Question:
Do you have health problems long term with RNY?
I read on a website today alot of negative about long term health after having Rny. Such as osteoporsis, liver problems. Can someone give me some answers about what to expect long term. — Lisa B. (posted on October 10, 2002)
October 10, 2002
Let me guess... it was gastricbypass.netfirms.com?? If it was, keep in
mind that the woman that runs this site is VERY anti-WLS. As for the the
long-term health problems, I cannot speak from personal experience because
I am pre-op, but from what I understand as long as you continue with your
multi-vitamins and protein everyday and you make sure you get enough
calcium, there should be no ill effects long-term. If I wasn't confident
about this, I would not be having this surgery at 22.
— Toni C.
October 10, 2002
I agree with Toni 100%. The lady who runs that anti-WLS website is what I
would call a fanatic. She bases her "information" on outdated
information, assumptions and isolated incidents. Granted, we need to be
informed patients, but keep in mind that the negative things that accompany
WLS are far fewer than every. Surgeons have strived to perfect the
procedure over the past seven years. They have learned that the
malapsorption issues can lead to major health issues so they stress that we
must take vitamins for life....this is not a game. Nor is it a short term
thing. We must take this seriously. Our surgeons have given us a tool. Once
the weight is shed, we are not "normal" though we may look so.
Our internal organs have been shifted around. We must take this seriously
and take measures to protect OURSELVES. We take our vitamins religously. We
go for our lab tests routinely. We go for follow up care. If we don't, we
might end up as a statistic. However, if we follow the guidelines and the
"rules", we will be fine, healthy and happy. I, for one, think
the trade off is worth it!!! I take my vitamins every day. I have my
Vitamin B12 shot monthly. I have my labs drawn regularly. I am followed by
my health care provider....because I know that my life depends on it. Hope
this helps!!! Good luck! Be the BEST LOSER YOU CAN BE!! Hugs, Kathie (in
Hawaii).............
— KathieInHawaii
October 10, 2002
I just checked out the anti- wls website, and oh Good Lord, they are
whacked ! Talk about old, scare tatic information ! Sure there has been a
small percentage of folks who have had complications, but there are
hundreds, and thousands of us who HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS. I thank the
good Lord everyday for giving us the technology to help severely obese
people, like myself. I am 10 months post-op and feel great ! Toodles
— Sherry S.
October 10, 2002
— M. B.
October 10, 2002
Lisa: I am now 18 months post-op. I just had a full blood profile run on
me last week. Cholesterol was 140. HDL/LDL fats were perfect. Blood
pressure 110/65. No signs of insulin resistance or diabetes. Pre-albumin
(protein) and iron levels normal. All other numbers, hormones, nutritional
levels 100% normal. I'll tell ya ... at 407 lbs., all these numbers were
out of whack big time. I don't think we really know what the future will
hold for us, but--looking at WLS in retrospect--I wish I had had it at 21
instead of 28!! I feel SOOOO much healthier. My self-esteem is better.
My career is better. My relationships are better. This was the BEST thing
I have ever, ever done for myself, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
— Terissa R.
October 10, 2002
WLS is a risk, plain and simple. So is every other important step we take
in life. Driving a car is risky. So is crossing the street. I cut this
sentence from a post below: "When Gastric Bypass surgery is
successful it can be a blessing, when it is not, it can be a personal and
family disaster." For "Gastric Bypass surgery," you could
as well substitute "marriage" or "childbirth" or any
number of things. WLS is a big deal. The best any of us can do is do our
research, get informed medical opinions, and cross our fingers.
— Roxanne M.
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