Excited to join the conversation and eager to hear suggestions from others who have been down this journey.

I had Laparoscopic Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) in 2012 at age of 57 at Mayo Rochester. My weight has been up and down since. In two years after surgery I slowly lost around 90 lbs. Then over the next 4 years put 50 lbs back on.

In 2018, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and over next few years weigh varied often depending on cancer treatment I was receiving.

Since 2020, I have re-lost previous weight gain and lowest I have been most of my adult life. Over 100 lbs less then pre surgery.

Initially after surgery, I had very few problems, no dumping or vomiting. I did have problems with my iron (ferritin) being too low and use to get IV infusions of iron.

Two years ago was diagnosed with small ulcer and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Treated for both, but sometimes it still bothers me so not sure either are totally resolved.

There are foods I can no longer tolerate. I get sick from sugar and some dairy. This has gotten worse in last few years.

I crave carbs, I know they are empty calories but even with a poor appetite, I am always hungry for bread and pasta.

I have problems with fatigue and my iron level has dropped, at very bottom of normal range. I would like to do more activities, but it takes me a day to recover from a active day. So I pace myself. Try to do exercise class or be more active one day then give myself a day to recover the next.

I am confused what supplements I should be taking and plan on asking about that at next appointment.

I know I do not drink enough water and trying to work on that. A Mayo provider suggested adding Ligiid IV to water to increase electrolyte. It helps, especially when hot out. I do not tolerate heat, and get dizzy when overheated.

One thing that helps me is yearly rechecks with Endourology section at Mayo. I have an appointment this week. They schedule blood and urine tests and discuss what is working and what I am struggling with. It was at one of these yearly appts that the provider scheduled upper GI tests that discovered the ulcer and SIBO.

If the provider gives me any helpful advice I will share.

Laurie