Still Healthy After All These Years

I just wanted to submit some updated information.  I don't get on here very often - it's honestly been years, but I've been thinking that I might want to post an update.

I had RNY on 12/3/2003 with Dr. Robert Bell at Yale.  He was wonderful.  Several years later, however, I found that I could eat too much food, and I had gained back a substantial amount of weight.  After learning about a clinical trial in Boston at Brigham & Women's, I went to be evaluated and found out I had a fistula (a hole) in my pouch.  Apparently our hormones can be enemies, and some I mine wanted more food, so a hole developed.  I had it fixed at Brigham & Women's and lost most of the weight I had gained back.  Second time around weight doesn't come off as quickly, and you don't lose as much.

I went for my annual physical last week, and was thinking about the fact that I am so much healthier than I was almost 13 years ago.  I no longer need CPap, I no longer have high blood pressure, I no longer have high cholesterol, and I am no longer pre-diabetic!  Add to that the fact that I am also still down 73 lbs. from my highest weight, really made me grateful that I took this path. 

Hopefully this post will encourage someone else who is trying to decide if this is a worthwhile process.  Do your research, get a surgeon with a great experience rating, once you have your surgery, go as long as you can without trying calorie-ridden foods again - you won't crave them, so don't give in.  The longer you stick exactly to the program, the better your weight loss experience will be.

Besides the fistula, I have had no other negative side-effects.  I never vomited, although I do experience dumping if I eat the wrong foods - you live and learn!

Best wishes to all who are about to embark on this journey.  I hope you are as healthy 13 years later as I am now!

Kathy

Hi Kathy,

Congratulations on your weight loss and success in keeping 73lbs off long term. Do you take part in any support groups in CT? I'm not aware of much, although I live in Fairfield County, not near New Haven area.

No, I don't attend any support groups, and although I had my surgery at Yale, I live in East Windsor!  I did go to Yale's group for quite a while, but now that there is a new surgeon there, I'm not sure what they have available.

Hi Kathy!

Glad to hear you are doing so well!!  I know Dr Bell has left CT - did you do your follow up with the current Dr's in his practice?  I had considered RNY with him after I had my band taken out in 2011ish - but decided not to go through with it - of course I am now 20 lbs heavier than i was before the band.....my Dr is in the practice with Yale now and I have an appt with him in January.