audraleeony
Hi all,
My name is Melissa, and I'm 13 years post RNYGB. I did great the first 6 year, even through 2 pregnancies. I left the hospital after each baby at the wieight I was before pregnancy. My pre-surgery weight was 375, and I had tried everything, but I couldn't lose the weight, until I had the surgery. My lowest was 155, but I looked anorexic and sick, with bones sticking out everywhere. My ideal weight for my frame and comfort is 175, (I'm a large-boned German girl, LOL) But I was happy and healthy there. Before my youngest was born, (she is now 8) I started to have low back pain, and I figured it was due to pregnancy, but it persisted after she was born.
About 4 months after she was born, I woke up one morning, and it hurt to put clothes on my body. After 6 months of different docter and failed treatment, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and most PT's said I also had myofacial pain syndrome. (I've had about 11 surgeries, most in my abdomial region). This was when I started gaining the weight back.
A few years ago, I saw a bariatric surgeon, and was told I had a fistual in my stomach, but he didn't want to repair it because I had the open RNY procedure. Today, I researched the doctor who did my bypass, and he no longer does bariatric surgery. I've had a few complication, a incisional hernia, and the fistula, but today, I was doing research on the possibility of getting my fistula repaired and my bypass revised, because I've gained back most of the weight.
I see pain management for my back pain, but so far they haven't been able to pin down the exact reason my back hurts, besides arthritis, degeneration, schmorls nodes, and a few other things. I've been on opiods for years, mainly vicodin, and it just isn't helping as much as I need it to. I'm hoping that I can get a revision to help jumpstart the weight loss again, so excersise is possible. My eating habits haven't really changed much since the surgery, so I don't think that is too much of an issue.
My surgeon didn't give me great info, so I haven't taken vitamins for years, and partially due to that, my teeth have basically rotted out of my mouth. I have dentures, (at the ripe old age of 37) but I can't wear them because they don't fit. Another thing on my to do list.
Besides the back pain, I've also had surgery on both my knees, and will probably need knee replacements at some point. I also have issues with numbness in my left leg, and siatic nerve pain. (basically, I feel like I'm falling apart) I've been researching vitamins and weight loss suppliment to try to get SOME weight off so excersise doesn't hurt so bad and might have some effect. There is also the horrible GERD. It's so bad, it is effecting my sinuses.
I also suffer from treatment resistant depression, social anxiety, ADHD, and panic attacks. I've recently started seeing a therapist and psychiatrist and am much better that I used to be. I spent years in bed due to everything, and it has only been the past year and a half I've started to get some control over my mental health issues.
I've never looked for a miracle, I know I'll never be a size 2, and that is ok with me. I was happy where I was, at 175, it was an ideal weight for me, and I'm looking to get back to it, but due to back issues, it's not an easy thing to accomplish. My hips are also screwed up. The thing that gets me, is most doctors seem to thing losing the weight will take care of the problem, but it started before I gained the weight back. I'm sure losing the weight will help, but I know there is something wrong, besides the weight.
Stress has also taken it's toll on me. My hubby was in an explosion at work almost 10 years ago now, and was diagnosed with PTSD. He was unable to work for a few year, and I've always had issues with "normal" jobs. Also, my now 15 and 1/2 year old son was placed into foster care due to some horrible choices he made. (He is scheduled to go live with my mom starting in June because his sisters are not comfortable with him being at home full time) This has not made my life simple or stress free. Also, my 10-year-old daughter has issues of her own, (ADHD, Oppositional defiance disorder, depression and some other things) but they seem to be fairly under control now, with therapy and meds).
I'm currently enrolled in both Medical Transcription and Medical Billing and Coding online courses, and am almost done with the transcription course (with a 4.0 GPA, yay me!!) I'm hoping that since I plan to work from home, my social anxiety and depression won't interfere too much.
The past year has seen many changes for me. Exactly 1 year ago, April 15, 2015, my grandmother, whom we have been living with for the past 5 years, passed away, and now we are proud owners of her house, and mortgage. It's amazing to actually own a home, but stressful. Hubby is on workman's comp right now, because he injured his shoulder at work, and yet again, we are having problems finding out what is the problem. (Seems to be an issue for both of us. I guess easy diagnoses are out of the question)
My hubby is amazing. It took a while for him to truly understand what I was going through, especially with the depression and pain, but he is really trying. He loves me no matter what size or shape I am. He just wants me to be happy. He totally supports me in my quest to get a revision done, and getting the fistula repaired, but our insurance company might be a problem, plus finding a doc who will try to do it.
Anyways, I found this site while searching for a good vitamin, and I am glad I did. People here will understand what I am going through. Even though hubby tries, he doesn't get somethings. He is 6'4, so 300 lbs on him isn't anywhere near as bad as it is on me.
Thanks so much for reading this, and I hope to get to know some of you soon!