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Topic: RE: Feeding Tube
I had my RNY 7/23/07. I did not get my feeding tube until recently. Do not take no for an answer. I have been told twice that I do not need reversal surgery. I have an appointment with my third doctor this Thursday. Living with a feeding tube is not the answer for me. I do not agree with the comment about it not helping. I get sick to my stomach sometimes when I just think about certain foods. I think that is because after two years, I know when my stomach will not be able to handle certain things. That doesn't mean that reversing the surgery wouldn't fix that problem.... JUST DON'T GIVE UP.
Topic: RE: complications from gastric bypasss
I'm curious why you are asking? Have you had surgery, are you thinking about surgery? I think it is smart to do all the research you can before doing anything important in your life. I have known some people who have put more research into buying their next car, than in having major surgery. My husband and I researched this surgery for at least two years before we took the plunge. He is a little more than two years out and has not had any problems. I will be two years out the end of October and you can read my blog/story, and see that I have had a lot of problems, but even though I have my days, I don't regret the surgery, and we aren't even sure what is causing my issues now. I hope this helped to answer your question. Good luck on your journey
Jules RNY 10/30/2007
Topic: RE: reverse gastric bypass
Hi Debbie, sorry to hear of your sister's issues. I had the RNY 6 years ago and was in the hospital 2 years ago with malnutritian, then again 2 months ago with TPN continued for 3 weeks at home. Its starting up again and the surgeon is suggestion reversal. I have not had it yet, as I'm not willing to give in yet. I don't know where you are located, but my surgeon is outstanding with experience in RNY reversals. Dr. Fang at the Bridges Center through St. Lukes, Phoenix.
For the right surgeon, it might be worth the trip if not in Arizona.
Hope this helps, Tina
Down 145 lbs
For the right surgeon, it might be worth the trip if not in Arizona.
Hope this helps, Tina
Down 145 lbs
Topic: RE: reverse gastric bypass
What all were you taking/are you taking for vites and protein? I have a quite radical RNY, and I know lots of ppl who didn't follow the program we were given and went to our local U to have their surgeries back down. Not reverse, as you said, but taken down to a lesser surgery much as you did.
The result for most was still having deficiencies and substantial regain.
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. They always tell our ppl that "too much was bypassed" when the problem was really that "too much stubborn between the ears" since we had good launch instructions, especially for the 90's! They had the same starter instructions I did, and they only got better over time.
In your case, you probably did not have a good launch and that is so, so sad. My dh is 6'1" and his ideal is 175 or so, his low on the way down was 162 and he now holds about 180, depending on how many cookies leap into his face.
We pretty much had the maximum bypassed. I'm more so than he is.
Now, while you were told that your transected stomach cannot be connected, I've sent 2 ppl to CA to have their RNY's changed into DS. That involved rebuilding their stomachs completely and it was done! Both had serious complications from their badly done RNY's. Both are doing very well now. Not many docs will take that one on, though.
The result for most was still having deficiencies and substantial regain.
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. They always tell our ppl that "too much was bypassed" when the problem was really that "too much stubborn between the ears" since we had good launch instructions, especially for the 90's! They had the same starter instructions I did, and they only got better over time.
In your case, you probably did not have a good launch and that is so, so sad. My dh is 6'1" and his ideal is 175 or so, his low on the way down was 162 and he now holds about 180, depending on how many cookies leap into his face.
We pretty much had the maximum bypassed. I'm more so than he is.
Now, while you were told that your transected stomach cannot be connected, I've sent 2 ppl to CA to have their RNY's changed into DS. That involved rebuilding their stomachs completely and it was done! Both had serious complications from their badly done RNY's. Both are doing very well now. Not many docs will take that one on, though.
Michelle
RNY, distal, 10/5/94
P.S. My year + long absence has NOTHING to do with my WLS, or my type of WLS. See my profile.
Topic: RE: hypoglycemia - how low is low
Reactive hypoglycemia is some side effect of WLS, huh? We had a broken pancreas pre-op (even if not diabetic, false cravings, misuse of carbs --we store, not burn) and so then after........
Mine also started at 20 months, and on the way long term list, most have it by 2 yrs. Cumulative stuff we've learned:
don't correct it with sugar unless there is no other choice. It pretty much guarantees another crash 1-3 hrs later
keep PB crackers on hand at all time. In a hard shell glasses case, in the glove box, near the bed, in the kitchen, at work, at your best friend's........ It is the fastest way to correct without over correcting. Just 3 work for me, but since when BS is gone, I don't mfr any saliva, I drink them down as fast as humanly possible. That's our joint conclusion. The "cheap carb" goes to work fast, but the PB (fat) slows down the later process so it doesn't repeat.
There have been numerous studies on this, but most just blamed the pt. More recent studies are showing that the pancreas itself can change, and "grow" the ability to make too much insulin. So, you eat one cookie and your pancreas thinks you ate the bakery dept at Costco and produces enough insulin to cover it. Now you've got all this insulin all dressed up with no place to go, so then you crash. For me, I've got less than 30 seconds after my lips tingle to get to the PB crackers or I can't process a thought!
Various dx with nesidioblastosis are starting to show in studies now. And a few ppl have had various portions of pancreas removed to stop the over production. I've not met anyone who was happy with their result. They might be out there, but I haven't crossed paths with them.
As to the number, I was sitting with a friend at the office of an endo ABOUT this. Suddenly, she started staring at the floor and slurring her words. The doc had just left the room and she was buttoning her blouse, etc and I ran out and asked for a BS meter. The doc was still there. I mean, here we are, a nice demo going on right here for you to see, right? Took them forever, but she realized that she had a meter so took hr own and it was 111! WHAT? But she cleared it, set it up and took it again, 103 and again, 92. By then, she'd gotten a protein bar on board and I had her drink it down, since she couldn't process a thought. The symptoms passed so we didn't check again, just left.
When I asked about that on our long term group, some sufferers said that it might be the SPEED at which it drops vs the actual number. That makes sense to me since she was fully symptomatic, but the numbers would've actually been high for me. She said her normal was 130.
So, 50 is considered too low. My first meter didn't read below 52. It is said that death can occur at 38, but I suspect he meant coma. Still, we don't want it to happen and we do NOT want to eat sugar to correct or try to prevent since it just sets it up to happen over and over.
For me, bread or potatoes cause it. If I eat them alone, like a baked potato for dinner and no meat, I am guaranteeing myself a crash in 1-3 hours. If I eat a small potato with meat FIRST, I will probably be ok. Same with bread. Pasta and rice don't seem to cause the problem. But then, I always eat them in moderation. I could live in a vast vat of bread and potatoes and achieve nirvana, I think. HOwever, my pancreas isn't going to allow THAT to happen. LOL
Mine also started at 20 months, and on the way long term list, most have it by 2 yrs. Cumulative stuff we've learned:
don't correct it with sugar unless there is no other choice. It pretty much guarantees another crash 1-3 hrs later
keep PB crackers on hand at all time. In a hard shell glasses case, in the glove box, near the bed, in the kitchen, at work, at your best friend's........ It is the fastest way to correct without over correcting. Just 3 work for me, but since when BS is gone, I don't mfr any saliva, I drink them down as fast as humanly possible. That's our joint conclusion. The "cheap carb" goes to work fast, but the PB (fat) slows down the later process so it doesn't repeat.
There have been numerous studies on this, but most just blamed the pt. More recent studies are showing that the pancreas itself can change, and "grow" the ability to make too much insulin. So, you eat one cookie and your pancreas thinks you ate the bakery dept at Costco and produces enough insulin to cover it. Now you've got all this insulin all dressed up with no place to go, so then you crash. For me, I've got less than 30 seconds after my lips tingle to get to the PB crackers or I can't process a thought!
Various dx with nesidioblastosis are starting to show in studies now. And a few ppl have had various portions of pancreas removed to stop the over production. I've not met anyone who was happy with their result. They might be out there, but I haven't crossed paths with them.
As to the number, I was sitting with a friend at the office of an endo ABOUT this. Suddenly, she started staring at the floor and slurring her words. The doc had just left the room and she was buttoning her blouse, etc and I ran out and asked for a BS meter. The doc was still there. I mean, here we are, a nice demo going on right here for you to see, right? Took them forever, but she realized that she had a meter so took hr own and it was 111! WHAT? But she cleared it, set it up and took it again, 103 and again, 92. By then, she'd gotten a protein bar on board and I had her drink it down, since she couldn't process a thought. The symptoms passed so we didn't check again, just left.
When I asked about that on our long term group, some sufferers said that it might be the SPEED at which it drops vs the actual number. That makes sense to me since she was fully symptomatic, but the numbers would've actually been high for me. She said her normal was 130.
So, 50 is considered too low. My first meter didn't read below 52. It is said that death can occur at 38, but I suspect he meant coma. Still, we don't want it to happen and we do NOT want to eat sugar to correct or try to prevent since it just sets it up to happen over and over.
For me, bread or potatoes cause it. If I eat them alone, like a baked potato for dinner and no meat, I am guaranteeing myself a crash in 1-3 hours. If I eat a small potato with meat FIRST, I will probably be ok. Same with bread. Pasta and rice don't seem to cause the problem. But then, I always eat them in moderation. I could live in a vast vat of bread and potatoes and achieve nirvana, I think. HOwever, my pancreas isn't going to allow THAT to happen. LOL
Michelle
RNY, distal, 10/5/94
P.S. My year + long absence has NOTHING to do with my WLS, or my type of WLS. See my profile.
Topic: RE: scary complication all of a sudden!
Yes. Small bowel obstruction can occur any time. Actually i had one after my first baby, and he was normal delivery. Still he had managed to kick a kink into my bowel and it took a couple weeks before it flipped (like a garden hose, just bent then it flips) and closed off.
SBO in us is now well documented. Signs, which kinds to look for, where, all based on the exact symptoms and how your surgery was done.
While other than that one I had 40 yrs ago, I've not had one, no one is ever out of the woods on that one.
At least you had a full obstruction. Ppl with a partial SBO could suffer for 2 yrs from first twinge to surgery. It comes and goes, and is hard to test. The bowel is open when no food is in play, but jams up when food passes. Sorta like something heavy on the garden hose, but not like a car, so maybe your lawn chair. Pinches the hose only a little, so you can still dribble on plants but when you need to hose the bird doo off your car, there's no pressure and the hose might flip and kink.
As to whether I've heard of it, yes. Even at 15 yrs, it remains sort of the last complication that might get us.
BUT like I said, it's not exclusive to WLS, just the actual location is specific to us.
SBO in us is now well documented. Signs, which kinds to look for, where, all based on the exact symptoms and how your surgery was done.
While other than that one I had 40 yrs ago, I've not had one, no one is ever out of the woods on that one.
At least you had a full obstruction. Ppl with a partial SBO could suffer for 2 yrs from first twinge to surgery. It comes and goes, and is hard to test. The bowel is open when no food is in play, but jams up when food passes. Sorta like something heavy on the garden hose, but not like a car, so maybe your lawn chair. Pinches the hose only a little, so you can still dribble on plants but when you need to hose the bird doo off your car, there's no pressure and the hose might flip and kink.
As to whether I've heard of it, yes. Even at 15 yrs, it remains sort of the last complication that might get us.
BUT like I said, it's not exclusive to WLS, just the actual location is specific to us.
Michelle
RNY, distal, 10/5/94
P.S. My year + long absence has NOTHING to do with my WLS, or my type of WLS. See my profile.
Topic: RE: unexpected lab results
Low platelets are a disease unto themselves, ITP. And is usually not related to iron deficiency anemia.
Try taking your iron with fruit. Just a few bites first, then a few bites after you take it. I don't ever take iron (or any other vites) on an empty pouch.
The difference between Rx iron and OTC is not so much the dose, but yes, vit C, folic, B12, intrinsic factor, sometimes copper--the bells and whistles that iron really likes.
Try taking your iron with fruit. Just a few bites first, then a few bites after you take it. I don't ever take iron (or any other vites) on an empty pouch.
The difference between Rx iron and OTC is not so much the dose, but yes, vit C, folic, B12, intrinsic factor, sometimes copper--the bells and whistles that iron really likes.
Michelle
RNY, distal, 10/5/94
P.S. My year + long absence has NOTHING to do with my WLS, or my type of WLS. See my profile.
Topic: RE: Lots and Lots of trouble....need help finding the answer.
Has he been evaluated for small bowel obstruction? There are now hundreds of articles in the WLS journals about this. Which surgery types are more prone to them; what types of SBO to look for; where to look; and how soon to look.
That's assuming that his pouch is all dandy
The one that might manifest in that area is one in what they call Peterson's Space. Don't ask me what that means, since I don't do medical stuff, but I read a lot of it, and have had a few buddies who've had this type of SBO.
That's assuming that his pouch is all dandy
The one that might manifest in that area is one in what they call Peterson's Space. Don't ask me what that means, since I don't do medical stuff, but I read a lot of it, and have had a few buddies who've had this type of SBO.
Michelle
RNY, distal, 10/5/94
P.S. My year + long absence has NOTHING to do with my WLS, or my type of WLS. See my profile.
Topic: RE: Excess B-1 in my system...any thoughts?
Since I answered one, I figure I should grab this one. too
USUALLY B1 is a deficiency for WLS and we have our own special version, Bariatric Beri Beri.
Someone was smart enough to prevent yours.
My B1 had reached 180, but there were no symptoms. There are no reported cases of toxicity, according to my books.
B6 doesn't actually go toxic, but can cause side effects. A lil too much will manifest the same as too little.
At least the B vites are as easy to get rid of as they are to get on board.
When you cut off it, be sure to test down the road and not let it drop too low.
What can cause beri beri?
alcohol
vomiting (and one of the symptoms of beri beri is also vomiting!)
not taking a good multi
USUALLY B1 is a deficiency for WLS and we have our own special version, Bariatric Beri Beri.
Someone was smart enough to prevent yours.
My B1 had reached 180, but there were no symptoms. There are no reported cases of toxicity, according to my books.
B6 doesn't actually go toxic, but can cause side effects. A lil too much will manifest the same as too little.
At least the B vites are as easy to get rid of as they are to get on board.
When you cut off it, be sure to test down the road and not let it drop too low.
What can cause beri beri?
alcohol
vomiting (and one of the symptoms of beri beri is also vomiting!)
not taking a good multi
Michelle
RNY, distal, 10/5/94
P.S. My year + long absence has NOTHING to do with my WLS, or my type of WLS. See my profile.
Topic: RE: X-post another COMPLICATION now Anemic!
I don't usually hang out here, but then someone mentioned that vitamin deficiencies are considered a "complication" rather than an expectable AND preventable outcome from any WLS. It's been awhile since that thought crossed my mind.
So, I have several comments on your post.
1. ITP? Seriously? I was dx with this 30 yrs ago! (before WLS) and until recently had not met ANYONE who even knows what it is. I met a person a year ago. She is a customer of mine BUT she has not had WLS. Then, one of my longest term customers (she was a long termer at my very first support group!) mentioned she had ITP. That means, in 30 yrs, you are only the fourth person I've met! Wow. My hema mentioned casually that it is considered to be in the autoimmune family. Whoa. I have one autoimmune, but again, no many have heard of Raynaud's, though I do know dozens of ppl with that one.
2. Hemolytic anemia. Probably not nutritional. Been seeing a hema since 2004. *I* cam convinced I can fix it with a pill. My hema says nope, not that kind of problem. However, when I added copper to my iron, my H&H came back up. Then slipped. My folate had drifted down and so I fixed that and my numbers almost came back, just one was 1 pt out of range (MCV). Then while folate stayed good, the numbers slipped again. I see my hema, and yes, had the bone marrow bx and all that. Seems that sulfa drugs can cause hemolyzing..... because they completely block folic acid! That's dietary, but you can get the folic back in line with high dose supplements. I did that. But ultimately, I stopped taking the sufla drug. The numbers came back up, then slipped again.
I have no patience with this. I am accustomed to addressing something and fixing it. Grrr. I got a new product and while I have had stable iron & ferritin for 13 yrs, my H&H keep falling down. So, I tried this new product just to see. I'm willing to guinea pig new stuff. So, all labs since I started it show my H&H i normal ranges! Yay! But all the other numbers are still wacky. I've now added lots of pills and still haven't fixed it.
My hema thinks I'm just cute and amusing.
I only mention all this so you'd know I've been working on this sine 2004. One of the nutritional components IS B12 and folic, so we want those top of the range. I get my iron via pill, but some ppl need infusions. I prefer my B12 via shot (less than $1/mo) vs pills, way more expensive.
When I first started hemolyzing, there were 5 of us long termers. The only common denominator was WLS. However, we didn't invent hemolytic anemia. One by one, each preson's cause was found. Once had genetic macrocytic anemiaS. Yes, plural. One had another genetic disorder. And so on. So, hemolytic anemia is not an expectable or preventable occurence for US.
3. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA). That IS a guaranteed outcome for WLS. Most docs do not treat it til it shows up, then it's much harder to run thru the various irons on the market before you find one that both works and agrees with you. My doc was a freak in that he started us on one of the better irons even back in the 90's. My dh and I did go into deficiency, but within a year or so, we found an iron more suitable for us. We got our numbers to my target ranges and they've stayed there.
The REASON is malabsorption. It's not something wrong with your surgery. Eating more iron foods won't help. Altho, I'm sure they're good for your wt loss and other things, thet can't deliver iron. Also, for restrictives only, well, all of us can no longer eat a 16 oz steak, can we?
This is one that can be prevented, as far as it relates to WLS.
4. You can pass along my share of the liver, too. I was IDA all my life until AFTER my WLS. No liver for me then or now.
5. Vit D def I don't see mentioned here, but it is also predictable and preventable.
OK, removing myself from soapbox.
So, I have several comments on your post.
1. ITP? Seriously? I was dx with this 30 yrs ago! (before WLS) and until recently had not met ANYONE who even knows what it is. I met a person a year ago. She is a customer of mine BUT she has not had WLS. Then, one of my longest term customers (she was a long termer at my very first support group!) mentioned she had ITP. That means, in 30 yrs, you are only the fourth person I've met! Wow. My hema mentioned casually that it is considered to be in the autoimmune family. Whoa. I have one autoimmune, but again, no many have heard of Raynaud's, though I do know dozens of ppl with that one.
2. Hemolytic anemia. Probably not nutritional. Been seeing a hema since 2004. *I* cam convinced I can fix it with a pill. My hema says nope, not that kind of problem. However, when I added copper to my iron, my H&H came back up. Then slipped. My folate had drifted down and so I fixed that and my numbers almost came back, just one was 1 pt out of range (MCV). Then while folate stayed good, the numbers slipped again. I see my hema, and yes, had the bone marrow bx and all that. Seems that sulfa drugs can cause hemolyzing..... because they completely block folic acid! That's dietary, but you can get the folic back in line with high dose supplements. I did that. But ultimately, I stopped taking the sufla drug. The numbers came back up, then slipped again.
I have no patience with this. I am accustomed to addressing something and fixing it. Grrr. I got a new product and while I have had stable iron & ferritin for 13 yrs, my H&H keep falling down. So, I tried this new product just to see. I'm willing to guinea pig new stuff. So, all labs since I started it show my H&H i normal ranges! Yay! But all the other numbers are still wacky. I've now added lots of pills and still haven't fixed it.
My hema thinks I'm just cute and amusing.
I only mention all this so you'd know I've been working on this sine 2004. One of the nutritional components IS B12 and folic, so we want those top of the range. I get my iron via pill, but some ppl need infusions. I prefer my B12 via shot (less than $1/mo) vs pills, way more expensive.
When I first started hemolyzing, there were 5 of us long termers. The only common denominator was WLS. However, we didn't invent hemolytic anemia. One by one, each preson's cause was found. Once had genetic macrocytic anemiaS. Yes, plural. One had another genetic disorder. And so on. So, hemolytic anemia is not an expectable or preventable occurence for US.
3. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA). That IS a guaranteed outcome for WLS. Most docs do not treat it til it shows up, then it's much harder to run thru the various irons on the market before you find one that both works and agrees with you. My doc was a freak in that he started us on one of the better irons even back in the 90's. My dh and I did go into deficiency, but within a year or so, we found an iron more suitable for us. We got our numbers to my target ranges and they've stayed there.
The REASON is malabsorption. It's not something wrong with your surgery. Eating more iron foods won't help. Altho, I'm sure they're good for your wt loss and other things, thet can't deliver iron. Also, for restrictives only, well, all of us can no longer eat a 16 oz steak, can we?
This is one that can be prevented, as far as it relates to WLS.
4. You can pass along my share of the liver, too. I was IDA all my life until AFTER my WLS. No liver for me then or now.
5. Vit D def I don't see mentioned here, but it is also predictable and preventable.
OK, removing myself from soapbox.
Michelle
RNY, distal, 10/5/94
P.S. My year + long absence has NOTHING to do with my WLS, or my type of WLS. See my profile.
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