Comments on: RNY - 4 years post op…

By: Fern Gaines

Fern Gaines — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 10:44:33 +0000

Becky,
Thanks for sharing so candidly about your success and struggles. I am only 6
months out from my surgery and have done pretty good with the weight loss but I
needed to be reminded of the truth about that grazing stuff. Just since the
holidays I have found myself with more cravings and starting to graze. I have
not gained any thing but the loss has been slowed down. I needed this reality
check. My DH gave me a membership to the gym so I hope that helps get me
focused.
I will keep you in my prayers and hopfully you will get on track again.
God bless,
Linda E.
Niceville, Florida
RNY 6/18/02
306/209/150
Dr. Champion-Atlanta

Hello Everyone;

I haven’t posted on here in a few years, but it’s only been in the
last few months that I’ve had to start looking for support again.

The reason I’m posting now is because I want to let those of you
know, who are pre-op, there is more to this surgery than meets the
eye. I went into this surgery with ‘dreams of a skinny Becky’
floating through my mind. The ‘work’ end of it never *REALLY* was
given a second thought. Working at keeping my weight off was
something I was obviously never good at anyway. Controlling the hand
to mouth motion wasn’t anything I was good at either.

So, here I am - 4 years and 4 months post-op and I’ve actually gained
15 lbs back. Not that I ever reached my goal weight. At 5′7" a size
16/18 was fine for me. It wasn’t a 24/26. I had no complaints. I
got down to 209 lbs, and now I’m back to 224 lbs… and not only
that, I’m having to watch what I put in my mouth and control it. No,
I don’t eat the portions I ate before, not even close. I ‘graze’ and
in these wonderful winter months I prefer to eat soup. Not broth
soups, but home-made creamy soups. As a post-op RNY (or any other
type of stomach shrinking surgery) I can eat ‘normal’ amounts of
soup. I will be honest and say that the doctor told me NOT to eat
soup sometime shortly after my surgery. It’s a comfort food… and I
found comfort in it, although my pants got uncomfortable because of
it.

Also, 2 years post-op, my husband announced that our marriage was
over. I never saw it coming. He never told me there was issues - it
was just ‘over.’ He never told me why; so I have no idea if the
weight loss had anything to do with it. I’m still not divorced,
however that will change within the next two or three weeks.

You are probably wondering WHY I am writing this to you. I *DO NOT*
regret my surgery (except for IF it was the reason my husband left
me) one iota. However I went into this thinking that my stomach
would be only able to have a 4 or 5 ounces of food, I’d lose weight
and my life would be perfect. Shame on me for having ONLY
the ‘honeymoon’ photo’s in my head.

This surgery is absolutely LIFE altering. You *WILL* lose weight.
Several areas of your life will be enhanced - and there will be
changes in your life; have NO doubt about it. Keep in mind the
changes will be mostly positive, however there might also be negative
impact.

Also, the surgery is a tool to help you lose the weight; however
keeping it off will be *YOUR* responsibility. I’m NOT back to square
one by a long shot - however in the last few months I’ve realized
that *I* must get myself back on track and be aware that even though
my stomach probably now holds about 8 oz of food I have to control
WHAT I put into it and how often I put food into it.

Good Luck to you all. I hope that things work out great for you, but
I also hope you keep in mind that the tool you’re being given has to
be used and it is more work for you in the long run, then for the
surgeon in the OR.

Becky
4.4 years post-op and stuggling once again.

By: Candy Justina

Candy Justina — Mon, 05 Sep 2005 05:11:22 +0000

Goodness Lisa, I didn’t say you were irresponsible. I just said
that for ME, making a will is a part of adulthood, a part of taking
care of adult responsibilities. You may view adulthood as having
totally different responsibilities. That’s your decision and your
view. I’m ok with that. I do think maybe you’re being a bit over-
sensitive here, but that could well be because you’re facing a surgery
that is scarey, which makes all of our emotions a little labile.
I certainly don’t know where you got the idea that I consider possessions
a way of sharing love - love has nothing to do with my decisions
about creating a will. Although I would love for everyone to like
me, I’ve found out that this is not going to happen in my lifetime
. If you choose not to like me because of my response, I can
also live with that.

Take care,

Pam

At Monday, 6 January 2003, you wrote:

By: Corina Fischer

Corina Fischer — Sun, 04 Sep 2005 01:39:39 +0000

I’ve had a will since I was about 25 - had nothing to do with surgery
or whether I was going to die or not - had more to do with wanting
to be sure that what little I had went to the people I wanted it
to go to. I think a will and medical POA are good ideas for all of
us. Who knows when we’ll be in an accident that’s not our fault?
I consider it to be like insurance or getting proper dental care
- something you do as a responsible adult, which is independent of
anything going on in your life at the time.
Pam in Niceville

At Monday, 6 January 2003, you wrote:

By: Corina Fischer

Corina Fischer — Sat, 03 Sep 2005 20:18:52 +0000

At Monday, 6 January 2003, you wrote:

By: Corina Fischer

Corina Fischer — Sat, 03 Sep 2005 14:58:04 +0000

I know that when I was in nursing that the hospitals and nursing
homes kept blank generic Living Wills and POA’s on hand. All I had
to do was fill them out and get them notorized.

You should check with your HR dept. or Admitting to see if they can
point you in the right direction.

Becky

By: Neva Marjory

Neva Marjory — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 02:41:29 +0000

I agree with Pam. I too have a will in place for the same reasons and that’s to
protect my family. Though this surgery makes us set up and take notice, life
has a way of throwing all sorts of curves at us. Ecclesiastes 9:11 says, ‘time
and unforeseen occurrence befall us all." It’s best to be prepared at all
times. There are free sites on the net that give formats to legal forms. All
you do is copy, paste and fill in the blanks. Of course, you need it notarized
and put in a safe place where a family member knows of it’s where a bouts.

I’ve had a will since I was about 25 - had nothing to do with surgery
or whether I was going to die or not - had more to do with wanting
to be sure that what little I had went to the people I wanted it
to go to. I think a will and medical POA are good ideas for all of
us. Who knows when we’ll be in an accident that’s not our fault?
I consider it to be like insurance or getting proper dental care
- something you do as a responsible adult, which is independent of

anything going on in your life at the time.
Pam in Niceville

At Monday, 6 January 2003, you wrote:

By: Neva Marjory

Neva Marjory — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 23:57:33 +0000

Lisa;

I know that when I was in nursing that the hospitals and nursing
homes kept blank generic Living Wills and POA’s on hand. All I had
to do was fill them out and get them notorized.

You should check with your HR dept. or Admitting to see if they can
point you in the right direction.

Becky

By: Candy Justina

Candy Justina — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 18:15:36 +0000

At Monday, 6 January 2003, you wrote:

By: Corina Fischer

Corina Fischer — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 12:07:02 +0000

To Becky and the group,
Thanks Becky for sharing your story, I have saved your letter to disc and when I
start to feel like over eating or binging (like I know I will) I am gonna read
it. I am scheduled for surgery on Feb 3rd. I am excited, nervous and looking
forward to a new life that will allow me to move freely and be myself (active
and outgoing). I actualy am looking forward to exercising and being able to be
physically active without limitations of the excess weight…
I am curious if anyone had to make a will before surgery or appoint a guardian
for making medical decisions. I wasn’t surprised that my Dr. addressed the issue
but I am not really sure how to make a will or appoint a guardian. I feel silly
even saying it since I am a nurse and know how important a will is but I am only
32 and haven’t really needed to think about a will till now… If anyone can
suggest an inexpensive easy way to make a will and appoint a guardian for med.
decisions I would appreciate it. I have already begun looking for a lawyer to
help me but think there must be an easier less expensive way… Thanks.

As for the process I have went through to getting approval for the surgery: I
had my consult, psych eval, did the required tests (EGD, sleep study for apnea
and seen a pulmonary specialist for my asthma) I then waited for about 3 weeks
for approval from my insurance company and met with the surgeons and am now
scheduled. The whole process took about 3 months, not so bad considering all the
stories I have heard about denials from the ins. co and Dr.s getting in the way
of the approval… I wish everyone a happy New Year and Hope all of us find the
happiness and sense of self we are seeking.
God bless and I will check back in soon… LISA

I haven’t posted on here in a few years, but it’s only been in the
last few months that I’ve had to start looking for support again.

Becky
4.4 years post-op and stuggling once again.

By: Phoebe Tyesha

Phoebe Tyesha — Sun, 28 Aug 2005 20:07:41 +0000

Hello Everyone;

I haven’t posted on here in a few years, but it’s only been in the
last few months that I’ve had to start looking for support again.

So, here I am - 4 years and 4 months post-op and I’ve actually gained
15 lbs back. Not that I ever reached my goal weight. At 5′7" a size

16/18 was fine for me. It wasn’t a 24/26. I had no complaints. I
got down to 209 lbs, and now I’m back to 224 lbs… and not only
that, I’m having to watch what I put in my mouth and control it. No,
I don’t eat the portions I ate before, not even close. I ‘graze’ and
in these wonderful winter months I prefer to eat soup. Not broth
soups, but home-made creamy soups. As a post-op RNY (or any other
type of stomach shrinking surgery) I can eat ‘normal’ amounts of
soup. I will be honest and say that the doctor told me NOT to eat
soup sometime shortly after my surgery. It’s a comfort food… and I
found comfort in it, although my pants got uncomfortable because of
it.

Becky
4.4 years post-op and stuggling once again.