Question:
almost 4 years post RNY and teeth are rotting at gum line

I have seen a couple of similar post regarding teeth " falling apart" after RNY due to malabsorption issues, and was wondering HOW MANY of us are having this problem? I know I have absorption issues because I am severely anemic and have to have iron infusions for the rest of my life( yet ANOTHER thing I was never warned could happen)I am also dealing with alot of neuroligical issues like facial and hand numbness which we havent pinpointed the cause yet but MAY be due to malnutrition issues also. I would love to hear from anyone who has either one of these issues and how YOUR dealing with them. Thanks so much, Tammy =)    — Tammy M. (posted on March 25, 2009)

March 25, 2009
isn't it the pits? I have had almost no feeling, the fine feelings in any of my fingers, since year 3 post op- my RNY anniv 5 years was yesterday the 24th yahhhhhhhhhhh!. Anyway have had to up my B12 to 2 a day rather than 1 every sunday. My teeth that havent already been crowned, are falling into pieces, monday morning, i fell asleep here at the desk, and cracked my mouth when I woke up,. and now i have a hole upper middle, where a tooth used to be, I look like the worse looking witch from, halloween as any I have ever seen in my life. Don't know what to tell you, if you have ever read anything I have written over the last 5 years, then you know, I allow no excuses for wt gain long term post op, or people who want to know if they are over eating, or want to snack 3 days post op, it just isnt in me to ever cheat, so these things happening to me just means no matter how to the letter you follow the rules, crap happens. My dentist says, crown all of the teeth now, except, each one will cost me over 800- Medicare wont pay for it, and in this recession,there is NO way in hades I can even try to pay for them, that would be the 7 teeth I have left that arent crowned,at 800 or more each, to the tune of 5600.00 or more- Now the hands, I hate this because while sleeping, they go numb, and feel like they are burning all the time. I have to sleep with them straight out in front of me, If I don't, because of the 230 lb wt loss, and the high veins on arms, hands, if pressure is put on any of the veins, the hand goes to sleep, the numbness gets worse and then the on fire feeling, which brings me to tears. But hey, I am a size I love, but on the other hand, I can't smile worth crap anymore because of shattering teeth, etc. We have exchanged one problem for another. I wish you luck, if you find a special vitamin besides the ones we have to take daily, let me know. Right now, and since WLS, i AM taking 4 chewable multi vits, 3 1/2 iron, 2 B-12, 2 B-1, 4 chewable Vit C, 4 chewable calcium- think that is all LOL. Know since I started the B-1 things started looking up again because it helps the absorption of carbs. Makes me feel better too. When I feel crappy, i TAKE an additional B-12, that always works, but doesnt make fingers get the feeling back, was told, it wouldnt comeback, oh well eh Cindi M.D. retired - 230# 3.24.04 and maintaining loss over 3 1/2 years
   — DollyDoodles

March 25, 2009
I just wanted to say; Sorry for your current condition; I have read so much about people just taking kid vitamins on OH but my WLS-staff only recommend Bariatric type vitamins for preventing your current condition; enough said, hopefully you can add the Bariatric dosage vitamins to help you get your health back. They taste great and are chewable for people who have had WLS. Best wishes on your recovery.
   — sor09

March 25, 2009
Tammy, my teeth crumbled after surgery too but I had very bad teeth to begin with so I don't know if this would have happened anyway. maybe WLS just speeded it up. I had to get dentures which I'm happy about because I now have a full mouth of teeth which I haven't had in decades. And if I get a cavity I can just drop my teeth off at the dentist's and pick them up later. (only kidding - tryingto be funny)
   — Muggs

March 25, 2009
Hi Tammy, I don't have the teeth problem yet! I do need iron infusions. And, it wasn't stated in my brochure for this problem. I also have slight numbness in my hands and face. I had a great hematologist who kept my iron levels up with infusions. She left the area and I haven't been able to find a doctor who understands gastric bypass. The last one won't give me another iron infusion until my hct and hcg drop below normal. My Ferritin level is 15. The doctor said they never heard of iron problems with RNY. Feel free to privately email me. [email protected] Good luck, Susan
   — smparker2

March 27, 2009
Tammy, I too am having the same issue as you with my teeth. My dentist has suggested for me to use several items to help strengthen my teeth. 1.Plax pre-rinse 2.Sensodyne pronamel toothpaste 3.Reach ACT mouthwash. Hopefully this will help.
   — Omee_2009