Kathy B.
My entire story is posted under the legacy profile (whatever that is).
9/26/16
I just wanted to submit some updated information. I don't get on here very often - it's honestly been years, but I've been thinking that I might want to post an update.
I had RNY on 12/3/2003 with Dr. Robert Bell at Yale. He was wonderful. Several years later, however, I found that I could eat too much food, and I had gained back a substantial amount of weight. After learning about a clinical trial in Boston at Brigham & Women's, I went to be evaluated and found out I had a fistula (a hole) in my pouch. Apparently our hormones can be enemies, and some I mine wanted more food, so a hole developed. I had it fixed at Brigham & Women's and lost most of the weight I had gained back. Second time around weight doesn't come off as quickly, and you don't lose as much.
I went for my annual physical last week, and was thinking about the fact that I am so much healthier than I was almost 13 years ago. I no longer need CPap, I no longer have high blood pressure, I no longer have high cholesterol, and I am no longer pre-diabetic! Add to that the fact that I am also still down 73 lbs. from my highest weight, really made me grateful that I took this path.
Hopefully this post will encourage someone else who is trying to decide if this is a worthwhile process. Do your research, get a surgeon with a great experience rating, once you have your surgery, go as long as you can without trying calorie-ridden foods again - you won't crave them, so don't give in. The longer you stick exactly to the program, the better your weight loss experience will be.
Besides the fistula, I have had no other negative side-effects. I never vomited, although I do experience dumping if I eat the wrong foods - you live and learn!
Best wishes to all who are about to embark on this journey. I hope you are as healthy 13 years later as I am now!
Kathy
