Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss: Meet others & Share

I'd like to invite these members to join in. @grandmar @karihammel @kaye4c @aprilarlady @sandytoes14 @fourof5zs @peacocks5577 @motorcarrier @glassguy3 @diane69 @roch @nova1976 Can you share your Bariatric/Weight loss journey with us?

Hi!
My name is Ronnie , I live in Central Florida.
I was born and raised in NY.
I met my hubby when I was 12 and we've been married almost 48 years.
I have 2 married children (boy/girl also with weight issues) and 3 grands (2 girls/1 boy).
I am a retired elementary school principal.
After moving to Florida, I was sleeved October 2016.
I was 61 yo when I had the surgery.
I was scheduled once before, but I backed out.
I wound up having it a year or two later.
I lost 90 lbs. but never reached MY goal weight.
Since then, I've gained back between 10-20 lbs. (depending on the day).
I am currently on the high side, but I am facing some very stressful events.
Since my surgery, I've had melanoma surgery, lung cancer surgery and 2 spine surgeries.
My endocrinologist is trying to get my thyroid med right (I have a sluggish thyroid).
It has been determined, from my blood work-ups, that I have fatty liver disease and I am insulin resistant.
Have a nice weekend everyone!!!!

I had the RNY Bypass in 2016 I was 62
started 320 now 165 Lots of adhesions intestinal resections loss of appendix Gall bladder
and illeocecal valve BUT the sweet taste of thin was worth it Best of luck S

Hi! I am April from the Ozarks of AR. I am married and retired.
I had my gastric bypass in 2005. My highest weight was 275, my lowest 105 and I am at 142 right now. I initially lost down to 125 and maintained there several years before my first 30 lb regain. When lost the 30 lbs I just kept going and lost another 20. I have regained a couple more times, no more than 30 and always lost it. This last time, I have not yet lost it and it has been 2 years now. Pandemic pounds. I just find it very hard now, at age 61 to lose the weight and stay motivated and with a bunch of joint issues, I am no longer able to walk the 3 miles a day that always helped me before.

No complications from the surgery other than in recent years I keep getting anemic due to malabsorption and having to get iron infusions regularly and sometimes blood transfusions. I have been told the older I get the worse this will get.

Blessings to all.

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

Just have a question. I am diabetic and have read research that weight loss surgery has a tendency to put an end to diabetes. It is used to end diabetes in other countries. Is there any truth to this? Thank you.

kend (@kend)
I think the answer to your questions depends on your individual situation, type of diabetes, weight, etc...

I did find this article from Cleveland Clinic about subject:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21153-bariatric-weight-loss-surgery-for-treating-diabetes

It also has general information about weight loss surgery.

Laurie

I also need annual iron infusions after resection from adhesions.( and removal if ileocecal valve) From RNY

Many are able to get off meds. Must be monitored

Thanks for reply. I was having to get infusions every 6 weeks for a while. It's been about 3 months since my last right now. I hope I don't have further issues. They did an upper GI to be sure it was not from anything else. God bless!