Unless anyone has neurology/bariatrics clinical training it would be hard to say if any of the wls can cause ALS.

I am mostly known for the last 12 years, even though I've been a member of OH for almost 21 years and almost 21 years post lap rny and 12 years post open rny reversal.

For one, no one can assume that if they have any of the wls that they won't have complications while not typical, can happen such as absorption issues post vsg and post adjustable gastric banding.

Also people can be faithful in their vitamin intake and still experience really bad neurological complications from vitamin malabsorption, while it's more common in those of us who had rny or ds, it's not unheard of with the other surgeries.

Have I heard of people getting ALS due to any of the wls prior to this post that I've just read today?

No.

Would I say is it possible, maybe. I know more people end up with seizure disorders and MS that seems a little high compared to people who've lost a lot of weight without surgery.

I ended up with long term/short term memory loss, my brain actually shrunk and I have a lot of "white matter" for someone my age. I also ended up with bilateral tremor for years due to the malabsorption issues but while my rny could of been responsible for that, I do have a family history of Huntingtons which is strictly genetic, which I found not to have, as well as no Parkinson's.

I had my rny and reversal at Fairview University of MN in Minneapolis with the same surgeon which like Mayo, we are lucky that are multiple top notch medical facilities and physicians here.

My rny was primarily reversed due to the multiple gi bleeds that I had multiple times. I was a light smoker, no caffeine drinker.

But I am hesistant that while i caution people to go into their bariatric surgeries as mentally healthy and physically health is possible, we all are humans and aren't perfect.

Even in the olden days we were warned about complications in 2001 when I had my rny, no matter how compliant a patient is. And I know patients at this stage, thousands of people who've had bariatric surgery now and some people ended up with transfer addictions to alcohol and drugs and smoking and never got sick and i also know people who died due to end stage liver disease from alcohol abuse post wls and drug over dose.

I think everyone has to assess for themselves of whether or not it's worth the risk of any of the wls but know that again even if a certain complication is associated with one or 2 surgeries, any of the bariatric surgeries it's possible to have the same complications, i.e. malabsorption, ulcers, neurological dysfunction but the reason why people have wls is they are assessing risk of surgery compared to potential risk of morbidity and mortality of a patient remaining morbidly obese.

For most of the patients it is worth it, for those who it is NOT and trust me I know what that feels like and that's why I remain in the community for long term support, there should be support specific groups online for bad outcomes, I know there is for those of us who've been reversed for example who've had rny, but because vsg isn't reversible but people can still get major complications, i.e. like I've said before with ANY of the surgeries, I'd check to see if on here or anywhere else, online if there is support.

For those *****gardless of what surgery you had, ended up with ALS, MS or seizure disorders or complications like mine, I'm sorry you are going through what you are and know it's not your fault, you didn't know. We make decisions trying to do the best we can with what we know at the time.

I have said this on here before, 3 out 5 in my immediate family had a gastric bypass, I had a parent who had it 2x times, rny in 81 open, then revision in 2002, with my surgeon, my sister had rny a day later after my dad's revision and I'm NOT the only bariatric surgical unicorn in my family, my dad is still SMO, having wls twice probably bought him time at the age 76, my sister who's 18 months younger than me is in perfect health, can eat what she wants, just has to exercise intensely and I would've died in 2010 without my reversal and my weight fluctuates wildly without being thin the last 14 1/2 out of 21 years and I learned the hardest way possible there was worse things than being fat, even fat after wls and complications from rny performed by a surgeon who is nationally recognized for excellence as he should be.

But again, it bears repeating, we do the best we can, with what know at the time because none of us with awful complications, a lot of times they couldn't have been predicted or prevented, they just sometimes happen and you or if it's a loved one going through this deserve support and empathy. Peace

Hi! I don't know if you're still here, I very much hope to hear back.
First of all, sorry for picking up an old thread.
I want to know how it went. Do you already have your license? What are you working on now?

Hi there.

I have always been considered a very quick healer and tough as nails. My orthopedic docs marvel at my pain tolerance. However, I did not anticipate the amount of pain the left side (where they make an incision to pull out the stomach) was going to give me...nor the constipation from the pain meds. I work from home so I thought that just 7 days would be fine. I was wrong. Take 14 days minimum to be good to yourself. Today is post op day 18 for me. It is the first day that I feel capable of sitting, concentrating and somewhat comfortable. That is just my opinion but don't underestimate the downtime needed to heal. Good luck and congratulations!

Julie

Miralax works for me when I'm struggling and when I was early days I mixed it into water, flavoured water, decaf iced tea and so on so that I was getting some with all my sips. Once things were moving more regularly I spoke to my nutritionist and asked about Metamucil. I small glass of it, basically.

I also suffer with IBS-C so these tools are something I end up doing in regular eating now too. Mainly the Metamucil but if I get clogged up, Miralax (maybe Mirolax...) is there to help give me that extra help.

Always talk to the surgeon's office first though. Don't just take my word for it. ;)

I know it varies from person to person. I have had numerous orthopedic surgeries in my life, (8) and I generally bounce back quicker than what they say. I am planning on having my sleeve surgery and trying to plan a date to not miss much work. I am an elementary school principal and it feels its three time more work when I am gone. In a perfect world... If I had the surgery on a Tuesday before thanksgiving.. if all goes well... do you think I could be back at work the following Monday? I fully understand that each person is different. I have never had issues with meds, coming out of surgery etc.. I am asking if everything goes perfect!

THanks