2 yr Follow up - interesting

I had my two yr post op follow up yesterday and learned new things.  I love learning new things:

1.  My iron is low - 12  need to get it to 30 so I got the correct iron supplements identified to take to get my levels up and learned that no matter how much iron rich foods (spinach, liver) I eat my efforts are in vain as this surgery bypassed where Iron gets absorbed...I did not know that.
2. Learned that I surpassed my goal they had conservatively set for me being between 160 and 198 - I am at 154.
3. Learned that more is not better and I need to limit my Vitamin D as I was taking 9000IU a day when I only need 4000. This can be toxic as Vit D gets stored in fat.
4. My Vit B12 needs to change as the one I have with Folic acid is overkill and better to just take B12
5. There is an 18 month wait time in Ottawa area for Plastics consult - which is okay as I am in no rush
6. I may gain weight as hormone levels change etc...but as long as I am vigilant and follow process, which I do, I may not.  No need to stress.
7. Its okay to use the 80/20 model, as to be honest I suck on the weekends at following my good food models and often skip lunch when I am busy and on the go.... 
8. Planning is key for food prep, which may seem normal to everyone, but I work from home so I often forget this as I have kitchen access

So all that to say that I always wondered why the yearly follow up and the benefit to me, I now realise it is an appointment I would not skip and is very helpful, I wi**** was every 6 months  :)

Two years post op I am still thankful to have had this surgery, and think it is the thing I am the most proud of in life...which is a big statement for me considering educational, personal and business successes I have had.  I love having shed the excess weight and being thin.  I love trying on mediums and having to ask for a small....   I am happy in my own skin now and able to participate in life.

For anyone considering this surgery and on the "Fence" , yes there are scary pre surgery questions and potentially side effects to overcome, but my view on this is without surgery there would be other things to overcome - diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, sore neck/back/knees due to excess weight.....  For me, I prefer fixing low iron vs any of those items and being thin.

Thks for reading my two year rant....just felt it was important to reflect and state what I feel and have learned or been told.

Kelly

Very well said Kelly.  Congratulations on your success.

Great post Kelly! I love the reality in your list, relating a lot.

 Love this: I love having shed the excess weight and being thin.  I love trying on mediums and having to ask for a small....  ME TOO!!

A question I always ask, because, yes I do like to compare, tho I know we are different...but what is your height? I am 5'4

Thanks,

Connie

Hi, I am 44 yrs old and 5'4.  I wear size 6-8, and small medium.

I weight 154, but note that I work out a lot and am very fit. 

Hey Kelly, great to hear from you.  Congratulations on your success. I had the same issue with toaso much d so I am reduced to 2000iu per day now.  Another 4 months and I will be having my 2 year as well, it's amazing to think how life has changed eh?  Hope you keep posting as to how things are going. 

Thanks for the update.  So happy to hear that you are doing well, and getting those little vitamin issues looked after.  Continued success to you in year #3!!!!

Hi Kelly

Thanks for your update. Good to hear from someone 2 years post op. I have not had my surgery yet. I am scheduled for June 1,2016. Good to hear how happy you are with your decision to have this surgery. 

Cheers

Nice to hear from you Kelly!  I'm surprised with your iron being 12 they didn't suggest iron infusions. Mine dropped to 13 and I was told I needed 3 of them. I was also taking 2 profferin a day. They seem to be the best iron supplement. My last bloodwork showed my iron at 134!  A bit high now but I will have it tested in a month. I don't go for my regular check ups but I do my bloodwork every 6 months to stay on top of things. Good luck with the rest of your journey. Take care. 

Hi Monica,

The RN said to try supplements first as I was not taking any that were effective.  In three months she will re-assess.  She indicated if the # does not get better that may be where I am headed to get infusions.  Glad to know they worked for you and there is potentially a solution.  I think mine was low for a while...I honestly thought I was getting early onset Alzheimers because my brain fog was so bad......  It improved when I got my first Iron pills that I have been on for two months, a little anyway, so hoping the new pills work better....  thks for the info it gives me talking points for my next follow up.

I know what you mean-brain fog and low energy!  Are you taking proferrin?  They say it is the best for our types of stomachs.

Good luck with everything!

Monica