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Hi yes in 2017 I had to have 8 iron infusions in one year. I was at a seizure threshold level. My iron is low normal now again but ferritin is bottoming out even on supplements prescribed by online walk in dr. so is my vitamin d. also prescribed by the walk in dr who has temporarily taken me on until I find someone. there is no one anywhere near my area accepting patients as a NP or primary care physician. Ive looked into that site. Also the GI's outside of the GTA where I am are at a loss and just cut me loose when I did see one a few years ago and when I asked for a second opinion from another GI he refused and said he doesn't give second opinions. I finally found this ohip covered online walk in dr. who took me on. things are finally starting to move as far as seeing specialists and tests, but Im worried about the time its taken to find him and also get in to specialists who can and are willing to take on complex cases as Im finding a lot of drs just don't want to. One ER nurse just two years ago when I explained my diagnosis, said "Ya you are the type of patient every doctor hates to see walk in the door".... Its been a brutal struggle.

I totally agree that it has given me my life back in many ways. and with my aunt 600+ pounds and died early in her mid 60s of stroke and was in a nursing home at 60 after her first stroke. Im very grateful to still be here and have life. Id just like to improve my health significantly so that at 47 with two younger kids (7 and 8 ) and parenting totally solo on my own during covid, I want to be here as long as I can and live a healthy and full life. Hi you asked for a bit more details so here it goes.... possibly related yes, possibly no... just seeking possible ways to become stronger, healthier and live my best life with my kiddos. Im not saying anything against wls surgery at all... its given me so much for quite some time... im just concerned and looking for possible solutions as I think most would if a snow ball multi system deterioration is happening and no specialists have answers and the gastric bypass specialists won't see me. I am sending out a question to see what might fit to help improve my health, that's all. thank you to all for understanding and reading this. Without weight loss surgery I wouldn't probably have been able to have my kids (I was told previously I would never have kids at the weight I was at and with the health issues I was having at the time related to my weight... so no I definitely do not regret it... but I would love to have my health back and improve my and my kids quality of life to an even greater extent. Thanks again! Im 47 female I weigh 180 pounds and at 167 my bones were sticking out and I was receiving a lot of concern as people assumed I was down to 130 on my almost 5'8 frame that's always been very muscular until I gained all the weight in my 20s. Up until then I was very athletic, voted most athletic female at my 1500 student high school, won all possible awards with sports and leadership and invited to try out for the Ontario Provincial Women's soccer team. Im saying that as most BMI charts would have and did conclude I was overweight even while playing for rep soccer, basketball and volleyball teams etc. so the the BMI for me has never been a good indicator of health or fitness. These are my struggles Third Degree Complete Heart Block and flat lined for recorded 22 seconds on a halter monitor. Some may argue it could have been a vasal vagel response (although they usually tap out at 10 seconds)... and if in this line of thought were true, part of the vagus nerve is severed during gastric bypass reux en y surgery, most often not the part that can affect the heart yet any slight injury can occur during surgery especially to nerves. If my vagus nerve was nicked by mistake in the wrong spot, even without surgeons awareness, It could cause a vasal vagel response and shut off my heart temporarily (as its a nerve conduction issue). I developed this complete heart block in 2015 but had symptoms starting in the fall 2009/winter 2010 that could point to the start of the glitches with my hearts electrical circuits. I also developed super ventricular tachacardia (SVT) that did not pre-exist surgery. No arrhythmias did. But I also have heart conduction issues in my family... so it could be genetics or a surgical complication unrecognized during surgery. I have always had stellar bone density. I was tested pre-surgery and they were shocked that someone at my weight (450+) had such strong bones. In 2014/15 I started having back issues and did my bone density test and I was diagnosed mild degenerative disc disease in L4-S1. Three years later its now moderate to severe with a leaking disc, slipped vertebra, and a vacuum affect pulling my spine over to the right. I also now have it in my thoracic and cervical spine all at the mild stage right now. My calcium levels are normal. This may be the cause or one of the causes of widespread ligament/muscle inflammation surrounding my entire spine. Because of no nsaids to reduce the inflammation and because its such deep tissue the anti inflammatory topical creams don't help so much. I have also developed more than 1% bone density loss in my right hip and was told on my report that the Ontario Government recommends bone density repeat testing in one year. I did have a GP at that time but she refused to refer me saying that's not a big enough risk as it is compared to the exposure of the scan. I disagreed but was blocked. Im still in search of a GP (family dr but rural/more northern communities are all in short supply of family drs. People are driving two hours and keeping their family drs when they move because finding one is next to impossible. My hip now is so painful that I cannot lie on it at night. Yes it could be bursitis or it could be due to bone mass loss. This started in my early 40s and has been worsening rapidly. (I had WLS at 36). My teeth also have started to physically crack and crumble, the dentist thinks its somehow related to malabsorption although my tested levels of calcium are normal. I don't know... They aren't sure with the deterioration of my spine if that is causing nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy in my lower extremities as the CT isn't clear enough to see and the referring neurologist who was involved at that time said that all Toronto Hospitals she contacted said no to an MRI until my legs start to give out, as Im too high risk of another complete heart block. Ive also had a lot of cardiac ablation surgery for the SVT and that even in people without previous heart blocks increases the chances of severe heart blocks and death with one spot ablated, I had 7. Yes the heart blocks could be hereditary, yes the svt could be hereditary, the bone density no. The possible way to diagnose this and other neurological issues (which could be ms or my spine deteriorating is possible) cannot now be done due to my heart history that may or may not be related to a vagus nerve injury sustained during surgery and I can't get help to remedy this until its so severe I can no longer do activities of daily living, maintain independence because of risk of falling and loose my lower ability to function. To find other answers to shore up my spine (bones) and make them stronger is imperative to have a good quality of life and function well as a mom of younger kids on my own. I also have since developed very low blood pressure as well now which was never an issue that has now started to have episodic high spikes. This makes medications difficult too low or too high Im in trouble. I had my pacemaker put in in 2015 and another this past October 2020. I have a lot of gas showing to fill and expand my non functioning stomach and I asked the GI when I had one in 2018 why my stomach is so full of air/gas when no opening from the top is there, it only drains downward. I suspect possible infiltration of SIBO somehow or another gas producing organism but he just shrugged and didn't pursue it. My abdomen has now started to severely distend to the point that I look 9mths pregnant, its hard to breathe, and its hard as steel as my 8 year old would tell you and he says its usually mushy lol with all my extra skin. this occurs after I eat especially although its always tender and slightly hard and swollen... just worsens when I eat, not sure if its connected to my cycle and digestive tract, if my stomach that's been severed has issues now that its not functional (just drains gastric bile/stomach acid) and this abnormal non use of my stomach specifically has reacted over time to this, how bacteria migrated upwards while gastric acid flows down and out. I just don't know... possibly totally unrelated for sure... these are just some of the issues... Im just looking to see if any one in this specific community has any similar issues and if they resolved, how.

I've lost almost 100 lbs since last March! What do you do about lose skin?

My stats were close to yours...i have a lil pooch but not much saggy skin. My weight loss was slow and i took care of myself. I also work out everyday. I didnt have many complications. Really not being hungry was a thing for quite a while...and having to force myself to eat. I also had a short bout with finding foods that worked for me. She still has her days where she is hard to figure out! But its much more predictable!

I have heard around year 7 from a fellow gastric bypass patient when I first had the surgery as she went for her follow up (it was in the States - Ontario doesn't follow up past 5 years) that the hormones that make you hungry that can be dampened by cutting the vagus nerve near the stomach somehow (Im not a dr, or biologist) start to rev up more than they have since surgery and this can be a period of readjusting to a hunger level that most of us may not have had for several years which makes loosing that last bit and keeping it off a bit more challenging. I think going right back to the basics post surgery and doing a food journal (as painful as that is after awhile lol) could be extremely helpful to find many answers. be sure to include how much water your drinking each day and is it at least 30 minutes after eating, are we all being conscious of taking time to still really chew everything? I think if I found my initial binder of what to do and not to do that may help me again as a fresh reminder, not sure if this may be helpful? It might be for me, thanks for asking this great question! Im interested to see the responses for myself and my own health and weight loss of the last 15/20 pounds, again....

Hi, I am 8 years out. O haven't had any complex health issues but re-loosing 35 pounds. Any suggestions. After the surgery I was pushed into menopause early, but I welcomed it. Any suggestions on getting back on the wagon? Sent from my SM-N960U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I've suffered from fine/thinning hair since my children were born and have taken hair, skin, and nail supplements for many years. WLS did NOT help the situation. My hair loss started around 3 months and didn't stop for at least another 3 months. I recommend you look up and read about telogen effluvium. My advice: As others have said above, the supplements are likely worthless at this point. If you're already shedding, starting supplements after the fact won't make a big difference. *I took them long before surgery and still got it. The hair you're currently losing was in production at the time of your surgery (see telogen effluvium hair cycle). Meet your nutritional goals set by your doctor. At this point, it won't stop it, but it might help it slow down and help you recover faster/grow your hair back/etc. Consider healthy scalp treatments like massage, oil treatments (castor oil and others) Get plenty of rest and manage stress (stress only makes it worse) Take it from someone who has spent $100s (if not $1000s) of dollars on "supplements," "natural cures," special shampoos, and all sorts of snake oil on hair loss. The best thing you can do is not stress and get your nutrition in. Today, my regime looks like this: I still take a daily Hair, Skin, Nails formula (mine also has a lot of other vitamins/minerals, so I justify it like that) Here's the one I take I introduced a collagen supplement (good for hair and hails) I do not wash my hair daily. I usually wash about every other day and if I can stretch it to a 3rd day without looking like an oily mess, I do. I got a scalp massager Here's the one I purchased on Amazon I sleep on a silk pillowcase (it is recommended to reduce breakage) (besides, they say it's also good for the skin and preventing wrinkles) Before I wash, I do a deep scalp massage with follicle-stimulating oils like castor oil or red pimiento or some similar oil meant to moisturize the scalp and strengthen hair follicles. Every time I wash, I use a different shampoo (I change between 3 favorites) to prevent any build-up that would weigh my hair down or lead to breakage. I recently started washing my hair with cool/cold water. I cannot believe the difference! My hair immediately felt fuller and was definitely shinier, stronger! If you can tolerate it, I strongly recommend this one.

I'm six months post op and have a CRAZY amount of hair (my hairstylist says at least double psi than a normal person). She thinks I could stand to lose a little hair! I have been taking biotin and using collagen peptide protein in my coffee each day to get an extra boost of protein, as well as the collagen benefits for my hair, skin and nails. I don't know if it's helping, but it's certainly not hurting! Good luck!

Has your doctor prescribed it because your levels are low? Or have you just decided to take it yourself? Only asking cause I just had this conversation with a friend who had decided she should take it cause she’s fair skinned. I’m very fair, avoid the sun & my vitamin D levels are extremely good. I think I’ve convinced her to ask her doctor for a blood test as there are side effects if your levels are too high.

Some helpful hints. You will be INCREDIBLY thirsty/ dehydrated post - surgery. Bring Biotene toothpaste and mouth wash. Swish as much Water as you can as soon as you can reach a sink. You may not be able to swallow fluids just yet. And your mouth will THANK you! You can get at Amazon/ Walmart/ Target. BariWise chicken Bouillon- lifesaver - Amazon. Clear Liquid- it tastes good and has 15g of Protein. Amazon - Amazing. ****PILL GRINDER (not cutter) - looks like pepper grinder to actually GRIND your pills so much easier to swallow! - Amazon. Ask the hospital for the 30 cc cups - they’re 1 ounces and you can pour your Protein Shake and liquid clears to keep measurements . **** DO NOT be afraid to ask for pain medication (this was a mistake I made). I acted tough. Ask ask ask for nausea meds - lifesaver. No vomiting. Women - plan on wearing a sports bra that doesn’t touch your top incision and cotton underwear that does not touch your bottom incision. Wear a loose cotton dress to go home in and for recovery. Amazon has a lot of different ones (with pockets). You can lounge in them. Walk around the neighborhood and go out with nice sandals/slip on shoes or flip flops. Amazon also has long roomy comfy sleep shirts - great for lounging and letting your incisions breathe. BariWise hot chocolate- 15grams of protein and considered a clear. Add sugar free Syrup ( can get a bottle at Home goods for under $5) for a treat. Cinnamon sticks and peppermint tea help with nausea. Throw a cinnamon stick in your Decaf hot tea of choice (or hot chocolate). Take a small walk when comfortable even if it’s just around the house when you are waiting the 30 minutes before or after your protein. If you have a gentle dog - take them for a walk (although the first few days I couldn’t because of the bending to pick up poop). My neighbor offered to walk the dog for a few days. Enlist help - people like to help. I was sent home with liquid pain med - keep on schedule and Prilosec capsules. I was instructed to open up. Toss the beads back and follow with chaser - amazing - helped with stomach pain. Also sent home with anti- nausea under tongue melts - AMAZING. If you have headaches/ menstrual cramps - I recommend Hylands brand / melts under tongue (Amazon). Hope this helps! Wish me a great recovery! Best, Christina

I can't remember if I felt more restriction in my pouch after plastic surgery (I had my procedures 2 and 2.5 years ago, so it's been awhile), but to this day if it eat too much (as on Thanksgiving. Or if I eat something that makes me bloat), I get uncomfortable because my torso feels really tight (part is from my LBL - the other part is due to the fact he brought the "side boob" incisions down my sides farther than he usually does to try to pull some excess skin off from under my ribs that was too high to get to when he did my LBL earlier, if that makes sense...). So...yes - at least indirectly...

I often question the efficacy of these products too. If you’re already taking multi vitamins &/or eating a balanced diet, do you need the extra vitamins? (I don’t take any multi vitamins at all because I get all I need from what I eat & taking them makes me nauseous.) Have you had a blood test lately? If you are low in A or B than the product may be of help. I bought collagen & silica (liquid or powder). I mixed these in my yoghurt drink every second day for more than a year. I couldn’t tell you if they actually helped my skin tighten or look better & smoother or not. I was taking them when I was losing weight & I don’t know if my skin would be the same as it is after losing weight without taking them. I don’t take them anymore. I do regularly use a hyaluronic moisturiser because my skin can be a little dry. Just check the ingredients for drug interactions & side effects. You can only try.

I wish someone would have told me the things I was so worried about wouldn’t be such a big deal! I was so worried about giving up my Coke Zero addiction, and it’s been a complete non-issue. I was also very worried about loose skin. I took care of that via plastic surgery and feel great.

RE: GasX chewables: Will the hospital allow you to bring your own meds? I’d be surprised. Make sure that your yoga pants are very loose around your stomach; you won’t want anything pressing on your incisions!

Getting used to eating REALLY slowly preop is also a good habit to start And I think it actually helped me loose weight pre op em!!too many years of eating on the run. Sent from my SM-N975F using BariatricPal mobile app

K...I'm 2+ years out so alot of my surprises are long behind me. But here are some observations from the past year and a bit: I am no longer freezing. Yeah, i still wear socks year round and generally wear a sweater when others around me are not, but my temp regulation is waaaaay better. For instance, my thermostat reads 25C at the moment and I'm wearing a tank top...this would have been unheard of my first winter. All the hair that fell out is back and just as long as the hair around it (I've got almost-shoulder hair) My skin & lips are no longer as dry as the were pre-wls Its been over 2 years since I last broke out (i had a bad case about 2-3 months post op, none since then) My pits don't stink! I can get away without wearing deodorant (when I'm not running). My pee goes straight into the toilet...it barely touches any part of my body/skin that needs lots of tissue nor multiple wipes. Restricting carbs seems to actually have zero value-added effect in terms of losing actual lbs from the scale...but they do have an effect on my looks (they make me look puffier) My body strictly follows CICO. No secret tips or tricks. If I slack off on tracking my food or weighing regularly (i.e, every day), my weight WILL creep up. There is no glaring difference with how people treated me when I was fatter vs. now (well, at least not to my face, LOL) People no longer care how much weight I lost or what I eat.

Soooo I've been thinking A LOT lately about a few things....particularly when hearing about people's experiences with some issues post-surgery. Things like acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, SHARTS, dumping syndrome, feelings of being cold, and scars after skin removal.... I'm an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, and these are all things that can be treated super effectively using this medical paradigm. I'm kinda considering reaching out to people who have had bariatric surgery in my area to see if acupuncture and herbs could possibly help with these side effects.... All of these issues arise due to the structural change and trauma to our organs, so there's a possibility that acupuncture and herbs won't help at all, but I'm so curious to see if it would! In my clinical and professional opinion, I really think there's a strong possibility it will! Even if acupuncture isn't effective for treating these things in WLS patients, it will DEFINITELY still help with softening scars from skin removal. That is just fact. For those of you that utilize Chinese medicine in your lives...have you heard of any practitioners offering these kinds of services? Have you ever sought out acupuncture or herbs to help treat any post-operative side effects? If so, would you mind sharing your experiences? So this WLS journey of mine is kinda opening up a whole world of what I can specialize in and help people, which is awesome and inspiring and could shape up to be my capstone for my doctorate!

When I had my class for my surgery they actually told me not to bring all that stuff. They said wear loose comfortable clothes, bring your phone, and a charger. No slippers, no robes, no excess. They provide the toiletries.

What are you all packing for an overnight hospital stay? I have my fuzzy robe, very loose yoga pants, loose t-shirt, granny undies and a sports bra. Not much as far as toiletries, just toothbrush/paste/floss and a facial wash. Adding: my Crocs which are my slippers. And my phone charger, of course! Am I missing something?

I am constantly cold, I dress in layers now. It is so much easier to do everything! My husband says I am too boney, my hip bones stick out and my spine. I am shocked when I look in the mirror and sometimes find myself staring at myself saying who is that? My wrinkle (y) skin drives me crazy! I feel pretty darn good!

most people just sleep most of the time they're in the hospital. The only thing I really used was my phone and charger. I brought toiletries, but the hospital gave me a bag of them (toothbrush, small toothpaste, shampoo - even deodorant!). Biotene is good - I didn't use mine, but a lot of people do - dry mouth after surgery is pretty common. Otherwise, like someone else said, loose comfy clothes to wear home (that are easy to put on). I just wore the same clothes that I wore to the hospital. Other than that...???

I just had a DEXA scan and it confirmed my suspicions. I'm thin on the outside and still soft in the middle. What I mean by that is that even though my BMI is 22, my fat is 37%. Ugg! Plus I'm still an apple. My waist to hip ratio is 1.12 (goal less than 0.8). The good news is that my bones look good. Yay for me. They did say my recorded fat % may be a bit high since I have some loose skin on my tummy which is just skin and fat. I guess I have some more work to do. I need to increase my lean muscle while loosing some more fat. I hope it will be easier to do once spring/summer comes since I enjoy the outside way more than the inside of a gym. Has anyone had similar results and what did you do to improve them?

Fellow PCOS’er here too... I’m only 6 weeks post op but I’ve had two periods so far. I had not had one in 18 months, then one week into my pre op diet I started. It wasn’t too bad. Then 36 days later I started again. This time, holy hell...it was like a damn broke loose. TMI. I called the doctor it freaked me out. I bled less/clots after having multiple kids! They said it was totally normal and it’s just the crazy hormones. I am hoping for more symptom relief as time goes on!

Agree completely with catwoman. That excess skin is already on you. Your best opportunity to minimize the issue is now before you get older/bigger.