1 year post-op

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone. My name is Jim and I am 1 year post-op today. What a

rollercoaster of a year it's been! I've been a lurker for quite a while and am

looking forward to posting now that I'm 'legal'. I had some major complications

following surgery, but I can finally say this is the best thing I've ever done.

I feel like I know so many of you and I appreciate all I've learned from this

group and also the OSSG-Protein group. What a great bunch you are!

1. Are you male or female?

Male

2. Starting Weight?

319

3. Weight now?

173

4. Surgery type and date?

5/14/02 - Open Transected RNY w/ gall bladder removal.

5/20/02 - Open Revision of RNY due to gastric leak.

5. Amount bypassed if you know?

Unknown. Will ask surgeon at next appointment. I know I am proximal since my

surgeon stated this is the only type he does.

6. Length of common channel if you know?

Unknown. Will ask surgeon at next appointment.

7. Pros of your surgery?

At 1 year out, all my co-morbidities are gone, including losing 100% of my

excess weight, normal blood glucose levels despite discontinuing 3 diabetes

meds, normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels despite discontinuing Lipitor,

normal thyroid function despite discontinuing Synthroid, normal moods despite

discontinuing depression medication.

Great improvement of psoriasis on scalp.

Normal bowel function (better than before surgery).

8. Cons of your surgery?

Leak after initial surgery. Had 2nd surgery 4 days after the first one and

spent 1 month in the hospital. I had a gastric feeding tube and had to feed

myself through this for approx. 3 months. Developed a very small fistula

between pouch and stomach. At 11 months out, Dr. says it is probably closed

now.

Severe depression after surgery due to complications plus I had discontinued

depression meds before surgery.

Low blood pressure, which has caused 2 episodes of syncope.

Slight anemia.

Still have to diet and exercise and " watch it " big time; I don't think a lot of

people realize just how much going into this thing. This is also a plus,

because it keeps me making healthy choices which keeps my diabetes in check.

9. greatest joy

Being able to pass as 'normal'.

Being able to shop for normal size clothes.

Not feeling I'm going to die at a young age due to health problems.

Looking in the mirror.

Fitting into booths at restaurants.

10. greatest challenge

Not being able to blame all my problems in life on being overweight.

Dealing with people in social situations.

Relearning coping skills.

Dating.

11. Your age at time of surgery?

40

12. Any advice to others? (about 5 lines if you can manage)

Be prepared (emotionally and financially) for complications. Its not always the

other guy that gets them. Research the surgery and your physician well and be

confident in both. It really helps to have a strong support system. I don't

know how I would have made it through without my Mom by my side.

13. Your surgery doc? if you care to say

Dr. Scholten

Grand Rapids, Michigan

14. Your regimen of food and exercise? (Please summarize in a short paragraph;

aprx calories per day estimate/and minutes of what kind of exercise/and how

often?)

Food:

Due to working 2nd shift, my day doesn't begin until early afternoon.

2:30 pm - 30 gm protein shake (usually Chocolate Pure Whey Protein Stack)

6:30 pm - 30 gm protein shake (usually Chocolate Pure Whey Protein Stack)

7:00 pm - 1 cup chili, 1/2 large pickle, 2 oz cheese, SF jello/fruit

9:15 pm - 30 gm protein shake (usually Strawberry Pure Whey Protein Stack)

11:45 pm - 30 gm protein shake (usually Chocolate Pure Whey Protein Stack)

12:15 am - Omelet made with 1 whole egg and 1 or 2 egg whites, filled with Pizza

sauce, pepperoni (precooked to remove grease), onion, red/green pepper, olives,

mozzarella.

Some days when I get up earlier or my days off, I go to lunch and have a small

portion of whatever I want. I usually will have the remainder later in the day

as my 7:00 pm or 12:15 am meal.

I try to emphasize protein and limit carbs and fat as much as possible but am

not a fanatic about it.

No in between meal snacking.

No drinking with meals. I wait 30 - 45 minutes after a meal to drink.

Exercise:

45 minutes of running/jogging on the treadmill at the gym 2 - 4 days a week.

Light weight lifting at the gym 2 - 3 days a week.

Occasional walking at the mall for 45 minutes.

15. Which of these adjuncts do you use? (hypnosis, prayer, affirmations,

journal keeping, therapy, OA, meddies, etc.)

Weight, Exercise, and blood glucose journal. Online support groups.

16. What is your daily vitamin and mineral supplementation?

2 multivitamins, ~1000mg calcium, 1 Niferex Iron capsule, monthly vitamin B-12

injections.

Jim K.

Open RNY 5/14/02

Start - 319

Goal - 174

Current - 168