I don't know if there's a genetic component or not---could be, but if 30% of RNYers dump, I doubt the gene is all that rare.

When I say you're an amomaly, I mean that VRY FEW RNYers experience many of the things you have---seizures, such exttreme RA, various and sundry difficult-to-dx things. If everything that's happened to you happened to MOST patients, they'd stop doing the RNY.

And notice that I did not say that dumping went away from everyone who dumps. I said that many RNYers have posted that it has gone away for them. Therefore, Naomi's statement "it lasts forever" is not true for some people.

 "When I say you're an amomaly, I mean that VRY FEW RNYers experience many of the things you have---seizures, such exttreme RA, various and sundry difficult-to-dx things. If everything that's happened to you happened to MOST patients, they'd stop doing the RNY."

I have hypoglycemia when I eat poorly.  It's a choice to drop my blood sugar, sometimes unintentional. 

My seizures are not connected to my weight loss surgery.
  
What are the various things you mention?

Or at the very least, possibly not "disabled". Unless I'm smoking crack, which I have been known to do, I recall you making mention of your seizures being related to after effects of your RNY.

Have you ever had a seizure while traveling?

I am sure I have said that in the past -- because I assumed they were connected.  I was healthy prior to gastric bypass, and the seizures started at some point during pregnancy as a post op.  I immediately assumed the connection, because there was no other reason to have a seizure, you know?  

I do not receive disability payments.  I am self-employed to pay into Social Security on my own in CASE I have the big one and lose functions of communication -- as I am already missing some important cognitive skills.

Four years later, my diagnosis is (PARTIAL) EPILEPSY AND EPILEPTIC SYNDROMES WITH COMPLEX PARTIAL SEIZURES, WITH INTRACTABLE EPILEPSY.  

Complex focal seizures (with impairment of consciousness; may sometimes begin with simple symptomatology)

1. Simple partial onset followed by impairment of consciousness

   1. With simple focal features (Al to A4) followed by impaired consciousness

   2. With automatisms

2. With impairment of consciousness at onset

   1. With impairment of consciousness only

   2. With automatisms

I also have an area of polymicrogyria in my brain as well...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1329/

"Disease characteristics. Polymicrogyria is characterized by stable neurologic deficits, i.e., a "static encephalopathy." The mildest form, unilateral focal polymicrogyria, may have minimal neurologic manifestations. In more severe forms, focal, motor, sensory, visual, or cognitive problems may be present, depending on the brain region affected. In the most widespread form, bilateral generalized polymicrogyria, severe intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and refractory epilepsy may be present."

My neurologist suggests that the seizures are the result of the polymicrogyria, however we've not caught my events on EEG -- nor the reason why this all cropped up after I lost the weight.  Polymicrogyria is present in the womb.

Why does it matter if I have seized during travel?  And the answer is yes.  

I seize WHEREVER I AM.  It doesn't make a difference where my body is -- it doesn't know the difference in locale!  I have the majority of seizures AT HOME because I am AT HOME full time with four kids, a full time working husband and do not get out that often because I gave up my drivers' license. 

Why?  I  had a seizure and drove into a ******g TREE, while driving home from my MIL's.  I rarely went out in the car -- only local -- short -- and no long term driving.   I had made the choice to avoid the highway because I felt a little "sick."  My car was totaled, my middle daughter was horrified and covered in bruises from the seat-belt.

In all  -- I think I have had three seizure related car accidents.

But, I thank you for asking, whatever your motivation IS.

I had a partial complex seizure in the middle of the street in New York City last year while away for a conference, my friend helped me stay in safety, while I dropped my coffee all over her.  

Also, in Las Vegas, while relaxing at the Aria Hotel with Teresa Dunn, I had a seizure and apparently attacked the mini-bar at the cost of a lot. 

I felt it coming one time on an airplane, I only HOPE that I did not search my seat-mate for food or act inappropriately.

One time while shopping with my daughter -- we stopped at Panera Bread -- and I stopped mid steak salad and lost it.  She was able to keep me from doing anything stupid.

More recently, while at my daughter's dermatologists office, where they thought I was having a diabetic event and treated me as such, my daughter had to talk the nurse through it, "She's okay, this is her seizure."  

Also while in Starbucks with my mom, where I became slightly belligerent and scared her.  In a restaurant, I sat down in the middle of the floor and emptied my purse looking for "medicine."  THAT was a particularly embarrassing event, for my family.  I had no idea I did it, and got up and continued walking.

I depend on other people to tell me about these events -- because I lose awareness for a few minutes.  At times I have an aura -- yesterday I "felt" it coming -- and was able to put myself in a safe place.  Sometimes there is no warning -- and no memory of the event -- aside from finding things in disarray around me.

When they occur during sleep, there is no warning, and zero memory of the event.  My husband just tells me in the morning -- or I might have a headache -- as I often do - post ictal.

At this time -- I seem to have a seizure or two in one day, every 7-14 days at the post.  I seem to be triggered hormonally -- to seize during ovulation and menses.

And why does this matter?

Also -- the Mayo actually did a study -- determined that seizures aren't likely to increase post gastric bypass.  It's just coincidental for those of us who seem to start HAVING them as post ops.

Hallelujah.

Again with the twisting of information.

Naomi, you should be ashamed of yourself. Be helpful, or quiet, but QUIT trying to steer new people wrong!

The best thing to do in this situation is to call United Health Care. Their rules and regulations vary by state and the type of plan you have, not by patient.

 Hi Melissa,

You have gotten some good responses from many members.  As you can see everyone has an opinion. Opinions can't replace experience and research, research, research.  I can not advise what having any other surgery is like but my own.  

I had surgery with one of the largest facilities in Chicago IL, Northwestern and most RNY'ers in my group dumped during the first year. Some still do, but most don't.  I dumped during the first 6 months but have not done so since.  

Read what everyone has to say, then Research what it takes to be a success with each option and then YOU decide what will work for you.  YOU are the only one that knows if you can committ for the rest of your life to what is required by each option for the rest of your life.

Also, I tell people you have to get it right between your ears before you re-arrange your plumbing. 

Make sure the surgeon you choose has a complete pre and post op program.

Good luck to you!  Keep us posted!!!

Take care,
Kathy

Kathy,

I loved your advice and thank you so much for responding to my question. I had no idea I would have such a good amount of advise and postings. I love this forum and of course my sleeve forum too.

Thanks again,
Melissa