Revision / Stompahyx / Questions

So, I posted a while back about never reaching my goal since my RNY in 2003.  Then I started gaining and have regained about 30 pounds total.  Through a lot of doctor visits / lab runs we found I was so anemic that my body was making fewer and smaller red cells.  I'm currently getting IV iron treatments because I malabsorb most pills (unless sublingual or chewable).   My upper GI shows a small pounch but a stretched stoma.  I take full blame for that, after I plateaued I gave up and figured I'd failed.  Plus I was always tired anyway.  The tiredness was from depleting my iron stores due to malabsorption (I had no idea) and the failure was all in my head - I should have gone back to Dr. Halmi for help, but didn't. You can't imagine the complications now.  I don't know if I'll ever be eligible for a revision due to my iron issues, but I do know that if things stay as they are now, I'm destined to regian the other 75 pounds I had lost and more.  I would say I'm depressed but it's an understatement.  My new OB/GYN is a thyroid specialist and mentioned that in her testing she thinks I have a genetic metabolic condition where my body basically ignores the insulin in my blood.  (She's much better with the medical lingo)  Basically, she wants to put me on something called Metformin? that has shown results with people having the condition and they lose weight naturally because their body processes things as it should.  She wonders if I could have avoided having a RNY (and possibly the malabsorption issues) if that had been discovered four years ago.  Then she told me I have PCOS as well, it was NOT a good day at the doctor's office. Suffice to say, I'm frustrated and terrified of going back to my previous weight.  I don't know what to do.  My clothes are too tight, I'm still too tired to go to the gym (I barely have the energy to go to work and walk the dog) due to the anemia and frankly, I feel completely defeated.  How is this happening when I'm only 32? I'm sure this is not a common situation but if anyone has any advice or a similar story, I could use the encouraging words or ideas of what to do next.  Right now I'm just getting the iron fixed, which I'm happy about, but I'm still gaining weight incrementally.  I'm told the severe sugar cravings  are part of the side affects of the severe anemia and that won't probably change for about four months, once my body is producing new healthy cells that aren't craving whatever they can get to replace the missing iron.  Sugar is bad.  For me, it's like kryptonite - so what do I do? I'm possibly not posting this in the right place but I'm at wit's end.  Help?

Many prople do well with RNY who have PCOS or Metabolic Syndrome, which causes insulin resistence. Usually, losing weight improves insulin resistence, so your body uses what is in your blood.

I would give the metformin a try, and see how it goes. You need to avoid eating white carbs, like white bread, rice, potatoes, sugar, most cold cereals and all sweets. Whole grain breads, sweet potatoes, and brown rice are all good in small amounts. Also eating fish, chicken, turkey, eggs or beef FIRST, before any other foods is the way to go. Then eat vegetables like brocolli, cabbage, green beans, carrots, greens, cucumbers, squash, and zucini. Last, IF you have any room, eat the whole grain bread or sweet potatoes. You won't regain more weight if you stick to a sound plan of eating the right way. try to eat well 3 meals a day, and if you have any snacks, make them protein, like cheese, yogurt, chicken or turkey deli slices. Don't eat chips or crackers as snacks.  I wish you  well as you work on this.

Hi, I just wanted to say I can totally relate to your post! I have PCOS too --was diagnosed about 6 yrs before having my gastric bypass surgery --and am struggling with gaining the weight back and sugar level fluctuations. I have "fallen off the wagon" since losing the weight from my surgery and can totally relate to the feeling of failure, tiredness and depression. I have taken Metformin in the past, before surgery, as a way of combating my weight gain/sugar issues but personally, I did not see any difference.  I've been considering my options about revision surgery and hoping I will get a second chance at this.  My goal for 2008 is to cut back on/cut out sugar, since I know it is my main setback. I truly believe I have an addiction, just as an alcoholic or drug addict struggles with. If only they had rehab/detox centers for sugar! Good luck to you for a healthy 2008!

Amen on wishing there was a sugar rehab center.  I'm hoping my doctor is correct that once my iron is more normal, I"ll crave it less.  Otherwise, I don't know how I'm supposed to beat this.  I don't think my doctor likes to discuss or do revisions, I got the impression from him that I can lose this last 105-110 pounds (since the 30 regain) with diet alone. I'm not so sure.  I am, however, considering talking to someone about depression.  Not sure it will do much good as I can't take any meds in pill form but maybe just talking will help?

I HAVE RECENTLY FIGURED OUT THAT I AM ALSO ANEMIC. BUT BEWARE OF THE ANTI-DEPRESSANT DEMON!!! THEY ARE SCARY AND BAD NEWS.............. I HAVE READ IN A FEW PLACES ONLINE THAT ANEMIA AND B-12 DEFICIENTCY CAUSES DEPRESSION. NOW I HAVE TO DEAL WITH GETTING OF THE MEDS MY PCP GAVE ME THAT I HAVE BEEN DEPENDING ON FOR 2 YEARS!! AND TO NOW FIND OUT THAT IT COULD ALL BE FROM MY BLOOD LEVELS!! SAD TO SAY THE REASON FOR MY ISSUES IS BECAUSE I THOUGHT I WAS INVINCIBLE AFTER LOSING ALL THE WEIGHT AND FEELING NORMAL SO I QUIT TAKING THE VITAMINS........... SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STUPID!!! I FIND NOW THAT IF I ACCIDENTALLY SKIP A DSY OF MY MEDS (EFFEXOR) I AM A BLUBBERING EMOTIONAL MESS ALLLLLLLLLLLL DAY LONG!!! IT IS REALLY REALLY BAD!!   I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN ABOUT BEING SOOOOOOOO TIRED.. I TRY TO WORK OUT AND ONE HOUR WORKOUT AND I LITTERALLY SPEND THE REST OF THE DAY IN BED....... IT TEARS ME UP... I JUST WANT TO GO BACK TO FEELING GOOD............ TAKING MY KIDS TO THE PARK AND DOING FUN THINGS WITH THEM................ I ALWAYS JUST WANT TO SIT ON THE COUCH!! I M SOOOOOO TIRED IT HURTS!!!