Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
Abut 5 years ago, I had a RNY bypass and never looked back. I always said that it was the best decision I ever made for myself. I lost 160lbs and gained a brand new life. My life now consisted of jogging, hiking, and most of all socializing. For the last five years I had absolutely no issues with the bypass and was learning how to love myself. I am about to lose all of that.
Last August (4 months ago), I had a duodenal ulcer hemorrhage. For the last four months I have been severely anemic (hemoglobin around 4 and 5) and have all of a sudden dealt with absorption issues. Last Monday I hemorrhaged again and had to go through an emergency RNY reversal surgery.
I am completely devastated on so many levels, but right now I am frustrated beyond belief by the lack of information on RNY Reversals. I have tried to call my surgeons office to get some questions answered but because it is Thanksgiving week, the office doesn't open til Monday.
1)Can anyone tell me if you have had a reversal?
2)How did the post surgical diet differ fro the original diet?
3) Do I now have stomach acids again to help with digestion?
4) Do I now have the valve that helps keep food from entering the intestines?
5) How exactly will my short and long term diet have to change?
6) How much weight did you regain after the reversal?
If anyone could help me out with these questions, I would be extremely grateful. I am so frustrated, HUNGRY and upset.
Last August (4 months ago), I had a duodenal ulcer hemorrhage. For the last four months I have been severely anemic (hemoglobin around 4 and 5) and have all of a sudden dealt with absorption issues. Last Monday I hemorrhaged again and had to go through an emergency RNY reversal surgery.
I am completely devastated on so many levels, but right now I am frustrated beyond belief by the lack of information on RNY Reversals. I have tried to call my surgeons office to get some questions answered but because it is Thanksgiving week, the office doesn't open til Monday.
1)Can anyone tell me if you have had a reversal?
2)How did the post surgical diet differ fro the original diet?
3) Do I now have stomach acids again to help with digestion?
4) Do I now have the valve that helps keep food from entering the intestines?
5) How exactly will my short and long term diet have to change?
6) How much weight did you regain after the reversal?
If anyone could help me out with these questions, I would be extremely grateful. I am so frustrated, HUNGRY and upset.
Make an appointment with your surgeon and ask for a detailed review of what exactly was done during the surgery. Ask for a referral to a nutritionist who can assist you in developing an appropriate nutrition plan so that you can maintain a healthy weight.
I hope that once you are recovered from your surgery, you will be able to maintain an active lifestyle.
It may well be that much that you have learned about a healthy lifestyle after the RNY can be applied going forward.
Best wishes. Please keep posting. :)
Today is Monday, though, so hopefully you've been able to talk to your surgeon and get the answers you need. Good luck!
However.... give yourself some credit, girl! 5 years of a healthy active lifestyle is a Hell of an accomplishment. You may not need as much help as you think!
I do agree with the others - you have 5 years of successful weight maintenance. Your body should continue to "work with you" to maintain your current, healthy weight. From what I have read, when they performed the original RNY, the villi in the lower portion of your intestines (the part that still received food) became "super villi" and increased their production of the good hormones (the ones that regulate hunger and insulin production). Some doctors believe that is what is responsible for the metabolic changes from RNY (and why it cures type 2 diabetes). I don't think reversing the surgery would make the villi go back to their pre RNY state.
Here are my thoughts on your questions (not that I'm an expert).
2. You should probably stick to your original diet. You have successfully maintained your weight with it.
3. You have always had the stomach acids - it's just that with the RNY, they "met" the food at some point in your intestines, rather than in your stomach. Now, they will return to their normal place in the digestion cycle, so you will be able to absorb more nutrients.
4. Probably - unless the surgeon did something to it. This is a good thing - you don't want a normal sized stomach without a pyloric valve!!
5. I'm assuming they want you on liquids while your digestive system heals from the surgery. Then, you should return to the eating patterns you have had for the past 5 years.
6. How much weight you gain is up to you. Remember - the surgery was a tool. You did the hard lifting. There is a very good chance you don't need the tool any more.
Again, I encourage you to take strength in the success you've earned. You can continue to do this! Please, keep us up to date so the next person who comes here asking the same questions can learn from your experience!
((hugs))
JJ