Question:
Not really question just wanted to let people know.1964

I notice alot of people asked about long term . My dad had a type WlS in 1964. They took out 3/4 of his stomach and 1/4 of his intestine. He lost 160 pounds. He has maintained his weighloss. He will be 79 this year.    — Autumn (posted on April 16, 2003)

April 15, 2003
That is amazing. 1964! It is nice to hear something postive about surgery that was performed back then. Mostly all you ever hear is the horror stories.
   — D. Bell

April 15, 2003
You failed to mention your dad's health status. I, for one, would be interested in knowing. I had one of the old wls in 1981 and had all kinds of long term problems even a rare type of arthritis that would render me helpless for about 24 hours then leave for a few weeks. In fact, everything that was always wrong with me thru the years and was undiagnosed was FINALLY found to be as a direct result of the old bypass surgery I had. I would get sick and go to the doc and they would just say "I don't know. But I always knew something was wrong and causing me to be sick and it was always in the back of my mind that it was from the surgery. Mostly malabsorption issues.
   — Delores S.

April 15, 2003
That's great. I too would like to know how his health is. It's a really odd coincidence this popped up today. I just spoke to a lady on the phone last night from a surgeons office (he has a website and it was posted on here a couple of weeks ago because he is giving away 3 lap band surgeries in a drawing) who proceeded to tell me that the roux-en-y should be discontinued because of the long-term health issues and that NOBODY has lived more than 27 years after they had the surgery and that is due to the malabsorption. She said that our kidneys will fail, and that supplements don't work that well because we only absorb about 10% of what we take in. I know she is just tooting her own horn because she works for a lab band doctor, but it's still great to hear of long term survivals after the surgery. I really wish more would post if they're out there. Thanks.
   — Carolyn M.

April 15, 2003
I was wondering how ANYONE could possible know that no one has lived more than 27 years with RNY when it hasn't even been around that long??? I've pretty much heard that no one really knows the long term effects yet. But I know I would not have lived another 27 years without it.
   — Kathy S.

April 15, 2003
As far as no one living more than 27 years - she may be right, but only because not enough time has passed for someone to live more than 27 years after RNY. It's also true that no one who voted for Dukakis for president has ever lived more than 15 years after doing so, but that doesn't really mean much...
   — Catherine H.

April 15, 2003
My PCP told me that closing off most of the stomach was primarily used for people who had ulcers and they found out they had significant weight loss and managed to keep it off. He also said they have been doing this for the past 50 years. If you not consistent with your diet, exercise and vitamins, then you will pay the price of ill health.
   — Katerina M.