Malnutrition 2 /12 Years Out

My Friends,

I have been away from the boards, far to long, I should have been around more, to support others, as many of you supported me in the beginning. For this I am truly sorry, and I will try to be around more offton.

I do need some input, and perhaps some advice: I am 34 months out since my RNY. I have maintained a 200 lbs constant loss with little or no effort. I mean I went through the normal post op trials & tribulations, but for the most part, I learned fast what I could do & couldn't do. About a year ago I was told by my gastrict bypass team, that I was having problems absorbing protien, and that my albion levels were very low. We tried a number of nutricianal remedies but none have worked. I also have very low copper & zinc levels, but we are going to try IV therapy to correct that. 3 weeks ago I started having problems with FAT absorbtion, it pass through me as orange oil slick, very upleasent, and is not to kind to my pants either.

The question I have is, has anyone heard of having absorbtion problems this far out ? I have very little physically strength, and even walking upstairs was easier when I weighed 450 lbs.

Please let me know your thoughts
Doc

I know I didn't spell check
Sorry
Doc

 I'm still pre-op, so I don't have any realy experience to relate your situation to, but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that this is happening to you. It sounds just awful.  I hope your doctor finds an answer and you feel well and energized again really soon.  Take care.

There are different enzymes (I don't remember the names) that can assist with digestion of protein and fats.  Others on the board may remember the names.  I suggest that you talk to your doctor about them.

Good Luck!!!

 Hi Doc,

So sorry to hear you are having so much trouble.  Must feel terrible.  I'm two years out now and I also can't get my albumin levels up.  They seem to remain around 3.5.  My total protein seems to be fine, and I eat between 120-150g of protein per day whi*****ludes one whey protein shake (20g).  And while I'm not anemic, my ferriton level keeps dropping and is down to 17, so I'm going to try heme iron now.  So I understand where you are coming from with having problems aborbing.  And I feel great, so I'm not having your problems.  What are you eating and what/how much are you taking in vitamins and supplements?  I know I take a lot to get my levels up where they are.

By the way, you can try sanitary pads for your pants, at least for now until they figure it out.  We women have been using them for years.

Hugs!
Jan

Malabsroption of vitamins and minerals is lifelong and many have trouble with that.  Have you been taking all the vitamins recommended by the ASMBS?  A multi with zinc and copper in it, twice a day?  And you've tried adding extra zinc and copper when your labs showed you were low?

How much protein are you eating in a day?

Doc,
Which RNY did you have the distal or proximal because the Doctors can re lengthen your intestines so you could absorb more nutrients from your food it will also lessen your bathroom issues.
Are you taking all your vitamins if not then you should start and secondly the enzymes are called pancreatic enzymes you have to take them with each meal and snack for them to work.

Best of luck to you

i am the worlds worst with my vitamins. i guess its time to take them seriously. knowing this can happe this far out just scares the **** out of me .

The biggest problems with nutritional deficiencies usually happen a ways out.  Early out, you have stores in your body of many nutrients.  For instance, if you don't take enough calcium, your body will suck it out of your teeth and bones.  It will take some time for you to develop significant bone loss and tooth loss.  So you might go a whole year without taking any calcium and think everything is fine.  But it will catch up with you eventually.  I promise, it will.

Thank you all for your posts, & your support. The funny thing was pre-op, I had Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, & High Cholesterol. all of which I took allot of pills for. My RNY, fixed all those problems. However, I now take more in suplements, then I did in Rx drugs. I take All he B's, The maxium amount of Copper & Zinc allowed a day , 2 large Centrum Multi Vitamins a day. I drink 2 cans of World Wide Protien a day. I rattle when I walk. We start the IV infusion today, we will see what that will do to the levels. Last resort is a reversal, but there is no guantee, that everything will revert, and I can absorb, what I need from the old stomach.

Thanks Again
Doc