10 years post-op

Hi!

Liz, from Pittsburgh, Surgery(RNY) in October of 2003.  I was a member of OH way back in '02-05ish and drifted off.  I met many wonderful people that have helped me along the way, some of which I still keep in contact with.  I'd love to meet more people from my area to keep me on track!  I'm currently at my lowest weight(Well 5 pounds from) and am maintaining.  However, would I love to get off 20 more?  Yes.  Another reason I am here, to ask if anyone has had any health issues since surgery?  Mainly, anemic due to iron levels.  I ended up in the hospital for a week because I had no idea I was anemic and had no idea how low my blood was.  4 units of blood and 3 iron infusions later, I am alright and being followed by my pcp and hemotologist.  With that, I thought for sure I had huge ulcers in my stomach due to stomach pains every time I ate, but a scope showed no ulcers, but acid erosion around my original surgery incision.  Anyone have anything like this?   Another reason I am here, to make sure I make everyone aware of the importance of proper vitamin intake and following the 'rules' of bypass surgery.

Anyone else have any issues, are in my area, and if you are, would you like a new exercise partner?  I try to run 3-5 miles at least 3 times a week.  Straight up cardio until I get this last chunk of weight off.

Liz

Hi Liz-nice to meet another "oldie" like myself. I'll be 12 yrs out in September. I haven't had any issues - take iron when I need it - was low once, but my doc has his patients on Vitron C - iron and the vitamin c combined - no constipation like with other iron supplements and the C is already bound with it so don't have to take it separately. I was warned not to take my iron anywhere near my morning coffee so iron is at night if I'm on it. I don't need it all the time. I had an ulcer (not wls related) when I was 6 yrs out I think. Carafat took care of that and haven't had it since. You may need prilosec daily or something like zantac. Your doc will tell you if it becomes an ongoing problem. I'm still on track like you - love life without the excess weight. Nice to see you here again.

Jen 11+ yrs post op RNY

Had my surgery about the same as you, but I have put on some weight, I am  doing zumba 3 to 4 times a week. I take supplements and get my levels checked, with my annual physical. I would suggest you get tested for bone density. I know a couple post-op people that didn't take supplements and ended up losing teeth due to osteoprosis. I take 6,000 units vitamin D because my lab levels say that's what I have to take to keep myself in the normal range( for vitamin D,not anemia). My choice to have bypass was a lifelong decision, and  keep up on supplements and labs. Nice to connect with another oldie.

kale , broccoli , red  or chinese cabbage ... these r the foods that keep our teeth n youthful straight posture .  no dentures r ever necessary !

Seriously Hav U EVER eaten a better tasting food than well-prepared collard greenz ?  When my teeth or gums ore posture seems shaky ... I eat em ( or turnip greens) every day ... it really helps