Question:
Does anyone experience complications that occur much later, say 10 or so years out?

I am aware of someone who had GB Surgery 10 years ago, and recently died of liver failure. I do not know however, if this is directly related to the surgery and malabsorbtion issues or not. I would like to know if there are complications to deal with long term.    — Kai B. (posted on June 26, 2001)

June 26, 2001
Since this surgery is fairly new, with most the surgeries that were being done 30 or so years ago no longer being done because of new technology and knowledge, there really is no long term studies. The fact is, we just don't know. Our generation will be the study group.
   — [Anonymous]

June 27, 2001
This is not an answer, but a suggestion: I have read on a lot of sights that the RNY has been done in cancer patients for along time . you may want research what their issues and life span is also.Just my 2 cents
   — [Anonymous]

June 27, 2001
Well hopefully we arent giving ourselves new problems. But then again would we even live 10 more years and what would our quality of life be like? I am diabetic and those side affects are terrible. WLS effects cant be any worse as long as the surgery goes well.
   — bob-haller

July 14, 2001
I asked my doctor this same question and he said that the reason some people have died from liver complications is because the large instestine was connected to the pouch for greater malabsorption. However, long term this causes liver damage and eventually failure. They no longer connect the large intestine to the pouch unless there is a medical complication and it becomes necessary. In modern day procedures (the RNY) the small bowel is connected to the pouch.
   — [Anonymous]

July 14, 2001
A previous poster mentioned about RNYs done on cancer patients. I happen to know one of them. A colleague and friend of mine had to have RNY done (he was normal weight) about 15 years ago because of cancer. He is very healthy now and has no medical problems. He is still normal weight and his appetite is only slightly less than a "normal" thin person. He's the only person I know who had this surgery before I did, but if I take him as an example, I'm willing to live with the risks.
   — Maria H.

February 20, 2002
I read on another web site regarding obesity that one long term complication can be osteoporosis because of calcium deficencies. For more information search for morbid obesity support and there is a websight listed to give details on all the history on gastric bypasses in the past and currently done, and all the complications. It is real informative.
   — Jean B.

June 5, 2002
I am 6 years Post-op (open RNY) and have anemia. Have Iron thru IV 12 times last year and more b-12 shots in the past 3 years than I care to remember. My arms and rear look like pincushions.
   — snowgems

June 5, 2002
I'm 3 years out and I too, like the previous poster have severe anemia problems. Iron infusions, injections, every month. Severe malnutrition as well as many other things. These developed about a year and a half after surgery. Most people don't seem to have these severe problems but you asked about people who do so I thought I would answer. Good luck
   — Barbara H.