Question:
I have read these responses about shorter life spans with RNY post ops

and I want to ask everyone out there, has your doctor told you how long of a life span to expect to have? Has anyone's doctor told you that your life span would be short or long? Is there a number of years we can expect to live with RNY?    — Judy W. (posted on November 13, 2001)

November 13, 2001
Certinally longer than without surgery. Most of us have co morbidities that would likely kill us or worse make us live a long lingering unhealthy life. Diabetes and such are usually cured / or are off meds and normal sugars all the time. I would rather live one year like I feel today than 10 years like I was pre op. There is no comparison at all, I feel so good. Read my profile to understand more. Once my wife has surgery, we look forward to having a child, courtesy of her weight loss. Her weight keeps her from ovaluating.
   — bob-haller

November 13, 2001
Obesity carries such health risks. Where would you get such an idea? Studies have shown a direct correlation between BMI and longevity. Older populations in Japan tend to eat significantly less bordering on malnutrition and they live the longest on the planet. Which brings me to the next question. What planet are you from?
   — Cynthia C.

November 13, 2001
Prior to having my surgery I had sleep apnea, I think my life expectancy was a day to day thing. Now at 139 lbs with no more apnea or high blood pressure or high cholestoral I think my life expectancy is a whole heck of a lot longer than it was. If I don't get hit by a bus , or drop my blow dryer in the bathtub while I'm bathing. I can tell you this much each day that I am alive post op is better than any day I had pre op and for the first time in many years I AM LIVING. Where did you get this question from?!!
   — Rose A.

November 13, 2001
I have a friend who has to tuck his seatbelt under his arm without buckling it so that it would appear that he has his seat belt on for the police, so that they won't ticket him...does that sound like living dangerously every day of one's life? I would say his risk of a shorter life span is defintely increased here due to obesity...overweight people live every day with risks... I say intervene now for a hope of a tomorrow.
   — Carolyn G.

November 13, 2001
Looks like i created a monster when i started the question about life spans after RNY basically a few ppl whom i have talked to said their doctors said life span is short after RNY what doctor they have i dont know . YES we all know our life span is short staying obese was just curious to any info on what the expected life span is . Basically tho there is really no answer seems the RNY they are performing today is about 5 yrs old theres really no way of telling how long anyone will live until we have longer post ops . Sorry my Question got ppl wondering also Cynthia by asking the other person who asked this question what planet they are from i think that was rather rude this website is for support and EVERYONE has the right to ask a question that is of concern to them. Good luck to all thos ehaving surgery and best wishes.
   — blank first name B.

November 14, 2001
I agree with the previous poster. I, too, am concerned about the long term effects. I don't think it's a stupid question. I tell my employees "There's no such thing as a stupid question". If you're wondering about something, ASK!! Honey, I understand where you are coming from and I share your insecurities. I have faith in my docs, though, and have faith that they will guide me through this journey in great health. Good Luck to All!
   — Jenper

November 25, 2001
When I went to my new surgeon's 3hr visit and a group of us were sitting around talking in walked a woman and her daughter. This woman was upper 50's and had said she had one of the first RNY's done 20 yrs ago. She looked beautiful and happy. I don't see surgery 'shortening' our lifespans any more or less than being 350+ pounds and digging your grave with your knife and fork does. It's God (or fate or luck or destiny or what have you) that determines our lifespans. I'd rather die saying I tried all I could to get healthy than die with my face in a chocolate cake sitting on my sofa watching Jerry Springer. Even if having surgery means I die at 40 I will be able to have impressedupon my family/children/friends that I did what I could and enjoyed my years after surgery doing things I never had been able to do before. I'm longing for the days I can walk and take my kids to the zoo and not have so much pain in my back/legs/feet that I regret having done it and am such a pain that noone has any fun.
   — Renee V.

November 25, 2001
Hi Judy - your concerns are certainly understandable. Perhaps I can help alleviate them. Prior to surgery, my nutritonist asked if we (my husband also had surgery) would allow him to check out all the procedures and the surgeons in the area. Of course, we agreed. After two months, he told us that the only procedure he would recommend was RNY! He said not only did this mean the fewest complications and potential medical/nutritional problems, but, that, in fact, research has shown that it has reduced and even eliminated many chronic medical problems people have. It has many, many benefits for the patient. So, it seems to me, that if one not only becomess thinner, which in and of itself increases life potential, but eliminates or makes more easily treatable conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes, and high blood pressure, but actually improves things like cholesterol and others - it can only mean a longer, healthier, hopefully more productive and happier life. Hope this was helpful - Nancy
   — Nancy Z.