Anyone else have more medical problems after surgery?
I have had significant problems post DS 11/8/2005. Now have severe osteoporosis and profound muscle wasting. I'm 52 years old. Seeing specialist at Cleveland Clinic. My surgery was experimental and now is rarely performed. Sometimes I feel like I'm disintegrating. Would love to hear what others have learned.
I have had multiple medical issues after having DS 15 years ago. The year after DS I had a oo oophercetomy, a lithotripsy procedure for a kidney stone, I developed hypothyroidism, vitamin d levels that were almost non-existent (I am finally able to keep the D levels up with 250,000 IU daily) and extreme amenia for which I have had many blood transfusions. I'm 63 now, and have osteoporosis comparable to an 81 year old, malabsorption, and connective tissue disease, not to mention all of the same back issues that I had before surgery (I guess the excess weight messed my back up permanently). I have never been able to afford skin surgery, so I feel trapped in a shameful body. But the worst is the severe and constant heartburn for which no doctor or specialist have an answer. I am exhausted all of the time. How much is due to aging, genetics, the DS, I can't say, but I can sympathize with those who feel like bariatric surgery has taken a toll on them both physically and mentally. For what it's worth, you are not alone.
20 years is a long time. I'm 14 years post op and I'm dealing with some issues. But I always wonder how many others would I have if I did not have WLS
Getting detailed blood work is a must. Very detailed. Then looking into a very specific supplements that our changed digestive system can absorb. Or getting iron infusions. To get an iron infusion - one need a really good hematologist - a doc who would fight with your insurance on your behalf.
Since you don't have insurance now, getting an infusion is possible but it would be very pricy.
Specific supplements that we need are, i.e., special formula of fat soluble vitamins - formula that is water soluble (D, E, A, K)
Then calcium and magnesium.
Iron - there are many forms of iron, and for me, personally , the only one my gut tolerates is heme iron, "Proferrin". my guts hate any other type.
B12 - most people do great with sublingual B12. I however need weekly B12 injections. No matter how much B12 I took, my body doesn't retain it.
As for food issues - since GB removal app 6 months post op RNY I started having issues with constipation - IBS-C. Its on going issues, and I found a good gastro doc who helps me with that. I need to avoid fiber and high FODMAP foods.
I have arthritis (age plus genetics) so I need to avoid or limit night shade vegetable and fruits, alcohol, plus a few others things. Lately I noticed that nuts, nuts milk, can increase inflammation and pain in my joints.
Everything that can trigger my IBS cramping and excessive gas, would also trigger internal inflammation and often fibromyalgia flare.
I also developed allergies t dairy proteins, soy proteins and a few other items, so my diet, when I'm really follow best for me low inflammatory diet - is rather restrictive. Meat, eggs, some veggies, that's all what I can eat and feel my best.
Unfortunately, even one slip, can increase my inflammation and pain. And depends how long - how many "bad for me items" I ate, it can take 3 days to 2 weeks of eating very clean to reduce the inflammation.
At the same time, I don't know how my body would have been if I did not have RNY.
Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG
"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"
"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."