Question:
Are there any VERY long term post-ops here?

I am waiting on my surgery date as we speak, and I started to realize that I haven't really came across and very long term post ops. I would love to hear from some, if there are any here. I would like to know about long term health problems, specifically any complications that are blamed on WLS. Also, I would love to know how hard it was to kep your weight off long term. I hear on here so much people say "#'s gone forever" and it bothers me, but weight is NEVER gone forever, it is possible to gain weight back. This is a life cahnge, and I am really curious to know what I can expect 10 or 15 years from now. Thanks!    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on October 21, 2002)

October 21, 2002
Well met a nurse a couple weeks ago at presbys surgery waiting area. She is post op 15 years and looked great. Had RNY back before it was popular. Before eating plans and support. She said her labs and health are fine, lost 150 pounds has kept most of it off. Packs her lunch and carries no money to work as her desk is right across from the vending machines:( Said it calls to her:( I am going to suggest my surgeon gets her to speak at a support group meeting. Knowing someone that far out and seeing their success is inspiring! Lots of long termers out there but not many here. The net didnt exist when they had surgery and my nurse friend never heartd of here, but does now.
   — bob-haller

October 21, 2002
I'm having WLS in 3 weeks. My mom had it done 18 year ago. She's doing great. Never had any problems except for eating long thick pasta. She has gained some weight back but recently returned to weight watchers. She tells me that she finds dieting much easier cause she had WLS. Mom blows away the others at weight watchers and won't tell them how she's doing it! While others are losing a pound here and there she's losing really quickly. She said WLS saved her life and I agree! Although the procedure today is more advanced than it was 18 years ago, I still think she's a testament to what can be achieved.
   — Colleen S.

October 21, 2002
I worked with a woman who was 14 years post op from one of the old by-pass procedures. She had some regain... was a size 14 and on the short side, but was still half the size she started out. She did have some complications due to anemia and had some internal bleeding a couple of years ago where they had to do exploratory surgery... but she also refused to take her iron and vitamins, and I never saw her ingest anything remotely healthy! I asked her if she ever regretted having the by-pass, and she said not for a second.
   — mom2jtx3

October 21, 2002
My mom had WLS 26 years ago. The procedure she has was called a mason shunt and it is similar to the RNY in the fact that the stomach size was reduced and part of the intestines were bypassed, however it is a different procedure. She has maintained the majority of her loss and at this point is a 14 but does have to diet. The only complications she has had due to this surgery are issues with gas and iron levels. During a Jenny Craig diet her iron got so low that she underwent several treatments to bring that back up. She is healthy and fine today, and has no regrets.
   — RebeccaP

October 22, 2002
hi :) I have a family friend who had her surgery 18 yrs ago and to this day is still doin wonderfully and hasnt gained back her weight..she told me when i asked about the surgery it was the best thing she ever did!!!
   — christine S.

October 9, 2008
i had gastroplasty with bypass same as rny in 1998 was 308 now 168 lowest weight 158 i have no complications
   — lauriegrizzard