Post Op 5 years

Is anyone on this message board 4-5 years post op RNY?

My RNY was 10-08-02, so I guess that makes me what about 4.5 years out???

I just wanted to connect with someone who had the same surgery in about the same time frame. I was wondering how you were doing? Any long term effects, etc. Have you maintained your weight loss. I'll tell you a bit about myself. I weighted 258 when I had surgery. I lost 99lbs. I basically did nothing as far as working out, exercising & dieting. I maintained the weight loss very well till about 4 years out and then I started to gain a bit. I probably noticed it late last year. I started working out & have lost about 10 of the 20 I had gained. I guess I felt lucky that I lost 99 without even trying, but now I am working out alot. I had some blood work done in January & it wasnt good. My iron was almost in the range of needing a transfusion & my B12 was really low. I really hadnt noticed it in my energy. I had not had anything tested in years. I am now taking B12 & iron everyday. Im sure I need other stuff too, but the dr. said he will check it all again in about another month. I dont regret anything about the surgery, except maybe choosing open vs. lap. I really dont enjoy the 7" scar I have. I have trouble with my sugar bottoming out sometimes and Im now lactose intolerant. I cant think of anything else as a result of the surgery. Ok enough about me, I justed wanted to see how I compare. Dana

Hello Dana, I haven't had surgery yet but as I read your thread I just had to comment. I will have to have open RNY my BMI is to high for lap. I was wondering how big the scar would be 7" is pretty long! I currently suffer from anemia and low calcium counts I currently take Repliva its a (pres. Iron) and had to go to hospital 7 months ago for a I.V. of calcium. I really worry about what will happen with my iron levels once I have surgery. Its good to here from people so far out (over 3 years) on the OH main board everyone seems to have no regrets. I have no real health issues other than the iron but wonder about things getting worse down the road after WLS surgery. I do want to drop 200lbs but wonder alot about my choice to have WLS and how it will effect me. Well I hope you get to feeling better and thanks for sharing your experience so us newbies can learn a little!

It is a long scar and at first it bother me. I was so happy with the weight loss I really didnt care. Now Im not so anxious for people to see it. I wear tankinis to cover it. It is still worth it. I have seen some pics on this board of people wearing clothes that show it. You can look around for those. I might post some later. I really dont have a skin issue & Im not sure why. I know everyones elastisity is different. I didnt become overweight until I started having babies, as a child I was of normal weight, so I dont know if that is a factor or not. I could use a TT, but no skin under arms or anywhere else really. For that I am grateful. I will answer any questions you might have. Where are you located and who is doing your surgery?

I live in Muskogee. I will be going to Mexico for my surgery in about 6-9 months. I have to save up 14,000.00 for the procedure and airfare for 2 . I havent decided yet on a doctor there are 3 different ones currently with great packages and all have over 700 surgeries under there belt. Still Deciding. I just started looking into Self Paying about 2 weeks ago. Thats how I found this forum doing research.

Edna, Why are you going to Mexico? Have you researched self pay options locally. I had my surgery with Dr. Kenneth Warnock in Wichita Falls Tx. Although I had insurance that covered mine, he might be able to give you a good price and you'll have the follow up care as well. Just a thought. Angela

Angela, I am going to Mexico because I was denied WLS by insurance in 2005 and I don't have insurance at the moment. ( my HB's company closed down in 12-06 and moved to Texas) Mexico has great all inclusive package for as low as $10,500.00 US for RNY, I would have to pay about $40,000.00 here in US. There are some very reputable Doctors in Mexico. I guess due to our money being worth so much more is why its cheaper. I found a doctor in Tulsa that will do follow up care afterwards. I haven't done alot of research for US doctors but if you want to give me a email or # for your doctor I can check into them. I would much rather have it done close to home!!!!! thanks edna

I will be 5 yrs post OPEN RNY 5/17/02 and this is terrible to say but my birthday is May 1st and I 'think' the 17th is the day I had it!! LOL it's been so long that after the 2nd year living life just seemed more important than celebrating the surgery re-birthday, you know? I am having some issues now but had done really well..I'm hoping you've seen my post..I have the overlarge stoma issue going on..but you can look at my pics on my profile to see how I'm doing