Question:
Do you have health problems long term with RNY?

I read on a website today alot of negative about long term health after having Rny. Such as osteoporsis, liver problems. Can someone give me some answers about what to expect long term.    — Lisa B. (posted on October 10, 2002)

October 10, 2002
Let me guess... it was gastricbypass.netfirms.com?? If it was, keep in mind that the woman that runs this site is VERY anti-WLS. As for the the long-term health problems, I cannot speak from personal experience because I am pre-op, but from what I understand as long as you continue with your multi-vitamins and protein everyday and you make sure you get enough calcium, there should be no ill effects long-term. If I wasn't confident about this, I would not be having this surgery at 22.
   — Toni C.

October 10, 2002
I agree with Toni 100%. The lady who runs that anti-WLS website is what I would call a fanatic. She bases her "information" on outdated information, assumptions and isolated incidents. Granted, we need to be informed patients, but keep in mind that the negative things that accompany WLS are far fewer than every. Surgeons have strived to perfect the procedure over the past seven years. They have learned that the malapsorption issues can lead to major health issues so they stress that we must take vitamins for life....this is not a game. Nor is it a short term thing. We must take this seriously. Our surgeons have given us a tool. Once the weight is shed, we are not "normal" though we may look so. Our internal organs have been shifted around. We must take this seriously and take measures to protect OURSELVES. We take our vitamins religously. We go for our lab tests routinely. We go for follow up care. If we don't, we might end up as a statistic. However, if we follow the guidelines and the "rules", we will be fine, healthy and happy. I, for one, think the trade off is worth it!!! I take my vitamins every day. I have my Vitamin B12 shot monthly. I have my labs drawn regularly. I am followed by my health care provider....because I know that my life depends on it. Hope this helps!!! Good luck! Be the BEST LOSER YOU CAN BE!! Hugs, Kathie (in Hawaii).............
   — KathieInHawaii

October 10, 2002
I just checked out the anti- wls website, and oh Good Lord, they are whacked ! Talk about old, scare tatic information ! Sure there has been a small percentage of folks who have had complications, but there are hundreds, and thousands of us who HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS. I thank the good Lord everyday for giving us the technology to help severely obese people, like myself. I am 10 months post-op and feel great ! Toodles
   — Sherry S.

October 10, 2002

   — M. B.

October 10, 2002
Lisa: I am now 18 months post-op. I just had a full blood profile run on me last week. Cholesterol was 140. HDL/LDL fats were perfect. Blood pressure 110/65. No signs of insulin resistance or diabetes. Pre-albumin (protein) and iron levels normal. All other numbers, hormones, nutritional levels 100% normal. I'll tell ya ... at 407 lbs., all these numbers were out of whack big time. I don't think we really know what the future will hold for us, but--looking at WLS in retrospect--I wish I had had it at 21 instead of 28!! I feel SOOOO much healthier. My self-esteem is better. My career is better. My relationships are better. This was the BEST thing I have ever, ever done for myself, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
   — Terissa R.

October 10, 2002
WLS is a risk, plain and simple. So is every other important step we take in life. Driving a car is risky. So is crossing the street. I cut this sentence from a post below: "When Gastric Bypass surgery is successful it can be a blessing, when it is not, it can be a personal and family disaster." For "Gastric Bypass surgery," you could as well substitute "marriage" or "childbirth" or any number of things. WLS is a big deal. The best any of us can do is do our research, get informed medical opinions, and cross our fingers.
   — Roxanne M.