Question:
Has research determined the long-term effects of having weight loss surgery?

I was wondering is research has been done on long-term post-ops to determin if health problems such as osteoperosis, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, or cancer are more prevalent?    — Cindy S. (posted on October 9, 2001)

October 9, 2001
I think there has not been so much research long-term as this form of the operation is relatively new. I too searched for answers of long-term health and really, REALLY scared myself. I saw info. that suggested the life expectancy after WLS was 15-25 years, due to increased pressure on the liver and intestines. This scared the bejesus out of me, as I'm only 25. I want to LIVE! But, I dug a little deeper and found that this was for the older, no longer used, jujuonum (sp?) bypass. But of course the article just said WLS!! So, just a warning to be careful when looking for longterm results.
   — [Anonymous]

October 9, 2001
Hi Cindy... There are 7 published clinical reports listed at the following website: ...http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Procedure/procedure.html. They include the BPD, DS, and RNY surgeries for periods up to 21 years postop. It's hardest to find long term studies on the RNY for some reason. I've only been able to find a 3 year postop study on the RNY. These other long term studies show very promising outcomes. Happy reading!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 19, 2005
Hi everyone! I'm now 4 1/2 years post op Lap Roux-en-Y and now experiencing new, well, not exactly problems, but strange things and was wondering if anyone else has been thru any of this too. My weight loss total to date is now 120 pounds gone forever! While I'm elated about this (my BMI is now 23.5, was about 47) I just found out from a Neurologist that there is an autoimmune disorder as a direct result of having a roux-en-y. I can't believe as much research I've read before and after surgery that I haven't come across that one. Of course, she's running a whole gambut of tests to eliminate the obvious, but I think she's heading to that conclusion just from my first visit with her. I thought that since I already have messed with PCOS with insulin resistance most of my life (a kind of pre-curser to Diabetes - it's also in my family), that I was beginning to experience the effects of neuropathy. Has anyone else had this experience or are going thru it currently? I'd love to find out addtional information/research regarding this. Laresa :)
   — Laresa E.