Veterans 5+ years out...

I know that this question gets old...I am considering RNY due to my health issues(Type 2 , Sleep Apnea, HB)...I have done my research and... 

I am willing to change my ways of eating(porton size and no water during meals)

I am willing to adapt to a exercise regiment

I am willing to adhere to a faithful vitamin regiment and get my tests done

I know that this is a tool and not a "magic pill"

I am just looking to get some feedback of those 5+ years out on your experiences...with any negative issues...esp with dental issues(loss of teeth) if you had any or really any issues in general that would make you wish you didnt have RNY  

-Rob

Hi Rob

I never get tired of saying this, so here goes.  I am 5+ years out and not for ONE SECOND have I ever been sorry I did this.  I am below even my own expectations.  I weighed in  at 268, 5'3" tall, size 24, down to a 115-118, size 3-4, and feel superb.  Was it easy?  NO . . . but I would do it again and again and again in a short hearbeat.  It has made be not only feel good about myself, but it has made me a healthy person.  I love my life, I love my body, and I love myself.  I am not perfect, but for ME, and only for ME, I am great and that's all that counts.  If weight is a problem, I would highly recommend the RNY.  It will change your life.  Does change everyone's life, I doubt it.  I had a friend that had it done at the same time as I did and he was never able to get down even to what ne would consider good.  He started trying to "beat" the system from the get-go, lost about 75-80 pounds, and then within a short time gained it ALL BACK, EVERY SINGLE POUND.  If you want to beat the system, you can and you will.  I am a real good rule follower, but that's just my nature.  If they tell me I can eat only one teaspoon of mashed potatoes every hour, I will have an alarm to tell me exactly when to eat it.  That's just me, but because of it, I was able to meet my desired weight.  Do I cheat, do I eat candy, do I want or do the things you are not supposed to, YES . . . at times, but I weigh myself every day, yes I am a fanatic about that, and if I am up even two pounds, I am careful with what goes in my mouth the rest of the day.  I hope this is helpful Rob, and I wish you luck.  If you are prepared to do anything to lose and keep that weight off and are a good rule follower (and are not just kidding yourself), I encourage you to do it, you will be a new person.  Again, good luck to you.  Missy

have been at below even my own, even when I had some pretty awful dumping episodes and other such cutue

I'm almost 5 years out 11/17/2003. Open RNY.
NO COMPLICATIONS AT ALL.......NONE Nanda.
NO dental issues either.
I eat what every I want WITH IN REASON.
If I want birthday cak I have one or two BITES not 2 pieces.
If I want pizza, burgers, oh and even fries. YES I eat them but NOT AS MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing I did wrong was to stop LOGGING my food intake and I was snacking and grazing and I gained a little so now I'm logging every bite and the weight is coming back off.
Take your vitimans and have you blood work done every 12 months (more if you need it) and you'll be able to adjust your vitimans so you can keep all your levels right.
You'll do GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Robin

Other than complications with my initial surgery (see my profile) I have had no problems.  I have the usual complications of dumping if I push the issue with too much fat/sugar content but that is it.  I would do it all over again if I could.  Even at 6 yrs out....I still have to watch everything that goes into my mouth and I am obsessive about weighing myself every morning and logging my weight/food intake.

My career has also taken off due to the weight loss.  I'm not doing anything different than what I did before, but people do look at you differently. 

I think you are wise to ask these questions before surgery.  I am seven years out.  I had a small stoma opening, and I had to be stretched.  I have had pre-surgical concerns with anemia, and these seem to be worsened to some degree.  I am, and have been 95% faithful in vitamins,and to this day, I rarely drink any liquid with a meal.  I haven't lost any teeth; nor, has my teeth worsened in any manner.  I am realative good health, and I perform cardio 5-6 days a week and lift weights 3-4 days a week.  I don't have ANY regrets in having this surgery performed.  I do wish there was more information out there before I had my work done, and I wish there were stronger enforcements for follow-up emotional counseling.  I don't believe this surgery is for everyone.  It changes your life, and after the honeymoon period is over, the real work begins.  There are many-many foods that I cannot tolerate any longer.  They either get stuck in my stoma (if not chewed well enough, or no base such as a gravy, mostly meat) or they make me sick.  The surgery, initially fixes how much food you can fit in your pouch, but it does not, and I repeat does not fix your thinking.  You are correct; this is not a magic pill; however, if you really adhere to what you stated in your post, you will be succcessful in journey.  Best wishes, and make the decision for you and your overall health!

Dental issues..LOL...YES!!! I am 5+ years out and I just recently had to have one of my molars pulled. The dentist also said that I need 3 root canals. He also stated that I needed to go to a specialist to have it done because they were not "rotting in the normal way". I guess they are rotting from the inside out. YEAH FUN FOR ME!!!! I have a host of other problems too. High blood pressure--check! Didnt have it at 410 but I have it now. Plus all my other nuerological problems that go with being malnourished from lack of vitamins. BUT..yes there is a BUT...mine could of all been avoided if I had continued to take care of myself even long term post op. The first year or so post op your life revolves around it so its easier to remember to do all the stuff that is good for you. For me..the further out I got the less I would think about my WLS it was a distant thing of the past. I do not tell my story to scare people I tell it to keep them informed about what could happen if you are not diligent about caring for yourself. Good luck.

Thank you for sharing that Tanya!

I'm sorry.  I couldn't read your post because the font is too tiny.  Why would this site have such tiny font?  My eyes are old and even with strong glasses on I still can't make out your post.
sorry.

This surgery is a blessing for many of us, but it does come with significant risks.  The folks who tend to respond to this type of inquiry are the happy shoppers, so to speak.  I would encourage to look for posts from long-term post-ops who have had some problems.  Some of those folks would have surgery again in a heartbeat, others would not.  You need to be fully cognizant of the risks and make sure you are prepared to handle it if you're one of the unlucky people that have problems after surgery.  You can do everything right and still have problems.  Is the risk worth it?  Only you can make that decision for yourself.  Me, I weighed the pros and cons, and decided RNY was the right choice for me. 

I'm not trying to scare you, but just encouraging you to make sure you understand the risks and make an informed choice - good luck on your continuing journey...

Kellie

Rhino,

I am just 4 years out, so not a 5 yr person yet, but figured I'd put my two cents in.  I had a LAP RNY and would do it again in a New York minute!  I've lost 91 lbs.  No complications from the RNY at all....no pain, and best of all, "real" hunger has not returned!!! However, the "head hunger" is there all the time.  I had a period of time where I was grazIng too much, so I put the brakes on and I'm back to my lowest weight again.

I just had a tummy tuck and skin removal in May. I did have lots of complications from that, however.  But all in all, I would do that again too!

Good luck to you, and GO FOR IT!  It will be the best thing you could ever do for you!
JA