Marianne W.

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I can't believe I'm still blogging after 23 years post op! I hope it helps to encourage others to never give up or give in!

Surgery date 01/30/2001  Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch  Dr. Aniceto Baltasar Alcoy, Spain

01/30/2023   Still going strong and at a normal BMI!

The month of January marks my 23rd year post op with my biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch! Overall, my health is good.  For some unknown (good) reason the left side kidney stones have gotten much better.  I don't like the fact that it's harder to try to lose 5-10 pounds as we get older.  My weight still fluctuates around 140-145.  Ideally, I would like to get back to 135 and stay there.  The weight tends to go around my tummy and it's frustrating! I plan to join 24 Hour Fitness to get in better shape. The covid years took a toll and I became complacent but I'm motivated to get back to feeling better and shaping up! So 23 years later, the WLS is still working! 

This month marks my 22nd year post op with my Biliopancreatic diversion/ duodenal switch. I had my surgery in Alcoy, Spain by Dr. Aniceto Baltazar. 

Overall my blood tests are still great. The biggest issue over the years have been kidney stones in my left kidney.  I've found that taking probiotics are a huge help with gas and bloating and I highly recommend them. 

I still struggle to lose 5-7 pounds and it's been very stubborn to lose. I weigh in at about 143 but ideally I want back down to 135. I have successfully kept off all the original weight which was at 220, except for the stubborn last few pounds. My lowest weigh over the years was 125 and I looked terrible and way too thin for me at 5'5".

 In the very beginning, I had terrible nausea and had no desire to even want to eat. I lost 80 pounds in 6 months. But over the years, I've leveled out most staying in the 137-144 range. 

I also have a Fitbit and smart scale that helps to keep track of all details other than just my weight alone. I've discovered I'm "skinny fat." I need to lose body fat and gain more muscle tone. I think I got really lazy during the covid lockdown years. And getting older, it seems to be more difficult to do.

So, for anyone curious about us long term post op people, I'm happy to share my experience.  If anyone has any comments on how they have successfully lost 5-7 pounds to your goal weight, I'd love to hear from you! 

And remember, never give up on yourself! Because you're worth it!

Maryann

Today marks 21 years since my duodenal switch with Dr. Baltersar in Spain. Being locked down with Covid was challenging last year but I did manage to lose the covid weight. 

Right now my weight fluctuates around 137- 142. I still take my vitamins and stay active. 

Overall, I'm doing well and very happy! I have been able to keep off all of the weight and reach my goals. I even have a a boyfriend now who is a wonderful man! 

As of January 30, 2021, it will be 20 years since my duodenal switch! It's hard to believe it's been that many years. There have been some ups and downs over the years but overall,  pretty good! 

The hardest things to deal with has been reoccurring kidney stones in my left kidney. At one time excessive gas was a problem but I found a remedy that works very well for me. Everyday I take two high dose probiotic capsules and it's very effective.

Since the covid lock down it's been difficult since our lives are restricted so much. I gained 12 pounds over the past year. So for my new year resolution I decided I would try intermittent fasting. I only eat from 10:30 am to 7 pm everyday and fast from 7 pm to 10:30  am. (Fasting can be adjusted to hours that work best for you.) So far it's not been that difficult. In one week, I'm down 5 pounds and only 7 more to go! Right now I am at 145! 

So as a long term wls patient my advice is if your weight starts to creep up, that's when you get back on track and don't let it get out of control. Go back to the basics and you can and will get back to your desired weight! 

As of January 30, 2019, it's been 18 years since I had a duodenal switch with a biliopancretic diversion. (BPD/DS) The only chronic and huge problem I still have is kidney stones in the left kidney.  Over the past 12 years I've had 4 stone removal procedures. I really need some help with this issue. I've been seeing a nephrologist and he has me on potassium citrate but the huge pills are very hard on the stomach. I am also following a low oxalate diet.

Other than that, my weight is holding at around 137 - 142. It stays around the 5 pounds range. I was thrilled that Obesity Help asked if i would like to share my weight loss journey in a featured article in May 2018! Of course I said yes! And I thank them for the opportunity to share my story over the years! If anyone has any suggestions or questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!

I will share my story about the kidney stones issues I've had since my wls on January 30, 2001. Around 2007 I started to form kidney stones. I have had four surgical procedures for stone removal. One of them blocked the ureter and I had to have emergency surgery. They only form in the left kidney.

I'm under the care of a nephrologist. He has me on potassium citrate 15 meq 3 times a day, and also follow a low oxalate diet. But I'm still forming stones. The potassium citrate is very hard on the stomach but it seems I have no choice.

I would like to hear your experience and how have you dealt with kidney stones and any treatments that work for you. Thanks!

I can't believe as of January 30, 2018 it's been 17 years since my weight loss surgery.  I have managed to get my weight closer to where I feel better. I'm right at 139 which is only 14 pounds from my lowest weight of 125. I initially lost 80 pounds in the first six months after surgery.  Although at 125 I looked terrible and was way too thin for my frame. I may try to lose 5 more and see how I look and feel at that weight. 

I had an endoscopy a couple of years ago and they discovered a defect in my stomach. The doctor said my stomach is shaped like an hour glass so that explains why I sometimes still have vomiting issues every now and then. But it may also be the reason I've been able to keep almost all of the weight off too. 

I still take vitamin supplements every day and still take 50,000 units of vitamin D three times a week. I still have kidney stone issues too. But overall, I'm very satisfied with my results!  Thank you Dr. Aniceto Ballasts in Alcoy, Spain! 

I am 14 1/2 years post op now.  I have held my weight pretty well until last year (2014) and this year (2015.)  I need to come with a plan to lose around 10-12 pounds.  It's been so long since I have been on a "diet" - I've forgotten how to do it.  My lab work is okay.  I still struggle with kidney stones and Vitamin D levels. My Endocrinologist has me on 50,000 units of vitamin D a week and also on Potassium Citrate.  I have to crush the Potassium Citrate because it's very hard on my stomach.  I'll be a happy camper again once I lose the extra weight.  I just need to find the right plan for me that will work.

As of 01/31/2014 it's been over 13 years since I've had my weight loss surgery.  It really doesn't seem like it's been that long.  I am still trying to get the extra 5-10 pounds under control and lose them. I am still within a good BMI but I want to lose the extra pounds to make me feel better. I need to stop snacking in the evening hours so I do recognize what I need to do.  My health overall is good, blood tests are good except for my vitamin D level is low.  Kidney stones are still a problem though, but only in the left kidney.  I will have to go in and have a lithotripsy procedure done to remove them.  I owe my weight loss success to my wonderful surgeon Dr. Aniceto Baltasar in Alcoy, Spain.  He is a wonderful, caring doctor and I would highly recommend him for anyone!