Question:
Are there folks who are happy they had the surgery that are post op 5-10 years?

It seems easy to be happy initially with losing weight and gaining health. I wonder if folks who had surgery 5-10 years ago are still happy they did such a drastic thing. It seems I am setting myself up for a lifetime of monitoring, doctor visits, plastic surgery, fretting over nutrients, worrying, etc.    — Ann B. (posted on February 26, 2003)

February 25, 2003
All I can say is think about the alternatives. To me, it's a no-brainer.
   — Leslie F.

February 25, 2003
I know some RNY long termers, the longestr 21 years. Not all are skinny but all have said they are much better off than if they hadnt had surgery. Most report they would of died long ago. Thats cettinally true of me and my wife, we were both headed to a early grave. See my profile the gooid stuff is near the bottom.
   — bob-haller

February 25, 2003
Would you rather worry about needing plastic surgery or some life-threatening condition? And if you don't have the surgery, and continue on the MO path, you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of...monitoring, doctor visits, fretting over which medications you will have to take which probably have numerous side effects, worry, etc. Would you rather do all that AND be miserable AND unhealthy. There is really no fretting and worrying for me, just living a happy, healthy life. Like a prev. poster stated, no brainer! 11/01 LAP-RNY, at Goal. (Sorry, not 5-10 years)
   — Cheri M.

February 25, 2003
Yes, you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of monitoring, doctor visits (2x/year), possible reconstructive surgery, and supplements. That's the small price we pay for avoiding the myraid of obesity related diseases and early death. For me, it was a cheap price for getting rid of sleep apnea, debilitating joint pain, plantar faciitis, and getting my life back. There's no perfect answer. This isn't a one time cure all that "fixes" everything and we never have to worry again. We do need to do our part or risk our health. But it's so worth it.
   — mom2jtx3

February 26, 2003
I can say that yes i know someone who is very happy that she had surgery over 5 yrs ago. She had rny and has lost so much weight, has so much energy, and feels great. Her only problem is that she can now eat anything unlike when the surgery was first done. She can eat a whole bag of candy in one sitting now if she wanted to (thats what she told me). She can eat anything! But she is happy even though she has to be careful not to over do it again, but when you lose the weight you have when it comes down to keeping the little 5-10lbs off that might try to creep up on you its alot better then trying to loose over 100lbs. kwim? I was told to also expect a 10% gain as i age. So if i get down to 150 (thats my goal for right now) i might get up to 165 from ageing but i do plan on that not happening because if i have to i will increase my activity and so on to keep myself from gaining. Hope this helps answer your question.
   — rachel W.

February 26, 2003
I had same concerns but I put it this way... if I don't do something about my weight then I will have to take daily medications and have a lifetime of monitoring due to comorbidities e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, heartattack etc... <p> There is a 2 year honeymoon period where you will have great weightloss but after the honeymoon you may not dump anymore and your pouch will stretch. Consider the surgery not as a majic bullet but a wonderful tool to force you to modify your diet and implant a heathier lifestyle and 2 years or so to do it. <p> Take Care, Be Well, Be Happy!
   — John T.

February 26, 2003
I have seen 3 post ops here that are 15 or more years out. The only name i can remember right now is Francine Florence. She posts to the boards often. I have also been told that post-ops don't hang out on these web sites much after a couple of years because they have resolved most of their MO related issues. I checked with my first surgeon about this, and he has been doing weight loss surgery since - get this - 1965. He had a whole book of patients who were way over 10 years out. Now, of course, he wouldn't be showing the ones that didn't work, but these long-term posties do exist and they are healthy. If you can't get answers here (since this is a site for Morbid Obesity and the people you are looking for are no longer obese), look up stats on the internet or ask your surgeon's office to find the information for you. Good Luck!
   — toolio

February 26, 2003
There is a Graduates web site also. I don't recall the address right now, but whoever wants it can email me and I'll send them the link. I believe you can not post until you have met their guidelines of being a graduate, but can read all you want.
   — Diane S.