Question:
I'm a month away from surgery and this question really plagues me...

I'm 35, I've had a complete hysterectomy and am on estrogen replacement. I'm told it's hard enough to lose weight once you hit your 30's, but harder yet once you've gone through menopause (surgically induced, in my case) because your metabolism naturally slows. What if, after the RNY (which is scheduled for 11/28) I only lose A LITTLE -- Just 30 or 40 lbs, say -- And that's it? I keep trying to concentrate on successes shown on this site and all the wonderful 'look-at-me-now' outcomes... But what if I'm one of those unfortunate few that it just doesn't work for? I have about 175-185 lbs to lose! Has anyone had the RNY who did NOT lose weight? I think I'm just sooo afraid to fail...    — Michelle F. (posted on October 22, 2000)

October 22, 2000
I worried about this too. I had a hysterectomy in 1991 and have been on HRT ever since. However, it didn't affect my weight loss at all.I had less to lose than you but that just means you will probably lose more rapidly than I did. Your age is in your favor, too. I reached my goal in a year and am now about 15 pounds below that! Good luck. blessings, Ann RNY 9/10/99 260/130
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 22, 2000
Michelle, I think all of us have worried about ourselves being the one WLS doesn't work for. But, perhaps it is we that need to work for WLS? Certainly not following the program is going to hinder the success. I have not read one testimonial that says, "I've gone by the book and I can't lose weight". I know this because I lose slow, thought it was a trend...the way I lose weight. Then I kicked into gear by drinking tons of water and exercising daily...and you know what? I've just lost 9 pounds in 9 days...this after losing only 5 pounds in the entire month of September. So, yes, you can lose only just a little if you just do the diet...but to lose a significant amount of weight, you absolutely must exercise and drink, drink, drink water. Good Luck!
   — Allie B.

October 22, 2000
There are two women who go to the surgeon's support meeting I go to who are in their late 50's and had their surgeries in early 1999. One has lost 200 lbs and the other has lost around 150. They both had RNY's. They both are healthy and look great. I'm sure you will do fine!
   — Diane O.

October 22, 2000
Well, I'm 44 and have had a complete hysterctomy and an also on estrogen replacement. I had open RNY in April and have gone from 275 to 200 already - basically without added exercise. I also have fibromyalgia and cannot exercise like I know I should anyway. I've lost over 10 inches from my hips and that's been wonderful. I did feel that I was losing slower than others - especially early on. But then, I did read that hormone replacement therapy can slow weight loss and perhaps it has - but it certainly did not stop weight loss! I think you'll do well - and I'm glad you've chosen the RNY. I might suggest that you make sure the surgeon "transects" your two stomachs and also performs a "vagotomy" so you won't get a stomach ulcer afterwards. Email me anytime if you have other questions or concerns. Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

October 22, 2000
I was like you, very afraid that I would be the ONE person that this does not work for. It is natural to have doubts, we have tried and failed dozens of times to do the same thing. I had a partial hysterectomy, but I know that many many women on this site are menopausal or at that age. The key to having the RNY work is to do your homework, drink water, walk, and trust the surgery. I am only 2 weeks postop, and already I am seeing a difference. After 25 years of dieting, this is looking like the right choice. I don't regret it a bit. Good luck to you.
   — Cara S.

October 22, 2000
No, no, no. *I* was the one it was not going to work for! LOL! Complete hystie 1981, estrogen ever since. But it's been 6 yrs. Lost 150, kept it off, holding at my goal wt forever. BUT I have a very distal gastric bypass, AND our nutrition program is very specific, so I suspect that has more to do with it than anything else. However, it is enough to overcome the estrogen connection.
   — vitalady

October 23, 2000
i realize everyone has a different metabolism but i to have had a hysterectomy and im 37 years old. i had open rny in may and i have lost 85lbs. i believe the reason i gained all the weight was from the hysterectomy. hopefully it is gone forever best of luck to you
   — Loretta D.