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Not really The only issue I might have is in regard to my blood levels of vits and minerals .. Only thing is if they are off (significantly) I wouldn't know it since it has been ages since I have had the usual levels checked (bad, I know!
). And, I don't really take any supps for them. I did carefully track my levels the first few years out and even diligently kept an Excel spreadsheet of them, but it seemed the ones that were in fact off I never could get back on track, no matter how I tried to supplement. One of those was the "good" cholesterol (HDL) level, which was just slightly out of range. I tried eating avocados and other "good" fats, but nothing seemed to affect it (I guess b/c of the fat malabsorption issue) and get it back up in range. I also had an issue with my "hemos" (e.g. hemoglobin, hemocrit, etc.), but they were usually just below normal range a tad. Again, taking iron supps (e.g. iron sulfate) just didn't see to make much of a difference, and the deficiency was not so bad as to warrant getting iron transfusions (IMHO). As to the calcium levels, they admittedly did seem to be way off, but after taking those calcium (citrate? carbonate? forgot which one was better) supps (along with those massive D-3 doses - typically 100,000 mgs.) every few hours and seeing those measures also had little effect, I finally just gave up and decided to live with levels the way they were (what else could I do - have my DS reversed?
). It's possible I may have some bone density issues this far out as a result, but I never did have a Dexascan done (I know, bad also) so I don't know for sure. However, I haven't run across any noticeable issues in that regard.
Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "
HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )
Thank you! We are close in surgery dates! Have you had any issues?
Debbie ~
My starting weight was 427 pounds I am at 306.4 now. My lowest post surgery weiuught was 230.0 pounds For now, my personal goal weight is to get to 227 pounds. That is what I weighed when, I got married 27 years ago. After I reach that weight, then my doctor and I will determine how much more I need to lose.
You've made significant progress in your weight loss journey. Best of luck!
I always struggle with my weight every since I was child, people would call me bunch names in school. But the 1 thing that always cheer me up from bad day at school Is watching New Jersey Devil games with my stepfather who was huge fan just see his face light up watching them and spend time with was best feeling in world because he didn't judge me about my weight. Over years he hasn't been doing well and my weight has been sky rocket to almost 500 lbs.So I've Finally decided to take the step about my weight and began reading and Researching on So I can lose weight and be their to take care of him, and one of my weight loss goal is to take him New Jersey Devils game and I don't have to worried about if I can fit in sit.
Hey, keep working towards your goals. Best of luck!
So sorry to hear this and wish you the best, Debbie. I noticed your DS surgery date was just a few months before mine. I don't seem to be having the issues you report at present, but then who knows what the future may bring.
btw, if you haven't already, you might want to cross-post your post on the DS forum, in case any other DSers on there may have had similar issues and/or can offer some helpful advice to you.
Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "
HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )
GEEZ! The medical term for it is "gastroparesis", btw ..
https://www.aol.com/news/took-blockbuster-drugs-weight-loss- 101140846.html
Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "
HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )
Good morning all. 17 years ago today I was starting on a life changing journey. When I went for my surgery consult I was at my heaviest - 288lbs, currently I am now 135lbs. It took hard work and dedication to not only lose the weight but to maintain the weight loss for all these years. I eat healthy, workout and take care of myself inside and out. I get a physical annually and still take my vits/sups every day :-)
I am loving this life and so glad I made the decision to have surgery and be successful at it.
Good morning! Congratulations on your incredible journey! 17 years ago must have been a significant turning point, and it's amazing to see the progress you've made.
on 7/23/23 1:47 am
Hi Debbie,
I just had a dual EGD and colonoscopy a few weeks ago. Not fun but hopefully you'll get the feedback you need for treatment of your symptoms! Acid reflux is no joke with the damage it can do. It sounds like you've been having concerns for some time, so hope you get a resolution with this, or closer to one!
Best wishes.

HW 282, LW 123.4 (8/29/23), CW 144.4
Pre-op-33, M1-12, M2-17, M3-14, M4-11, M5-14, M6-5, M7-6, M8-5, M9-22, M10-6, M11-5, M12-2, M13-2, M14-5
Hi All:
I haven't visited here in YEARS. Shame on me, I know. I am going Monday for an endoscopy and colonoscopy. The endoscopy is to determine if the acid in stomach has caused any issues.
To explain, a few years ago, swallowing was becoming difficult. Maybe "uncomfortable" is a better way to say it. It progressively got worse and I went to see the doc when I lost about 30 pounds without trying. He put me on prilosec and said I would likely be on it for life! Ugh. That concerns me as to long term effects.
He said the acid was causing swelling in my throat and with the prilosec - it is gone. I can eat again (and gained 16 pounds back over a year! bummer). He ordered the endoscopy to make sure the acid wasn't harming my stomach scar from my DS surgery. I'm anemic no matter how much iron I take orally ... and I'm just hoping I don't have to go back to have iron infusions.
I'm hoping that all turns out well. Prayers appreciated.
Debbie ~
Yes. At first, I had sugar dumps. Especially after eating fruits. I'm not like that now. I did dump a few months ago, because of too much fat.
Fast forward to today, I am trying to get more healthy with food and exercise. I still go by the rules of the pouch. I eat a whole foods plant based diet. I lost a few more pounds and completely eliminated all of my meds except my vitamins and b12. No inflammation, no headaches and colds are far and in between. And they only last for about a day. Blood pressure is usually 90/65 now.
Postprandial hypoglycemia is a condition when after you eat the blood glucose drops. So now I have to force myself to eat. I believe I am making too much insulin. If you're diabetic, you are hyperglycemic. And that is a result of eating too much fat, not carbs. I voluntarily made the decision to have the Rny surgery because I didn't want to become diabetic. They say this only happens with RNY patients and had dumping. My best friend never dumped. They say it's a 50/50 chance for dumping. This is really rare, only 1 percent has this so far. So I make sure that I eat vegetables that has fat in it. I eat chickpeas, especially before bed. If not, my fasting blood glucose will drop to levels that will kill me. My husband suddenly died almost 2 years ago, so I really have to look after myself.
I hope this explains it a little better for you. I would get a glucose monitor, if you don't have one already and just test it or go to your doctor.
Take care, Teresa