Problems as the years go by?

I am on the verge of having RYG and have concerns. One is, how are people doing after having the surgery for 10 years or more? Gallbladder problems or vitamin/mineral defs? I would appreciate your input. Thanks!

Gall bladder problems are common in folks that don't take Actigall after surgery.  One stat I read said 32% had gall stones if they didn't take Actigall for the first six months, compared to only 2% that did take Actigall.

Vitamin deficiencies are very, very common.  I haven't seen stats anyway scientific, but I did a poll here on OH a while back.  Here are the results.  Note most people responding were less than ten years out.

Iron  7 (54%)

B12  6 (46%)

D  10 (77%)

B6  2 (15%)

A  3 (23%)

Potassium  2 (15%)

K  1 (8%)

Calcium  2 (15%)

Zinc  1 (8%)

Copper  1 (8%)

Magnesium  1 (8%)

Protein 1 (8%)

B1  2 (15%)

Notice there were a total of 39 deficiencies among 13 people, so an average of 3 per person.

At one of the support groups I went to right before I had my surgery back in May, there was a lady who was 12 years out and she was saying that she didn't have any issues.

Thanks for the information. Both are encouraging.

I think it may be easy to feel really good and do really well with vitamins and then slide as time goes by. I'm not yet far enough out to take anything for granted, but I've been spot on so far with my vitamin levels (after adding lots of D3). Had my gallbladder out before surgery so that's not a worry.

I know several people here in town who are 8 years or more out from their RNY and only one of them has had any significant problems (and she admits that her problems are because she stopped taking her vitamins altogether -- and did not get any labs done -- for about 2 years).

Lora

Gall bladder issues are more related to weigh loss than to surgery.  I had mine out years ago after losing 60lbs with WW.

There are few issues - but no everyone will get that.
The most common complications that I see post op RNY long term:
1. RH - reactive hypoglycemia. I think most (if not everyone) have that. Some just do not really know that... (eating often, not having too many carbs at any given time will prevent the RH to show )  For some RH is really bad - others - easily manageable. 
2. problem with GB - but as another person said - is more related to low fat diet and Weight loss than a result of the surgery
3. Hernia - twisted intestines. -  I think any abdominal surgery - where the docs "handled"  may result in that.  
4. Ulcers. That can be avoided in many cases, by not taking an Nsaids and follow proper diet and in same cases - taking daily antacids... (I try to do all of that)
5. of course vitamin and mineral deficiencies - some people even when they supplement - may end up with issues due to malabsorbtion.  I am dealing with iron deficiency - and most likely I can't absorb the iron taken by mouth.  Same is for me with B12 - I am getting weekly B12 injection. 

The issue with vitamins and minerals is to be very dedicated to take them daily.  FOR THE REST OF OUR LIFE.   

I am almost 10 years post op. I do not have any CHRONIC medical complications as a result of my surgery (hypoglycemia, vitamin issues, etc.). I do not have any gallbladder issues since my was removed at the time of my WLS. I have, however, had two complications requiring surgical intervention: internal (petersen's) hernia and small bowel obstruction.

I have not ALWAYS been compliant with my vitamin program or eating program; however, I recommited about two years ago and have been pretty consistent (if not perfect) since then. I pretty much eat like a normal person and maintain my weight (although since my most recent vacation I have been going up and down and up and down in the same 5 pound range, which is found pounds outside my NORMAL range...ugh!).

Some "complications" you have a bit of control over (vitamin deficiencies, mostly); some you do not. Do your best to avoid those you have a say in and try not to worry too much about those you don't. As Doris Day once famously sang: Que Sera Sera, whatever will be will be; the future's not ours to see, Que Sera Sera. 
 

Again, thanks to you all for your input. I can grasp the idea of changing my eating habits for the rest of my life, but I've never had surgery, or anything else like this, that would result in other problems. It sounds like the concensus is that the weight loss is worth any complications that may or may not arise and I think I'm okay with that. I just can't see getting any older and staying at this weight. Thank you.