2 yr Follow up - interesting

(deactivated member)
on 4/13/16 9:07 am - Canada
RNY on 04/16/14

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

 

crqvingchange
on 4/13/16 10:55 am

Very well said Kelly.  Congratulations on your success.

CENTURY CLUB MEMBER at 6 months post-op.

Referral to Guelph Feb/13, Sleep study and all bloodwork and ultrasound May/13, orientation July/13. Nurse, NUT,SW Sept/13, 2nd NUT, nurse and SW, 3rd round and cleared for surgery Dec/13. Pre-op Apr 7/14, Surgeon May 2/14, Opti Jul 3/14, surgery Jul 17/14.

Solstice
on 4/13/16 12:14 pm
RNY on 11/27/14

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

Solstice

    

(deactivated member)
on 4/13/16 2:43 pm - Canada
RNY on 04/16/14

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. 

 

 

Zizzler
on 4/13/16 1:14 pm

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. 

MonaLisaSmile
on 4/13/16 5:11 pm - Canada

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!!!!

  SW- 260    GW- 150    CW -138    Height - 5'5      RNY- St Josephs Hamilton July 17/2015  

2BHealthy2016
on 4/13/16 6:16 pm

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

Monica9811
on 4/14/16 4:46 pm - Peterborough, Canada

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. 

            

(deactivated member)
on 4/15/16 3:59 pm - Canada
RNY on 04/16/14

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.

Monica9811
on 4/18/16 7:33 am - Peterborough, Canada

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

            

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