Post ops past 1 year and malabsorption
I will be 4 years post op on 3/22/2014. I believe malabsorption of calories ended for me at approximately 3 years out from my RNY surgery. Malabsorption of calories was the most effective the first year post op. It slowed incrementally the second year post op. It was very, very slow the third year post op. I now believe it is non-existent.
Malabsorption of vitamins and calcium lasts for a lifetime after RNY, that is why supplementation is a must!
My restriction works great!
I can lose weight if I want to at any time, but now I just have to cut back on calories.
I have always been very diligent in knowing how many calories it takes to maintain my weight through each stage that got me to where I am today.
Age at RNY: 55, Height: 5'4", Consultation Weight: 331 lbs-12/1/2009, RNY Surgery Weight: 281 lbs-3/22/2010, Goal Weight Reached: 141 lbs-6/23/2011, Lowest Weight: 126 lbs-12/11/2011,
Current Age: 61, Current Weight: 161 lbs-5/20/2016, Total Weight Loss Maintained: 170 lbs 
I am just days past 1 year post-op, so take this with a grain of salt. I have lost 125 lbs in 12 months. My weight loss has been fairly consistent each month and has barely slowed down these last couple of months. If anything, it picked up in December and January. I was told by my surgeon that malabsorption is not as high as some would believe - only 6-10% if I am remembering correctly. I know it wasn't very high at all. I don't see why after 1 year, even without malabsorption, that weight loss would not continue as long as calories in are less than calories out. I think exercising, increasing muscle mass, and making good food choices are helping me lose weight more so than the malabsorption from the surgery. I still plan on losing 25-30 lbs.
I'm with Jen. My surgeon was also pretty adamant that malabsorption is not very significant or long lasting. I also don't think that we can really tell how much we have. I have kept a close watch on my intake, and will going forward. As I get older, I'm sure my intake will need to be reduced anyway -- it's one of the hazards of aging -- so if and when I need to cut down on calories, I will be ready.
6'3" tall, male.
Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.
M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.
Some people say they don't believe they lost the malabsorption after 1-2 years.
I am interested to hear how many years post op you are and at what degree you believe your malabsorption still plays in your weight loss and maintenance.
Now that you've decided on the sleeve, what drives your RNY curiosity?
HW333--SW 289--GW of 160 5' 11" woman. I only know the way I know & when you ask for input/advice, you'll get the way I've been successful through my surgeon & nutritionist. Please consult your surgeon & nutritionist for how to do it their way. Biggest regret? Not doing this 10 years ago! Every day is better than the day before...and it was a pretty great day!
You're allowed to change your mind. It's a big decision, you want to make the right one. That said, there is a very good chance you'll be happy with whichever one you pick. With either one, you will most likely lose a whole lot of weight and keep it off and you'll probably have no serious complications. So while it's an important decision, I don't think there is really a wrong way to go.
Kelly
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
What factors make you lean toward RNY? I was all settled on the sleeve, but my doc said that he sees less leaking with the RNY (shorter staple line), and better weight loss with RNY. I decided to go with what he advised. Every once in a while I wonder if I was right, but I think like Kelly said, which ever one you get you will probably be happy.
~Barbara
