Anyone a few years after bypass?

[TryingtoloseTom 10]

I plan to retire to the Philippines in 10-15 years. Is managing the nutrient malabsorption an issue many years after surgery?

Edited February 7, 2020 by Tom Greeley

[AZhiker 2,251]

I think you will know in 10-15 years if your nutrition is OK. It's going to be different for everyone. I was told that I would take Vitamins for the rest of my life.

[catwoman7 10,846]

you'll have to take Vitamins for the rest of your life, if that's what you're asking. Malabsorption of calories stops after about two years. Malabsorption of vitamins is permanent.

[Cocosmama34 0]

I am 4 years out of an open gastrectomy partial obstruction surgery and 3 years out of the gastric bypass to repair gastroparesis from a perforated ulcer. Yes, I was overweight and the surgery helps me lose weight. But it has left me for the rest of my life with a malabsorption Disorder. So I do get Iron treatments. Every 3 weeks. I do take all of my medications liquid. I do have chronic bowel obstructions.

Now I'm a female so my malabsorption issues are going to be different than yours as a male. My best advice is to Take your Vitamins. Get your blood work. Have a great doctor when you retire. And keep up your Protein. Live life like you've lived it the day after surgery 20 years from now.

Edited February 7, 2020 by Cocosmama34

[TryingtoloseTom 10]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I can see the decision between sleeve or bypass is going to be a tough one.

[Aakers 0]

i am 10 years out from a rny i have Vitamin malabsorption issues but ill take that over diabetes i have always had a Iron deficiency so thats nothing new. i have heard alot of horror stories as well best of luck.

[GingerMe 1]

I am 12 years post op

[GingerMe 1]

I am doing well. though I think they do not do the mental pre-op well at all. That is what you suffer with more than anything

[GingerMe 1]

does anyone else agree with me??

[GingerMe 1]

I think you are better off with the sleeve. I think its better to lose the weight slowly. I think losing the weight so quickly is not good on a mental level. Its hard when it happens so quickly.

[catwoman7 10,846]

2 minutes ago, GingerMe said:

I think you are better off with the sleeve. I think its better to lose the weight slowly. I think losing the weight so quickly is not good on a mental level. Its hard when it happens so quickly.

to be honest, I don't think that it's that much slower. I think having support for the mental stuff (if people have issues with that) is most important. Since you're 12 years out, I wonder if they just didn't do as good a job with mental prep as they do now. Or maybe it was just your surgeon (??).

Edited February 11, 2020 by catwoman7

[catwoman7 10,846]

another thing to consider - the bypass has been around for a long time, and there's a lot of long term data on it. Not so with the sleeve. I don't know that you'll find many people 10-15-20 years out who've had the sleeve, so I don't know what, if any, long-term issues might be.

[Mark.olypenn 5]

I had reoccurring acid reflux and GERDS issues with my lap band to the point it was removed in December. I was strongly considering revision to gastric sleeve, however, my surgeon presented a compelling case against it, in favor, of gastric bypass. His primary point was the sleeve is a restrictive solution to weight loss, similar to a lap band. Given my history, he was concerned that my struggle with acid reflux and GERDS would return. My gastric bypass surgery is scheduled for February 27th.

[BlueEyedAngel28 238]

I am 2 yrs out and already have a Vitamin D deficiency everyday I take B12 . bcomplex. 1 a day. Viamin d . and 4 Calcium pills a day I wont lie I slack sometimes and forget to take then but all my Vitamins have been good. You jus need to remember to take ur vitamins everyday and I think you should be good.

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