How come I don't know this?

In reading the vast number of posts on OH, I've read where those of use who had RnY can only lose "easily" during the first year then it becomes much harder. Did I also read that the malabsortive state is transient? That doesn't make sense.

Can someone enlighten me? 

I think what you're hearing about is the "honeymoon phase" and beyond. With the RNY your honeymoon is about 12 - 18 months, when you should be able to lose your weight. After that, the malabsorption isn't as effective and a person who has more to lose will have a harder time and a person on maintenance really has to watch the carbs or they will start regaining. Some surgeons offices fail to tell their patients this and it's a real shame they aren't more honest. RNY and DSrs never stop malabsorbing vitamins and minerals due to the bypass, so vitamins and minerals are for life or your die a slow and painful death.

--gina

 Ok, so your are saying the honeymoon phase subsides because weve lost all or most of our weight and that as time progresses, we can eat more than we could those first few months and if we haven't established good eating and exercise habits, it will only be more difficult. I get that but I understood the malabsorbtive stage to be permanant so what do you mean by " After that, the malabsorption isn't as effective?" In regards to what?

Thank you, Gina, I appreciate you 'splaining this to me!

The malabsorption of micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) is permanent but my understanding is that the intestines after the bypass adapt and are able to absorb more of the macro-nutrients (such as carbs, fat and protein) after 18 months or so. So, even if you were maintaining for the second year, the 3d year could hit, you haven't changed anything, but you might see some regain.

--g

 Well that just sucks!

Oh well, now that I know that pesky little factoid, I will be more diligent. Thanks so much!

Hi Tamara,

The first third of the intestine is bypassed, and that is the section that used to absorb most of the vites, minerals, AND CALORIES.   After the honeymoon period, the 2nd portion of the intestine relaxes into it's role of the "new first portion" and begins to absorb CALORIES again, but it does NOT begin to absorb any more vites & minerals.  Hence the reason we have to be very diligent about what we eat and continue our supplementation regimen for always.  

Right Gina??

and by the way, Tamara, I didn't learn this from my bariatric team either.  They are vague about it all..   go figure...

 Ah haaa! This is did not know or recall:  "After the honeymoon period, the 2nd portion of the intestine relaxes into it's role of the "new first portion" and begins to absorb CALORIES again."

This is news to me and maddens me that I didn't research more thoroughly. Not that it would have made a difference but that's a fairly significant fact, especially since I've slacked off in the exercise department for the last 3 or more months. I know damn well I have to do it for life but I got a little lazy and satisfied with my size. Not a good combo. I'm 14 months out so I need to get it together and lose those last 20 lbs and keep my routine going for life.

Thanks, Ladies, I knew I would get an informative and snark-free answer on this forum!

oh booo.... and snark is such a cool word ....

 The first time I heard it I wanted to own it all for my own!

I know HUH!!!