Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss: Meet others & Share

my name is Cheryl and I was obese since early childhood in the 60's. Had my first Stapling done in 1977 when I also had my gallbladder removed due to many stones. I was about 278 at the age of 21. At that time the surgery was very new and the staple line ran horizontally across the top of the stomach. We ate an ice cube of broth as a meal for the first month and attended a support group each week with the small group of us in the chicago suburbs. I lost about 100 lbs and felt amazing with my 5'6" frame. Over about 10 yrs though the weight slowly came back and I started having stomach spasms. I went to a new Dr in Houston who explained that the staple lines now were done vertically so food would not sit on and disrupt the staples. At the age of 30 and at 320 lbs I went in to have the staple line revised. When I woke from anesthesia the Surgeon told me that "it was like trying to suture a kleenex" since the stomach tissue had been so damaged. I developed peritonitis and was kept in the hospital for almost 6 months with many complications and eventually 3 more surgeries to try to repair the damage. I weighed 125 lbs at my release. I have been through severe esophagitis and within a few years, 8 mm of Barret's Esophagus. I learned to eat carefully, small portions and supplement with ensure. I've had scopes every year since for biopsies and several dilatations to reopen where scar tissue due to severe gerd, had closed up my throat. I've learned to recognize that familiar "taste" and pain when I have ulcers due to H-pylori and chug pepto bimol for the curative value of the bismoth. I've lived through so many "new" patented acid medications and still woke up every night with a stomach and throat full of bile and acid. My teeth have lost enamel from so much vomiting over the years. For about 20 yrs I slept when I could in a recliner. Now at age 65 I have lost 4" of height due to degenerative disc disease in my spine and my esophagus is essentially "folding" over itself causing yet another issue. Would I do it again? YES. My self-esteem stayed the same but OTHER"S estimation of me changed drastically. I got the promotions that were eluding my 300 lb person and learned so much about living that I otherwise never would have. We now have come so far with this surgery and the medications are finally giving some actual relief! My first few scopes were done in the Dr.'s office a bit of spray on the back of the throat and the command to "Swallow and Breathe". Now my combined EGD and Colonoscopy with a bit of propofol is the best sleep I get all year! I am happy to share that I AM the story of all that can go wrong, and I thank God that I was in Hermann Hospital with many experts available. I am happy to share also that the biggest change is phycological and secondary is the physical.

Follow up from earlier post.

I had my yearly endocrinology recheck post gastric by-pass surgery today. My surgery was in 2012. Due to low Ferritin, the provider order iron infusion via IV. I was luckily enough to be able to get the first infusion today and the 2nd will be next week. I have not needed an iron infusion since 2017, not sure why it dropped now, but will recheck blood in 3 months to see if I am able to maintain my Ferritin level.

Found out that I should not be taking my calcium and Multi-Vitamin pill at same time. It can be confusing when on multiple prescriptions and supplements when to take each and what not to take together. I also take a Thyroid medicine and cannot take at same time as calcium and Multivitamins. So I suggest when you review your medications during an appointment, you also review what should be taken when and any interaction between. The pre-appointment questionnaire asked questions about name and dosage of supplements, I was glad I had that information with me. It might be smart to bring your pill bottles with you so can check the the dosage if any questions.

As Tara Schmidt, @taraschmidt, mentioned in previous post, I think it is important to do follow-up appointments after weight loss surgery. My Primary Care provider is great, but not a specialist in the effect weight loss surgery has on your body.

Laurie

I am Medicare Original and Tricare For Life. Have begun or been doing many of these things already. Seeing a Nephrologist, Cardiac Doctor, Diet for years, and an Internist at the base is my PCM. Thinking of finding a Gerontologist to maybe replace internist unless the internist is a better fit. You're opinion is very welcomed and extremely appreciated. Thank you for your input.

You should qualify
Some insurances specificly exclude BariatricPal surgery
Read you policy
Most policies require a bunch of
Med appts ie cardiac
Pulmonary. 6 months diet
Psych visit and nutritionist visit

I guess having diabetes, HBP, Chronic Kidney Disease the good part of Stage 3 etc... wouldn't disqualify me for consideration. But, would the BMI be high enough?

To qualify for bariatric surgery, your BMI needs to be over 40, or over 35 with other medical problems (commonly called comorbidities). If you are interested in weight loss and do not qualify for surgery, you can always pursue lifestyle interventions, medications, or weight loss procedures (these are different than surgery). Consider clicking through the different tabs on this page to learn more about each option.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/weight-management-1/

I'm so glad you have an appointment in Endocrinology this week, Laurie. This is exactly what I would have requested you to do regarding your supplements. The provider you are scheduled with will review your medical record and labs/urinalyses if you had them completed prior to your appointment. We have recommendations at baseline for supplements, but tailor them specifically as time goes on.

We know that patients who attend their annual visit with Endocrinology are more successful with keeping their weight off long-term. You're doing the right thing!

Usually BMI over 35 to be covered by insurance
Sometimes pre existing medical conditions lower that BMI amount

Does one have to be really way overweight in the US to be allowed to have the surgery? I am 5'5'' and 170lbs. Is this true? Thank you for the information,

Hi!
I was sleeved almost 6 years ago, at 61yo.
I VERY slowly lost 90 lbs., about 10-20 lbs less than I wanted to lose.
I've also had several illnesses and surgeries including lung cancer. However, I did not need any chemo or radiation.
I've gained back between 10-20 lbs. Each day is different.
For me, I do lots of stress eating.
There are things I no longer eat, but nothing makes me nauseous.
As far as vitamins, especially with bypass, it's something you will need to take the rest of your life because of malabsorption.
My cousin, like you, has issues with iron and also get infused (but I don't know how often).
Whoever you are seeing on a yearly basis should be doing a complete blood workup including vitamin and minerals. Wherever there are issues, suggestions should be made as to what to take.
Usually, the standard is a multi-vitamin. I know that all the vitamins I take, I take double the dosage.
However, I know that things have changed and there are vitamins that can do double or triple duty.
Just be sure to ask the doc.
Good luck!
Ronnie (GrandmaR)