Question:
Is there anyone 3 years + post-op still keeping the weight off and healthy?

I have Kaiser Northern Cal. I had to meet with a Dr. two day's ago who brought up some good points. She said that most people loose the weight in about a year then you never hear from them again. Are people really keeping the weight off and staying happy and healthy?    — Amy M. (posted on July 19, 2001)

July 19, 2001
I heard similar comments lately from my surgeon's office when I went in for my one year follow-up. His RN was sort of complaining (she was lecturing me like I had been a naughty little girl) that we don't come back as often as we should after the first year to let them follow our progress. So I guess that means they would like to continue to collect data on us so that they have accurate statistics, which is a very good idea. We should all have accurate statistics to review....and I don't mind participating in that. I'll even volunteer to be Patient A. Or Ms. A. If they were to send me a form, I'd fill it out. Or Email me. They could even call me and make an appointment for me to come in. But they won't do any of those things. They want me to call and make an appointment (which will be 6-12 weeks out)and take time off work and drive 30 miles and go to what is actually a good deal of trouble to provide them with this information. I think they should meet me half way. Even my dentist sends me a little card in the mail when he thinks I should have a check-up. Can't be that much trouble.
   — Anne G.

July 19, 2001
Amy, I believe that your doctor is right about that. Alot of people are on this site preop and a few months postop but, after they seem to get their life back, they don't have too much time anymore. Questions have been answered and they don't need this site as much until there is a problem. I'm not saying that they are wrong just that that seems to be the way it goes. There ARE a few of us who have stayed on here because we honestly feel that it's important to help others just starting out. The people who stay have an honest compassion and caring about others and maybe, feel we owe something to the newbies on here because other people were here for us when we needed it. Most of the people on here who have had the surgery are so grateful and want to do something kind for someone else. We want you to be healthy and happy. As for me, well, I am here to give the "other side" of this surgery. Most people are very very happy with the surgery they chose but, I'm sorry to say, that I am not one of them. I stay on here and listen to let people know that everyone is NOT all hunky dory after the surgery. I am not alone but certainly am not in the majority. I feel it's important that new people know of all the problems they "could" encounter as well and all of the good things. That's not a well recieved position on here and many postops have left because they didn't want to be bashed for saying that they are not happy but, I stay because I feel it's important. The bashing is not half as bad as it used to be and people on here are terribly compassionate to my problems most times. I hope that this answered alittle of your question. Good luck.
   — Barbara H.

July 21, 2001
I'm 7 yrs out, my husband is 6 yrs. We're delighted. Lie is not perfect, after all, we have a fatal disease here and it is not cured, only in remission. Our lives today at ideal weight are SO much better than ever before, with the dieting, the fighting about dieting, the fighting about NOT dieting, the panic of regain while starving. And the comorbs! We had a list a mile long. I think there are 3 reasons for our success. 1 is the surgery we had, distal RNY, 2, we were well supplemented & given the tools to see us through to long term success 3, we've stayed in support groups all along.
   — vitalady