2 Years Post-Op

[Whit]

Hello Friends,
Today is my 2 year revision surgery anniversary. For those who do not know my storyI revised from RNY to DS 2012 with the amazing Dr. Ara Keshishian.

Brief recap- RNY 2002, 100 pound loss, regain, marginal ulcers, return of co-morbidities including sever reflux. Overall poor quality of life, no life at all actually, had me scouring the internet for a surgical solution. I was all set to have RNY "tune-up”and joined Obesityhelp online for support, confirmation of “gut” instincts, and information. Laura found me, Diana informed me, and the rest is history.

Over the past 2 years I have gone from 240 to 119, from agonizing about walking a block or climbing stairs to walking for miles, rolling around on the floor with Grandkids, and yes even crawling through a doggy door when locked out of the house. I have much more self confidence.

Life is not all rosy though. I struggle with eating enough. I have problems eating after 5pm. My stomach just closes up. I still vomit occasionally-usually at night (at my worst it was daily sometimes multiple times). Sometimes I feel frail and I am at the bottom of “normal” BMI. Two more pounds and I will be under weight. I know this will change but waiting is proving worrisome. I am not a patient person.

My labs are continuing to trend down. I was NPO for the first 2.5 months then liquids for another 2. The thought of swallowing anything that was not pulverized was terrifying. I have only myself to blame I did not get into a routine taking vitamins. I am doing better but I think it may be a while before I get my levels up.

I recommend routines. Take your vitamins everyday at the same time…everyday. Even if you know your going to vomit. Just do it.

I really appreciate the unconditional love and support I have been given on this board. You have all really played a huge part in my progress. So many have had far worse challenges to face. I have never in my life been part of a group that puts their own troubles on the back burner and really digs in to help others. I consider myself very fortunate.

Thank you all. Heres to another year!

 

[star0210]

Congratulations...even though it sounds like you got off to a rocky start, you look happy.
Are you glad you did the revision? Any regrets?

I'm curious about the vomiting. Did you vomit easily pre WLS? I ask because I've never been one who vomits easily. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've vomited in my whole life....and most of them were because I drank too much! I've never vomited since I've had my VSG and I sure hope I don't start now after my revision!

 

[newanatomy]

Congrats on two years!! You have had great success. Do you use a vitamin organizer? I fill mine once a month and it really helps to keep me on track.

Can you sip on a protein shake in the evening? Maybe that would help with your weight. I am sorry you are still having trouble in the evenings.

 

[Whit]

Thanks Ladies,

Star- I was not a vomiter pre revision. It was a stomach thing. If I ate to much or to fast. Sometimes if I forced myself to eat when I did not want it. If you are doing ok with the Sleeve you will probably not have any issues. I had a micro pouch so my reassembled then sleeved stomach is pretty small and temperamental. Not much nausea so it is not as bad as it sounds.

NA- I do drink protein in the evenings if I can not get food in. I still purchase Vitalady pre-packs and do pretty good now only an occasional missed dose. Once your in the hole its hard to get out.

Best,
Whit

 

[buffalobillsfan]

Congratulations...even though it sounds like you got off to a rocky start, you look happy.
Are you glad you did the revision? Any regrets?

I'm curious about the vomiting. Did you vomit easily pre WLS? I ask because I've never been one who vomits easily. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've vomited in my whole life....and most of them were because I drank too much! I've never vomited since I've had my VSG and I sure hope I don't start now after my revision!

In 5 years with my DS I have only vomited twice. Both times were at Benihana's restaurant and I was 4 years out. I ate soup, salad (I think this acted as a plug), lobster, shrimp, lots of rice (which expanded in my stomach when I drank diet soda), scallops, a few pieces of sushi and a scoop of ice cream. You'd think I would have learned the first time. The bushes outside the restaurant didn't know what him them.

 

[southernlady]

Whit, congrats on your revision surgiversary! I know you had a rocky start but you plowed thru and kept on keeping on...
And you are LOOKING awesome.

 

[JackieOnLine]

I'm sorry to hear about the vomiting but congratulations and I love the photos - you look fantastic!!

 

[Munchkin]

You look like Wonder Woman! I hope you keep on getting better!

 

[aaa]

Glad to see you're celebrating your 2 year anniversary. Sorry to hear not all is rosy but hope things settle down for you soon.

Star, I vomited a lot after my DS. Several times a week for the first year and then at least once a week for the second year. Mostly it was b/c I drank too much liquid right after I ate. I was thirsty and just drank and drank.

After those first couple of years, it hasn't been much at all. Of course, when I push myself past the full point or drink too much liquid after eating, I will get the dry heaves and vomit. But that's maybe twice a year and it's my fault.

 

[brooklyngirl]

Happy surgiversary, Whit! You look fabulous and I'm happy to hear most of the troubles are behind you

 

[Dawn]

You look marvelous. Thank you for being here and sharing your story.