3 Years

[Redmaxx 740]

Hello all,

Been a long time since I was here. Lots going on. on 20 Oct 2019 it will be 3 years since my RNY surgery. I have a checkup with my bariatric surgeon today. It is supposed to be every year, but since the emergency surgery last year it has been every six months. I have stopped going to support group (I think it is great but I am not getting anything out of it). I am still about 155 lbs and am pretty happy. Still have sugar issues, but everything else is ok (per blood tests). I get to go next month for the MRCP on my pancreas (I am hoping the IPMN hasn't grown).

I flew from Detroit to Pharr, TX a couple of weeks ago to pick up a Mazda MX5 (my dad gave it to me, he can't drive it anymore), and drove it 1700 miles back to Detroit. Then a little over a week later my wife's brother was killed in an automobile accident. I drove about 500 miles (from Detroit to Carthage, NY) last Thursday (so I could be at his service) and got up the next morning and drove about 500 miles back to Detroit.

Not really feeling it anymore, this is probably going to be my last time seeing my surgeon. I don't need to pay him $40 to have him tell me I am doing fine. I know how I am doing.

I hope everyone is doing well.

[FluffyChix 17,409]

Hey there, glad to see you! Congrats on 3 successful years.

I know you feel like you don't need this. But between years 3-5 is kind of like a "witching time" where you can suddenly start to gain for no good reason. Please consider staying with your doc on your scheduled plan. If for no other reason than to check your Vitamin levels so you stay healthy long term. It can take around 3-5 years for vitamin and nutritional deficiencies to show up. No lie.

Your health is worth it and in the long term it might turn out to be the smartest decision you've ever made.

Wish you'd stick around and post. Sorry to hear of your BIL. Cool car, though! Yay, you!!

[soundview 8]

Hi, I’m 4 years out and skipped my 3 year appointment because all off my labs to that point had been fine. I had labs in Sept and now my Iron is low as well as D2 and B12. What a difference a few years makes so I would say it’s worth it to check in every year. I didn’t have any idea how bad my levels were.

[Redmaxx 740]

Well, the doctor is happy that I lost the weight (I had gained about 15 pounds) and has put me back on the yearly check. My primary doctor does bloodwork and checks everything every time I go to see him. I guess I will stick with my surgeon still, he is a great surgeon and I respect the mans talents. As far as the support group, I think I am done. It was great while I was active in it, but it just repeats every year. We have a plastic surgeon come in one meeting, the program head shrinker another, the Vitamin people another, a holiday party in December, and pretty much talk about the same things at the other meetings. Plus there is only me and one other guy in the group, the rest are females, so everything is geared towards them. I get it. But I am not getting anything out of it.

[Redmaxx 740]

I guess all I need to worry about now is the IPMN. I have to wait until 20 Nov 2019 for the MRCP. It is the longest hour ever laying in that machine that sounds like it is try to tear itself apart.

[always 59]

Hey I have IPMN also, but I do a MRI every year to measure cysts. I have 3 on my Pancreas for over 12 years that need to be monitored. I have only had to be put out twice for EUS and biopsies. Wonder why the difference you have to be put out for tests yearly

[Redmaxx 740]

1 hour ago, always said:

Hey I have IPMN also, but I do a MRI every year to measure cysts. I have 3 on my Pancreas for over 12 years that need to be monitored. I have only had to be put out twice for EUS and biopsies. Wonder why the difference you have to be put out for tests yearly

It is just what the doctor wants.

So last year I was taken to the ER for severe "gut" pain. They did a CT scan and determined that I had a bowel blockage (2 years after) due to the RNY. The CT scan also showed a possible IPMN. I showed the report to my bariatric surgeon and he referred me to a gastro doctor. That doctor (last year) ordered a MRCP. He sent me a letter that said, "You have a cyst in your pancreas." The actual report said possible IPMN (the CT scan report also said that) and the doctor said, "Don't worry about it." So I have to go next month (it will be a year since I had the MRCP) and have a second one done. I guess if something happens, my family can go after the doctor because there are two reports that say possible IPMN and all he said was, "You have a cyst in your pancreas."

[always 59]

I would send you private message but I can't figure out how. So I apologize discussing this openly. I'm not trying to be bossy but I was mis managed with this for a year. Once I went to a 2nd opinion with a gastrointestinal cancer specialist he told me the only one to manage IPMN is a Liver/Pancreatic specialist. So I found one of the top specialist for Liver transplants and have been with him last 12 years. With IPMN he laid out his treatment plan; they need to do biopsy on the Fluid to make sure it's not pre cancerous, they also have a blood test CEA-19 which is specifically for pancreatic cancer. Then a MRI to monitor changes in shape and size yearly. You have worked so hard to get healthily, Just asked your GI about these testS the CEA 19 is just a blood test, you many have already had it. Good Luck

[Losingit2018 1,170]

I am not familiar with ipmn. Is this something that was caused by the bypass surgery?

[always 59]

Cysts within the ductal system usually the pancreas...Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms..Not from a Bypass but I hijacked the post and got off topic making sure to stress importance of the work up needed ....sorry