10 yr, 8 month RNY weight loss....w/ challenges.

[1Artist 19]

It has been many years since I checked into Bariatricpal. My surgery on 9/1/2011 was at the INDIANA University Medical Center Bariatric Dept. The decision was made for weight loss and diabetic control. Over the years of owning two businesses, raising two sons, getting my husband through dental school then music school, while practicing my own career as an artist, my struggle with healthy eating and controlling diabetes was eventually too much. At the weight of 299 lbs and age of 71 yr and the consistently worsening sugar control, to the point that I was giving myself daily insulin shots, was a wake up call. It isn't an easy decision to jump into a serious surgery, like this if you don't have access to the specialist medical practice like the IU Medical campus. The Department offered lectures and programs to educate people about their obesity and ways to get help. I never felt pressured to sign up for the surgery but after a few appointments with the surgeon and nutritionist, several medical tests reassured me that my basic health was able to handle the surgery, I followed through with the required initial diet and weight loss. I lost 45 lbs in the first 4 months. It was rather easy to do by following the diet prescribed and I even thought about forgoing the surgery, except for the diabetes issue.

Going ahead with the recommended RNY and strictly following the diet, I got down to 165 lbs. That was higher than I thought would be ideal but the sight of boney neck, face and arms seemed fine. For anyone who is older like me, I strongly encourage that you research your area for a surgery clinic that is recommended and consider your options. The following advantages that I received:

1. Loads of energy.

2. Longer life, (said my cardiologist)

3. Feeling younger.

4. More interest in going out for travel and exercising.

Having recommended it I must say that I don't recommend it for young people who are doing it for vanity alone. Why?

1. You have to follow strict regiment on Vitamins and follow up care.

2. You have to absolutely restrict your food intake. You have to be prepared for a complete change of food choices.

3. You have to be psychologically prepared to be successful over all temptations.

ISSUES that I have encountered may be due to lack of nutrition. My current medical care is concentrated on low hemoglobin , anemia, kidney function. The good news is that my diabetes is under control and I haven't needed insulin or any medication since surgery.

After years of sticking to the rules for eating, I cannot overeat. A couple of bites of Protein, tiny veggies, a bite of fruit fills my stomach to the point that I can be in pain. This is one issue that I wonder about and if other long term RNY patients have experienced. You comments are welcome.

[catwoman7 10,876]

I'm not as far out as you are (six years in June), but unfortunately, I can eat a lot. It's a constant, daily battle to control my cravings and my calories. Granted, I can't eat half a large pizza at one sitting like I could pre-surgery (I would be in severe pain!), but I could definitely consume half a large pizza over the course of a few hours, eating a piece or two, then another piece or two an hour or two later, etc. So even though I can't physically handle massive amounts of food at one sitting, I can overeat (unfortunately!!)

[The Greater Fool 1,954]

9 hours ago, 1Artist said:

ISSUES that I have encountered may be due to lack of nutrition. My current medical care is concentrated on low hemoglobin , anemia, kidney function. The good news is that my diabetes is under control and I haven't needed insulin or any medication since surgery.

After years of sticking to the rules for eating, I cannot overeat. A couple of bites of Protein, tiny veggies, a bite of fruit fills my stomach to the point that I can be in pain. This is one issue that I wonder about and if other long term RNY patients have experienced. You comments are welcome.

I'm 18 years post-op. My restriction is still pretty much like it's always been since about 2 months. My plan has been the same since day 1 post op. I was pretty strict about following my plan until the plan became my normal. The only time I get 'full' is when I'm stressed in some way which causes my pouch capacity to reduce. If I'm not paying attention it's not a happy experience.

If I'm where you are health-wise when I'm where you are age-wise, I think I'll consider it a job well done.

I've had a few transient issues that weren't because of my surgery. But, my surgery didn't help and often added a level of difficulty. Still wouldn't change a thing.

Good luck.

Tek

[1Artist 19]

I have to confess that I am not a good patient to take my prescribed meds every day. I do have a great breakfast to start the day and usually a late lunch with a bedtime bite of a left over.At the beginning, I followed the rule to cut my bites in very small pieces and chew 30 times. That has been constant for the entire time and I believe it has helped me reduce my quantity sufficiently to keep from gaining.