6 1/2 yrs. Post-op RNY- update - ThinnerTimes

Suzanne-photog4fun · 06-15-2008, 10:28 AM

Hello My Dear Bypass Buddies,

I am now 22 days free from eating sugary junk food, snacking between meals and I feel like a new woman. I feel thinner already!!!!! I am 6 1/2 yrs. post-op and had gotten into some old eating patterns and gained 45 lbs. over the past 3+ yrs..

Not drinking with my meals has helped prolong my satiety. Getting the high carb/sweets out of my diet and eating more protein has decreased my sugar/carb cravings.

Last Tuesday, Dr. Ellner (bariatric surgeon at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego) did an experimental Stomaphyx on me. This is a stomach pouch revision done endoscopicly without outside incisions. An endoscopy showed that my pouch had stretch out quite a bit so hopefully this will help. So far, there aren't any long term studies as to it's long term success but I was willing to give it a chance. Post-op, I can only drink liquids for the first month while the stomach heals so I've become the "protein drink queen" like when I had my gastric bypass, 6 1/2 yrs. ago.

Also, due to my lack of adherence to consistantly taking my vitamins, my labs are "wacko". My blood work shows deficiencies in Vitamins A, D, B-12, Calcium, and Iron. This was a BIG wake up call for me. So now I'm diligently taking my vitamins and getting plenty of protein. I just had a Dexascan done two days ago to see if my bones are thinning (osteoporosis) due to my not adequately taking in my calcium supplements. They have to compare this scan with the one done 5 1/2 yrs. ago when I was just one year post RNY bypass surgery to see if my bone mass has deteriorated. I will get the results this week.

So now I'm "back on track", trying my best to adhere to the life long gastric bypass rules once again. It has drastically helped me emotionally by coming clean about where I was at. Admitting to other's that I was screwing up royally, and paying the price through weight gain, vitamin deficiency, and depression has help me refocus. I just pray that I can remain willing to do what I need to do to be healthy. But I can't worry about my fear of failure. I'm focusing in on staying in the present moment and doing what I need to do RIGHT NOW which is much healthier for me emotionally. Returning to Overeater's Anonymous meetings has also helped me deal with the addiction/emotional aspects of my eating disorder.

Thanks for your support. If you're struggling, hang in there. If I CAN GET "BACK ON TRACK", ANYONE CAN DO IT! We'll do it together and support one another.

Just a reminder that this Thursday, June 19th is Dr. Callery's support group meeting for post ops. I'm planning on going (after my long hiatus from support groups) and would love to see others who had there gastric bypass years ago. It is at 6pm at Pomerado Hospital, Meeting Room C/D.
Hugs, Suzanne

Debs · 06-15-2008, 10:59 AM

Keeping off that amount of weight is great. And what is even better is knowing that you need help before it gets totally out of control. We all know that the weight creeps back on us and we have a way of ignoring it. That is why I am in the shape I'm in today. Because that first 1lb. gain has turned into over a 100lb gain. My hat is off to you. Debs

RebeccaNV · 06-15-2008, 11:27 AM

I really appreciate all the info that you post, Suzanne.

Please let us know how the dexa comes out, in comparison with your previous scan.

Rebecca

Mavisavis · 06-15-2008, 11:30 AM

Wow, I am so happy for you. I too have looked into the Stomaphyx. I am 2 1/2 years out and back into some bad habits. How was the surgery as far as pain and recoop time?

pummychal · 06-16-2008, 09:22 AM

Awesome!! Great job! It definately can be done. My husband had WLS about 10 yrs ago and gained back about 100 lbs. He was so dissappointed in himself. It was bad habits, stress eating along with many other mistakes. He is now losing the weight again with me. He says his pouch is still working for him for the most part. Not as well as when he had surgery but pretty good. He has lost 33 lbs to my 51! We are racing to see who gets below 300 for him and 200 for me first. So good job and you're going to lose that 45 in no time!!

SDeRossett · 06-16-2008, 09:33 AM

Suzanne:

I'm glad this all happend so quickly for you. It still seems like yesterday when I read what I thought was your first post. I'm glad this is working for you. A whole month on the liquid diet - Wow! What streangth and determination! You go girl!! Congratulations again.

Sharon

Missy88 · 06-17-2008, 06:12 PM

Hello,
I'm new to this site and had a question about how you are doing with your revision surgery. I don't know for sure, but I fear I may need to do something to make my pouch smaller because at 2 1/2 months I just dont have the retriction I need to be successful, I had a lapband in the past and then had a slippage and got down to 108 lbs, dangerously too skinny, but now I'm 160 5/7 and I feel stuck, like the weight is just not coming off. When I had the lap band removed I gained about 70 lbs in a almost 2 months.

I know you are still on liquids, but are you feeling at all satisfied and would you mind keepingme updated on your results. I'm very curious to see how you do...Good luck, I know you will be successful.

Thanks so much, and hope to be able to hear from you soon.

Melissa
Rkikimad@aol.com

kellyMASS · 06-17-2008, 06:21 PM

I am glad that this is working for you! It is so nice to hear the positive attitude in your post.I knew you could do it.Are you still doing the over eaters anonymous meetings?I was thinking of looking in to that....