Question:
I NEED to hear from patients who are two or more years post operation.

A smaller stomach will reduce the amount I can eat at one time. With this proceedure I may vomit, dump, or experience pain if I eat the wrong things. However, I keep hearing about people who managed to gain their weight back by frequently eating small portions of high calorie foods. Clearly, the operation does not fix the head problems or emotional issues of eating to entertain, comfort, or sedate. How are you long term people doing? Any regrets? Please email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.    — Linda S. (posted on March 19, 2000)

March 19, 2000
I'm by knows means two years out..I wish I was, then I'd be at my goal weight.. But I can tell you this, I can and do eat anything I want (yes, much smaller portions thank god)and still I'm loosing weight steadily. I have had only had one dumping episode right after surgery (milk the culprit) I have had "NONE" since. I can now also drink skim milk no problems.. I have never vomited up anything. I can eat desserts like everyone else in moderation (sugar free of course or using sugar substitute) I have a full life and enjoy meals with my family. My blood counts are excellent as expected from this type of surgery and todate I have had only a small amount of hair loss. I have normal bowel movements (no diarrhea) also no exceptionally foul smelling BM's. (I'm proximal) Nothing has changed for me other than the loss of 75 pounds as of 3/15/2000, and my eating habits have changed for the better ...I'm positive in my attitude to a long life commitment to never regain the weight..Like Ray Hooks said this surgery be it RNY or any of the other surgery type is a tool. Use it wisely and you "WILL" succeed. Open proximal Roux enY 12/8/99 http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen/index.html
   — Victoria B.

March 19, 2000
Linda, I also was interested in speaking to someone who had surgery over 2 years ago - hoping that I could actually find someone about 5 years out. Found someone on this site's chat room, Cheryl (sorry didn't get her last name). Anyway, it seemed that she logged into chat room regularly. You might try going into chat room periodically and just ask, "Does anyone here had surgery over 3 years ago or more?" I've found the people there more than helpful. By the way, Cheryl was doing very well nearly 5 years later. I was impressed.
   — Alicia B.

March 19, 2000
Ava: You said; I've had my head opened up and my old brain taken out, and a healthy brain--with the healthy appetite of a normal, thin person dropped in! Gawd, girl my husband said the same thing to me "actually the exact same thing"...I had to chuckle at that one.. None of my family members believe the new me. First by looks then by attitude towards food and life in general. I'd have to say you and I are bookends, fine examples of what skilled surgeons and determination can do. Thank you Ava for your posts they always make my day.. Now I'm headed to the Zoo with four grandkids.. Yikes... ;-)
   — Victoria B.

March 19, 2000
HI Linda, I had surgery in 1996. I have lost 140pds and have kept the weight off. You can email me anytime. I also have my pictures on this site. Go to the NC site and it is under cheryl Taylor. Thanks Cheryl
   — CHERYL T.

March 19, 2000
I was re-reading the information the surgeon wrote in the pack I need to give my PCP -- and it mentions that in the RNY, the switching around of the intestine results in a hormonal change that acts as an appetite supressant! That makes alot of sense to me, because I'm now 26 days postop and I'm just not hungry like I used to be when I didn't eat or only ate small amounts. I don't get that shaky, light-headed feeling if I haven't eaten. It is nice, after a lifetime of fighting being hungry, to feel like I now have a margin of control -- I decide when to eat mostly for nutritional reasons, and not so much hunger. Its great!
   — Elizabeth M.

March 20, 2000
HI! I am 11 mo. post op and have felt the way most of these others have (no cravings for sweets, ect) but something has changed. All of a sudden I am craving them full force (well not all of a sudden but for the last couple of months) For me the first 6-8 months were so easy. Now I am approching my year mark and am realizing what "the rest of your life" means. I honestly feel like councelling is a good idea. I am going to be looking into it myself to fix the real problem that got me to 307 lbs in the first place. I didnt want to put a downer on things but wanted to let you know that not all people live without the cravings. It is a one meal at a time thing for me, but I will survive! jenae childress 152 lbs lost
   — jenae C.

February 15, 2002
I will be 2 1/2 years post-op on Tues. Feb. 19th. I reached my goal of 143 today!! I have lost exactly 1/2 of myself 143 lbs. I am 5'6". As everyone stesses and I agree. It is only a tool. A wonderful tool, but a tool just the same. I keep a daily food journal and count every single calorie. I keep it between 1600 - 2300. Trying to stay near 1800. I am a big Richard Simmon's fan too. It is very important to think before you put anything into your mouth. I don't eat it unless I really like it. Why waste calories just because it is there. The biggest lesson I have learned is "you do not have to finish it". As soon as I feel full (not stuffed) I stop, it doesn't matter if any is still on your plate or not. My motto is "throw it away" there is always more out there. I give myself 300 calories in chocolate each day. I love chocolate and don't want to give it up. So I find a way to have it and maintain my weight. So far so good. I think each and every person has to find out what works for them. It has only taken me 46 years and major surgery. Some of us are slow learners. Ha Ha. E-mail me anytime [email protected]. Sincerely, Cheryl
   — Cheryl H.