My Nine Year Update

Well, I have to say, it doesn't seem like nine long years have passed since I had my RNY.  Time really flies doesn't it?  I know most of you who are reading this will want to see photos but when you're this far out, photos don't have the appeal they did at the beginning of the journey.  I don't even know if anyone even reads these updates anymore.  No one ever replies if they do anyway.
As far as this past year, my health is still not the best.  I have chest pain on a continual basis.  I had a total hysterectomy and hernia repair in February.  The hernias were due to all the surgeries (including RNY) that I have had over the last nine years.  Now I'm going through 'surgical menopause' and the hot flashes are absolutely horrendous.  I have tried estrogen patches and estrogen spray but both make my chest pain worse. 
My blood sugars are always 'off the chart' and will go haywire with too much sugar or fats without fail.  But I do know now WHEN to stop eating them.  Somehow I've gotten 'in tune' with my system and know ahead of time when to stop eating something that will cause me to hurt later on.  That is about the only good news I have actually.
My exercising is mostly non-existent now.  I do exercise on my mini trampoline or do jazzercize to my old VHS tape I bought after surgery when I get the urge though.  But now my body can't tolerate as much exercise as it used to.  I can only exercise to about three songs instead of 3/4 of the tape.
My weight can go as high as 190 but I keep it between 175 and 180 all the time.  I know that is a 25 pound gain in the last 9 years but compared to most people this far out, that's not too bad from what I've read from people's posts on here. 
I don't know if my chest pains and other pain and blood problems are from my surgery or if they would have happened if I hadn't gone through it.  I sure wish I didn't have these problems though.  I'd give anything to have my health back.  When you have your health, you have everything.  Money, possessions and things of this material world don't really matter. 

I have one more year left to post on my profile.  I will stop posting at the ten year mark.  But I wanted to stop in and keep anyone updated that might read this and wonder what happens to people this far out from surgery.

I pray your journey is healthy and happy!

Robin

Open RNY 8/30/01

325/170 

http://macrobin2000.tripod.com/

 

 

 

I really do not know what to say.  I just read your post and went and looked at your profile/pictures.  To be honest, I expected to see a sick womon, but your pictures are wonderful.  You are beautiful.  I hope your health improves.

Please keep us posted on how things go for you and thanks for taking the time to post.  

Ruby   
rny 3/2005
262/125/140 ugh
hi/lo/today

Hi I haven't got too much to add but I am glad when old-timers post so I did want to say something.

When you have your heath, you have everything...isn't that the truth! And it seems when you don't have that, you don't have anything..but it's all a matter of perspective and attitude. With a positive mental attitude you can keep going and that seems like what you've done. I'm sure things would be alot worse with the added pounds from before your surgery. I know that with the added weight, I couldn't move as well or as much as I do now.

I'm sorry you're not feeling well and the pain seems to be getting you down..Hopefully they can figure it out and make it better.

Hi Robin! I sure do remember you from over the years! Weight wise it seems like you've done a fantastic job and I only hope that when I'm 9yrs out I can say I've been maintaining as well as you have!!! I'm so sorry to hear about your health issues-those things sure do make life alot harder. I hope that you can have a rebound into good health again soon!

 I read your post. I am new so I have a question. Are glad you had the surgery to this day? I am just starting my journey so I like to read posts from the "old timers" Thanks for your post. Hope you feel better!

I'm waiting for my surgical date since I just finished all of the pre-op tests.  I look at this forum for wise information on those who are past the initial year of surgery.  It is very reassuring to read how everyone is feeling after surgery.  I'm really looking forward to my RNY.

Robin you look awesome.  I am 7 years out and just like you I just had a hysterectomy they kept one ovary for hormones they said.....but that ovary is so full of cysts I can't see how it is helping.  I have gained almost 8 lbs since the surgery in June.  I know being this far out I can eat as  much as a "normal person" I got down to 145lbs before my plasitics at 18 months.  But stayed at 155 for 5 years till this recent gain.  I have started walking on the treadmill that has collected dust for years!! But, this night eating habbit is still a struggle.  Please don't stop posting .....at least give us yearly updates.  There are a lot of us that read them....we just don't always post a response.  Thanks so much for posting for us that are far out!!

who knows how many more health issues you may have had if you had stayed at 325 or even gain a little more.

I am sorry for your health issues.... I just turned 50 a week ago...  It is just time for the wear and tear to show the signs, I guess...

you look great...  hope you feel better asap
take care of you
Vicki

Congratulations on your journey. It was nice to read your post. I am also 9 yrs out today and wish you the best. Please keep posting after 10 years. Many like to read updates from us "oldies"

Jen