normal life. I would dearly appreciate an email or reply here with the following information if you would be willing to share (as much as you can or wish to): When was your surgery? Where was your surgery? Do you feel your pre op care and post op care were adequate? What kinds of things happened to you that are positive and encouraging that I can share with my Mother because I have some friends who are suffering from minor complications and now she is beginning to get concerned I made the wrong decision to have this WLS done. I cannot convice her unless I hear from you, my friends, who can share with me the good things that have happened to you from beginning to end. I really know this is alot to ask, but I need to talk with my Mom about this and I really have no where else to turn. I want to thank you in advance for sharing your stories for me to share with my Mom...It means a great deal to me. God Bless you all Stacey W 310/164/July 19, 2005 ps: The PHANTOM OF THE OPERA WE WENT TO SEE IN KALAMAZOO TODAY. APRIL 23, 2006 AT MILLER AUDITORIUM AT 2PM WAS SPECTACULAR. I WILL CHERISH THAT MOMENT OF MEMORY MAKING IN HONOR OF MY DECEASED FATHER FOREVER. Since last year at this very moment, we were all together in Sarasota Florida, and he was alive and well.

I'm not writing about myself but about my sister. She had her (open) WLS with Dr. Sapala about 6 yrs ago at St. Johns Riverview. These were the "early days" and there few pre-op or post-op support programs. She lost approx. 110 lbs. and now wears a size 6. Her weight bounces up and down 10-15 lbs. She lives a normal life. She eats what she wants but in smaller amounts. She lives a very active life with a husband, 2 children and a full-time job. She did become very lactose intolerant and has had some anemia problems but has fixed that w/ supplements. She did so well that I became jealous of how good she looked and had my WLS a couple of years later.

I have not had my surgery yet (still going through battle with insurance co.), however, I will tell you I have researched and researched and I also have friends who have already had this surgery. There are some who had no problems so far and some who have had nothing but problems and some who had no problems till they were a couple years out. The main thing I have discovered is that most of the ones who have had trouble later down the road were the ones who got lax about taking their vitamins and keeping check on their levels. I guess you could say after awhile they got too comfortable. Vitamin deficiancy is a big problem with this surgery so you must stay on top of your vitamin intake and make sure your body is absorbing the vitamins you are taking. Just taking them does not mean your absorbing them, that is why you must be checked regulary. The is the best advice I have, I hope it helps. Kat