veterains please?

just wondering what if any are some problems that can occur years after having ryn? I only know people that are out only 1 to 2 years. I herd of bad things like hurnias, gal blader? cerculation problem. anyway any info would help. thanks just waiting on my surgary date now, insurance already ok me :-)

 Hernias can happen but usually happen within the first couple years after surgery and are MUCH more common if you have open surgery rather than lap surgery.  

According to my surgeon about 30% of RNYers need to have their gallbladder out within a few years of surgery (don't remember the timeframe,but it was 2 or 3 years... Something less than 5 at any rate).

The only potential circulation poblem I am aware of that it related to RNY surgery is blood clots during the immediate post-operative period.  It is not anything specific to RNY... You can develop a blood clot after ANY surgery since you a generally very inactive after surgery.  They will MAKE you get up and walk shortly after surgery, may give you Lovenox injections or put you in a continuous heparin drip to prevent clots.

Lora

 i had heparin shots, the first one felt so weird but i stopped noticing after a while. until i got home and looked in the mirror and saw spots everywhere they put them! 

 Yep.  I took Heparin injections for over 6 months at one point a number of years ago, and because of the bruising with every injection (I had larger bruises with Heparin than Lovenox) my entire belly and upper thighs were covered wih bruises for several months.  Not a good look... Not to mention how tendoer it makes you!

Lora

 Granted I'm only 3 1/2 years out, but I had to have my gallbladder removed a year after my surgery. The only issues I've heard about are related to not taking your vitamins. No circulatory problems that I know of.

Sara

There's the potential for bowel obstruction. ANY ABDOMINAL PAIN should not be ignored. Bowel obstruction can lead to your bowel dying, and your own death. This can happen right after surgery, or years after.

You need to keep on top of any symptoms that may indicate you have a bowel obstruction
not passing gas
not having bowel movements (or having thin, watery bowel movements)
abdominal pain.

Hernias and gall bladder problems are very common as well
the only circulation problems i know of are blood clots, but that's usually just post surgery, not a long term.

see that is what i was just reading about and im freaking out. have never hers anything like this from my dr.

You might need to ask specifically about the risk for bowel obstruction.

It's not a common complication, but there is a risk. You need to be aware. That being said, i knew that risk, and still decided to have the surgery.

7.5 + years post RNY:

No hernias, still have my gallbladder, no circulation problems, no strictures, - no NOTHING!

I had pernicious anaemia and chronic anaemia before RNY so even that has not caused me any extra difficulties after surgery - I would guess chronic anaemia is more common among veterans than any of the other potential problems.

I think I am probably in the majority rather than the minority - although not on OH!  The majority of people on here post about their problems, most of us that have none tend not to post!!!!

I  Had open RNY, i did have hernia surgery 6 months later, had kidney stones, BUT, only once because i was taking the wrong calcium, i take citrate now(learned that lesson  to READ the bottle )but have done great for last 8 years, good luck to you :)