Question:
5-10-20 or more years out--- complications?????

Anyone long term post-op with regrets? How is your quality of life? Do you have any complications? reactive hypoglycemia? Anything? I have read all the positives would like to hear challenges. Thank you in advance for your response.    — A. Me (posted on January 11, 2010)

January 11, 2010
Hi, I had VBG in 9/1997 and was revised to RNY in 5/2000 after a mechanical failure. I'm going to answer your questions out of order a bit. My biggest challenges have been with low iron and very low B-12 despite supplementation. Healthwise I was ok until 2007 when I developed fibromyalgia and then my life totally changed on 6/28/08 when I had a small stroke. I now have 14 different diagnosis, mostly of a neurological nature and will be filing SSDI. My neurologist questions whether or not my problems are tied into weightloss surgery but I honestly don't believe they are. I know the shape I was in when I first had surgery with high blood pressure and diabetes, asthma, and excruciating pain in my feet legs, knees hips etc. Without the surgery I don't know that I would still be around or what sort of quality of life I would have (it was horrible then!) One challenge for me has come from having to deal with all the saggy skin. I don't have the means to pay for any sort of plastic surgery, reconstructive or otherwise. Another is my teeth, or rather lack thereof. They have basically fallen apart and I need dentures but don't currently have the money for them. But to answer your question, do I have regrets? No way. I would happily do it all over again if that was what it took to prevent me from going back to how things were before. How is my quality of life? Could be better but definitely better than before surgery. Before surgery, I merely existed. If I had it to do all over again, the only thing I would change is I would have gotten it when I was younger! Hope this helps! Kellye
   — Kellye C.

January 11, 2010
i'm only two years out, but thought i'd chime in. I will never regret having this surgery. I am wearing a size 00 from a size 20 -current weight 108, was 235. I do suffer from reactive hypoglycemia, but I understand it comes with the territory. I am told to eat lasting sugar -such as peanut butter or granola etc. small price to pay for how great I feel now.
   — marksgirl

January 11, 2010
I'm 18 months out and really never thought about how I would be 5 or more years out. The life I have now is so much better than before WLS. I have way more energy and no high BP, acid reflux, etc., and fit in any seat I want to sit in. Shopping is so much more enjoyable. I do know I must continue eating healthy and watch my weight or I can regain the weight.....something that would be devastating to me. I've worked to hard to get where I am to ruin it with food and be fat again.
   — JB1114

January 12, 2010
I am 5 years out. I would do this again in a heartbeat. The only negative things I have is if I don't eat enough protein and too many carbs, my sugar levels drop. This is controllable as long as I behave myself. the other is Oct. 2008 I had a hernia in my intestines that required surgical repair. It was done laproscopic and I was back to work in a week. Of course I have lifting restrictions but felt good afterwards. Other than that, I have done amazing well. Janet
   — Janet H.

January 12, 2010
hi Im 8 years out and i don't regret a thing. I did have a baby and didn lose all baby fat. but i am still at a healthy weight. I wear a size 9 dress and the same in pants.
   — lionettes

January 12, 2010
Tina G. thanks for asking this question. It's good to read these great responses. Best to all.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 13, 2010
Hi, I am 6 years out! I would do it again over and over again.. My life is awesome, there are a couple things that I do have now which is alittle hypoglycemia but I know things to watch for. There is not one thing I regret.. I am only 31 and I have 2 kids I just love my life.. Let me know if you have any other questions.. RYN
   — ckjjones