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.

You've made significant progress in your weight loss journey. 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.

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.

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 ~