Obesity Surgery WP Blog

Hi All,
Just wanted to check in with my 6 month update. I had my LAP RNY
performed on 1/30/02, and it’s been an amazing 6 months. My starting
weight was 660 lbs. So far, I have lost 9 1/2 inches off my waist,
and as of yesterday, my weight is (drumroll please) 436, for a loss
of 224 lbs in 202 days. I still have a long way to go, but this
surgery has been a miracle.
Monte in Virginia
LAP RNY 1/30/02 Dr. Gary Harrington/Commonwealth Surgeons
Pre-op weight - 660 lbs
8/20/02 weight - 436 lbs
Goal weight - 230 lbs

I’ve spoken to my doctor about this issue ( I have some non-specific
liver stenosis) but I’d love to hear from you all. What effects does
WLS have on the liver, if any?
Thanks. You guys are so knowledgeable and supportive.
Patty
Open RNY 9/11/02
258/14
MODERATOR’S NOTE: (Can we say this enough?) The advice offered here is in NO WAY
a substitute for your doctor’s information. Please, ask your doctor about things
like this and LISTEN to him or her. They are the only ones able to really
advise you.

Hey Everybody,
Last Monday the 12th, I had my open RNY. I was in the hospital for 5
days. Had one problem with dumping (apple juice sent me over the edge
for a few hours) I never want to experience that awful feeling again
as long as I live. I had another problem with low levels of potassium
and had to have a special IV for that. I did not do well when they
took out the foley. My body forgot how to do it for itself and they
wound up putting in and taking out the foley 3 times over two days.
They finally gave me something to drink that kicked my system back
into the I have to pee myself mode. I was really glad to get out of
the hospital and back home…… that was until I had to figure out
how to sleep at home. Not an easy task. Finding a comfy spot has been
a real chore over the last few days. I am very tired. I cannot lay to
any side, I must stay on my back in a kind of elevated lay down
position. (hate it)… I am a side sleeper and cannot wait until it
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Thank you to; Sheryl, Bill, Celia, Pamela, Tara, Ray,
Jeanne, “Marbleann”, Vicki, Helena for the response.
Thank you for the comments and insight. True, we all
should listen to our own surgeons and doctors. I was
especially curious to find out what you all thought
because my sister had this very same surgery by the
very same surgeon. Now, in dec. of 2000 my sis had
her surgery and it was this surgeons directive to
empty the body, laxative, enema, what ever else they
use. When I told my sister I wouldn’t need to do
this, she couldn’t believe her ears. She told me I
should go ahead and do what she had to do before her
surgery. I think I’d rather listen to you and my
surgeon.
Thanks again…you’re all very helpful in putting my
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Wow, y’all know how to share info & LOVE! Thank you to everyone who
responded with experiences, strengths (Oh gee, I am an ex 12 step
member & its coming out, geez)…& supportive suggestions! I’m going
to follow the Dr’s regime since I AM paying for this out of pocket &
it would be a waste of money in a way to do this & NOT follow
directions! I’ll be a good little, uhh big, patient! ALSO, thank you all for welcoming me to this cool board! I like that
you guys actually responded to my question. That is sooooooo cool.
Actually there are alot of things I dig about this group. I’m gonna
hang with y’all for a while!
Have a beautiful day!
Nan in Seattle
Pre Op
240/NA/125

Would a surgeon do bypass surgery on someone if their iron level was
slightly low? I had a cbc and iron drawn about 2 months ago and they were
fine. Then I had a breast biopsy and a week later I had a blood work that
showed a decrease of hemoglobin and iron. My PCP felt the drop was due to my
biopsy. The surgeon asked for a repeat which I had done last Friday and the
iron was still low but the hemoglobin was good. Now my primary just informed
me that iron could take up to 2 months to return to normal even with
supplements. Has anyone had a low iron level going into surgery?? I have
been taking iron supplements since the low iron was found.
Thanks!
Mary

It’s amazing how the surgeons differ in their practices about all
kinds of things, including this one. My surgeon was like Angel
Bunny’s, we didn’t have to purge, just nothing after midnight. I ate
fairly lightly the day before, and nothing after about 4:00, I think.
My bowels were a bit slow to wake up after surgery (which kept me in
the hospital an extra day), but I doubt if eating more or less or
purging would have made any difference. I didn’t especially have any
gas pains after surgery either, even though my lower bowel couldn’t
have been empty. I’m sure your surgeon has lots of experience with
his/her patients, I’d just take the advice you were given.
Celia

On one of the groups I had seen an address to listen to a WLS radio
show on the computer….of course, I have lost the web address. Does
anyone here have that address ? Would love to listen to it.
thank you
Sandy

My doc will have me on clear liquids for a week after surgery & then
3 months of soupy/pureed food,(it must go through the collander w/out
forcing it). As I read the posts, I noticed that many people eat darn
near normal food a week or two out. Now, I’m not asking for “medical”
advice, I’m just looking for some other peoples experiences. I don’t
plan on cheating regardless of the responses, so if that is a concern
for anyone, don’t worry.
Whats up with this??
Nan in Seattle
Pre-Op

Thank you for your kind thoughts everyone.
I came home this afternoon!!!. Now the lon, slow process of recovery but I am
looking forward to this. So many changes and improvements in my life.
Not eating much. Not very interested. Had some watermelon. It was wonderful.
I am craving fruit at the moment. I will probably add some pureed peaches or
strawberries to a vanilla protein shake.
I had the lap RNY and my g tube is still in and it is very sore. Other than
that I feel pretty good. Tired alot but very happy.
Janet M
If you want something you’ve never had, then you must do
something you’ve never done.