6 years post op

Today I am 6 years post op. Had RNY on 30-July-2001 in Burlington Mass. I was 233 the day of surgery. Today I am 158. I have not really had follow up care because I moved and most docs will not see me if they did not do the procedure. I do not reccommend this to anyone. Please have your follow ups. I dont know much about my blood levels and pretty much do all of this on my own. I did see the gyno who said I was anemic so I increased my iron. Thats ,y only real problem that I have encountered. My lowest weight was in 2003 I weighed 133 due to lack of money, going through a diviorce and stress. Not the healthy way to get there. I wish to be 140. Had my breast implants in March 2007. I financed them through  carecredit.com  That procedure was fine. I have an extremely high tolerance to pain and to pain meds. I actually was at the tan shop tanning the day after the implants.  I had implants and a lift. I am a size 36DD. I have the anchor incision. Silicone implants. I would like a tummy tuck or grafting. I actually look like I have had a baby...not lost a 3rd grader in terms of weight.  The last few weeks have been really hard for me...some of you know why. I am not going to go into to. I just wanted to post for some of the newbies. Please remember you can re-gain the weight. You must follow the rules. You have to do what your dr says.....he is the dr no you. I know if I had followed the rules I might be at 140 or less. It is my fault. But it is also hard to do it on your own especially when your world tips upside down on you from day 1 out of the hospital. I am trying to find a dr who will see me in Memphis.....it is only 12 miles away. If I have to go to Lil Rock I will. Please please please...I can not stress this enough....follow your rules. Drink your water, eat your protien and do some form of physical activity and always take your vitamins. You have been given a second chance at life. You have been given a very powerful tool....but you have to do your share as well.  I want to thank all of you who have sent me email and asked how I have been during the last few weeks. I am so much better today. A little lost but doing better. In my world, my only friends are actually online. I just dont make friends in person due to past experiences. Thank you. Some day I want to make that drive out to all of you when you get together. I am your lost "loser" sister by the river. Have a good Monday. Huggs Tammy

Darling Tammy, Congratulations on your anniversary!  I know you're not where you'd like to be weight wise, but think about where you'd be if you hadn't had your surgery. There's just no telling Now that I'm in maintenance I can see how hard it is to keep to the program and be mind full of the 'rules'.  I don't dump (damn), but fortunately my pouch hasn't seemed to have stretched since I can still only eat about 1/2 -3/4 cup of food. The nutritionist wants me at about 1300 cals a day, and that's harder to do  than it sounds. You sound like you're coming out of your blue time and I'm so glad. As far as your doctor goes, my PCP is really good about following my labs. Do you have one in your area you trust? If you can't find one in Memphis, let me know and I'll give you my surgeon's ##, he might see you....he's a good guy. Oh yeah, you're never lost as long as you're here with us! Love and hugs

It is hard to be 6 yrs post op and no problems and to remember to follow rules. So thats why I am stressing to people to follow them. If you are told to avoid it....AVOID IT.....dont say a sip of this or a bite of that wont hurt.....it is very easy to get back to bad habits. We are human and I think everyone has slipped up. Some people claim to have not...but I dont see how. I dunno.. I will say when I got to 133 I looked very frail and kind of sickly...but I had a cute shape. I miss that. Does that make sense? I see people saying they have heard horror stories about gastric bypass.....there are lap band stories too....I personally know of 2 people who have had obstructions. There are risks with each surgery and what is good for me may not  be good for you. I personally find the whole band thing disturbing. But thats my opinion. Gastric bypass has been around for many years. They have improved it with time. Just as they will improve the lap band.

So for all of you who are torn between the two.....well which is best for you? The cost is a factor,. Recovery time. Just research both and discuss it with your surgeon. Gastric Bypass is extreme and permanent. But some people need that...some people only learn from dumping, some people only learn from severe restrictions. Ever situation is different. They only thing we have in common is we all have a weight problem....we always will......we are taking extreme measures as a last resort. So please dont think just because I have had no problems does not mean you wont. Make sure you are willing to change your entire life and take control. It is a mental recovery. I had no pain.....but you sure will use your head.  I hope this helps with those who are trying to decide. Just research it...discuss it...and ask alot of questions. Also you will be re-born that day you have it....no looking back only ahead. Your life in terms of eating will be changed.  We are here to help each other. Thats all we can do. Everyone here will answer questions. Just ask. We will try to help. tammy