Question:
It's me again...with the hernia questions.

If I haven't gone to the surgeon that did my gastric bypass in 4 years, do I still go back to him? Another question: does anyone still drink the protein drinks as meal supplements 5 yrs. post op? Thanks    — Betty Todd (posted on February 14, 2006)

February 14, 2006
No you don't have to use your surgeon you had for the GB to do your hernia repair. I didn't . As far as protein drinks; never used them ever....
   — star .

February 14, 2006
Betty, I am only 5 months out from open RNY but I am a firm believer that we will need protein drinks forever. We can't absorb all the nutrients we need from food. The results of not drinking the shakes might not show up right away,but who knows? I am not taking any chances with my health I went through the surgery to get healthy I for one am not taking any chances. Take Care Pam
   — sunnie

February 14, 2006
Betty, I am 4+ years post op and no longer drink protien drinks, I'm quite capable of eating enough protien. (labs prove this) However, protien drinks are great for curbing your cravings or trying to get back on track when you have strayed. If you are concerned about not getting enough protien you should have your labs checked, that is your best bet to find out whether YOU need added protien. As for hernia repair, you can go to any surgeon you prefer. Many people have their hernia repaired during a tummy tuck. This way if you insurance doesn't pay for the TT, they will pay for the hernia repair and it offsets the cost of the TT.
   — RebeccaP

February 14, 2006
Hi Betty, You don't have to see your original surgeon, however the one you see should be wls fiendly & no that you for sure had the surgery. Everyone differ on the protein shakes theory I am 2 years out & yes, drink 2 to 3 of them a day. You can go to the ossg-grad or off-track boards & get lots of information & they are all great people on those boards. Get labs done to make sure you are O.K with your vitzmins. Do you take them? If you are note taking vitamins you could be very los on a lot of them and danger of deficiancies. Hope this helps a little Good Luck & have you kept your weight off in that 5 years? Marilyn, the Bearlady
   — Marilyn C.