Question:
Does anyone know the life expectancy of a post op patient?

I am ready for my inital consult and I just wanted to know if anyone knows what the LONG term effects are? I know that everyone is different but I would like to get a general idea. I have two young children and I NEED TO BE HERE for them to grow up. I buried two little ones 7 and 9 years ago and I do not want my girls to bury me. Thanks    — Heidi S. (posted on August 8, 2005)

August 8, 2005
I don't know if there are any real studies on the matter, but my Mother had WLS when I was 5. I'm 33 now and she is just fine. I think the long term effects are more of a possitive than a negative. Think of all the unhealthy attributes there are to obesity. Wouldn't removing those be better in the long run.
   — RebeccaP

August 8, 2005
One inspiration for me was a poster of 11 years, who had maintained her weight and was quite healthy. My doctor recommended this to me 2+ years ago, whose brother had it done about 9 years earlier and was doing great. I also met a 17 year old young man who had the lapband (mine was R-N-Y) who started to live for the first time. There are many negatives to everything, but coming from a family of obese individuals, I can say the long-termers seem to be the thin ones, so I think there are more pluses to the WLS than minus,in my humble opinion. (Melissa, 268/128, size 22/4).
   — Missy H.

August 8, 2005
Assuming we survive the actual surgery and recovery (and that becomes more likely with every passing day as the docs and procedures improve), the most risk is nutritional problems for the long term. Many do not show up for years, but are the end result of not enough XX vitamin or mineral for a prolonged time, such as iron anemia, pernicious anemia or osteoporosis. If you want to be there, as in be 100% there, choose a good doctor with a strong nutrition and after care program. Labs for life are essential. Ask to meet some patients who are 5+ years out and look them over yourself. Holding a reasonable weight? Skin tone and color? General posture? Do you want to look like that? That will help guide you in the general direction.
   — vitalady

August 8, 2005
I too worried about the long term effects of malabsorbtion, it just doesn't seem possible for that to be okay for the long run--which is why I went with the lapband. No issues with needing proteins shakes or supplements--I get all my nutrition from food-except the flintstones vitamin I take daily:) Maybe something to consider. So sorry to hear about your losses, I can't imagine. Good luck, Jessica
   — jessicamegan

August 8, 2005
I can't speak for everyone but I can tell you this...as far as most wls patients go, your life expectancy post-op is a heck of a lot longer than if you remain obese. 145lbs ago I was in a wheel chair due to severe muscular-skeletal back problems and on 10 medications for everything from depression, water retention, high blood pressure, GERD, anxiety, pain, migraines...you name it. I don't pop any pills other than vitamins now and can walk about 4.5 miles before my back effects my leg function. Had I not had the surgery I would not have a life..I'd be 400lbs and in a wheelchair popping pills all day long. Even if someone told me I'd only live 20 more healthy, happy years by having the surgery as opposed to 40 unhealthy, sick and disabled years I'd still take the quality of life option. As far as mal-absorbtion...you can always have blood work done and adjust your supplements to accommodate your deficiencies. don't worry! It's worth it!
   — boonikki29

August 9, 2005
I must admit I'm not a mother and maybe I would feel diferently if I was; however, if you are that worried about long term effects you may not have enough significant co-morbities to be a good surgical canidate. This is a MAJOR surgery and life-style change and should only be undertaken by people who can say life is so bad now that I'm willing to gamble both my short and long-term future to get out of the mess I'm in presently. PS. I'm pretty sure my surgeon sighted some 10 years studies as this is an unusual length of time for patients to be studied as the result of a type of surgery. Vitamin/mineral defenciences as I recall are the biggest deal. Some can be quite severe, don't kid yourself. However, as mentioned in an earlier post, if you choose a surgeon with good follow up care and follow through with lab work for the rest of your life, either by the surgeon or a family doctor, these problems should be treatable.
   — Jenny X.

August 9, 2005
Studies say it increases your lifespan 5-7 years.
   — mrsmyranow

August 10, 2005
I also am a mother. they are now 16,14,and10. and I'm 13 months out from open R-N-Y. I have lost 170lbs. BTW I'm 33 yrs old. 2yrs ago Loma Linda hospital was discussing liver transplant,and I had to ride around in an electric scooter to go to the store.I coun't play outside with my children.And of course the list goes on. Don't let the words "life-long commitment" ever fade into the background prior to surgery. Because it IS that. And boy does that realization hit home after the fact. But I can now run (yes run)outside with my sons.And at my 1 yr.post-op check-up my labwork came back,not just good, but OMG good. What's the life-expentancy on someone who no longer faces a liver transplant-and all that that intails? Or like mentioned above...quality of life....with whatever time we do have.
   — Fairysister