Question:
Is there anyone who had surgery over 15 to 20 yrs ago having any complications?

   — Babygirlnc (posted on February 25, 2004)

February 25, 2004
Hi My dad had wls in 1963--over 40 years ago. It was called gastric-resection. He will be 80 this year and has no health problems related to it. He had cancer in 2001 and dropped alot off weight during chemo-but pulled out of it fine. When I look at him he is my strength.I would like to post his before and now picture on my profile.But have not done it yet. He is also my water police--he makes sure I drink at least 40oz of bottled water a day!
   — Autumn

February 25, 2004
Please keep in mind that the forms of WLS commonly performed today---the RNY, the VGB, the DS---weren't AROUND 20 years ago. Also, there's been a lot of research into nutritional needs post-op over the past 20 years. So---yes, a lot of people who had WLS 20+ years ago have had some complications, due to not-so-good surgeries and lack of adequate aftercare. But there are also a goodly number of people from that same time period who have done and are still doing wonderfully well.
   — MsBatt

February 25, 2004
I had the surgery in 1984 and lost over 100 lbs.But...I didn't follow thru with exercise and vitamins and now...it's ALL came back and then some.Also I still can only eat small amts. at a time, no spicy or greasy foods and frequently have bouts of diarreah.Those symptoms may not seem like much,but 20 yrs. of it can wear a body down.Just recently I have also had to contend with feet swelling,knee and back pain and the constant worry of falling and breaking a bone,since I'd probably have a hard time healing.But that's just my case,maybe others don't have any problems with the surgery.Back then,it was just called Gastric Bypass surgery.Good Luck.
   — Alma M.

February 26, 2004
The surgeries of 15-20 years ago are much different than the ones performed today. There are many post-ops 2-10 years out with the newer surgeries who are doing very well. Its all in how you take care of yourself post-op, keeping up with proper eating, exercise and most importantly vitamins. You can go over to the yahoo-OSSG grad board and meet many of them there (if you are not a year or more post-op, you can lurk but not post).
   — Cindy R.