Newbie concern

[gunit1979 0]

I am a newbie with my first consult scheduled August 26. I've been following this forum for a few months now and have had most of my questions answered by just viewing other peoples questions and concerns. However, there is still one nagging concern that I haven't seen discussed. Has anyone who has had surgery experienced going through a critical illness just as cancer and chemo or radiation after being sleeved?

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I assume your concern is about adequate nutrition intake?

Several on here have gone on to have healthy successful pregnancies and had no problem eating enough to gain baby weight, successfully nurse etc.

I didn't go through chemo, but I got sick last year and lost my appetite. It is incredible how quickly I lost weight (not in a good way). I had to proactively take steps to trigger my appetite.

Of course now, I wish I didn't have an appetite..haha... but I am fit"ish" and healthy weight - almost 4 years from surgery. I don't think "quantity" of food intake is a problem after about the 2 -3 year mark but i do suspect we are more at risk of appetite loss. My doctor said that the thing about WLS patients is that there is less relilesnce due to the surgery, so the key is to not let problems like loss of appetite linger or go on too long - manage it aggressively to keep the health up.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Welcome to the site!

I am newly sleeved so don't have first-hand experience. What I have noticed on these boards anecdotally is that as people get healthier they seem to be better able to take care of other health issues (knee replacements, other surgeries) and chronic conditions.

I can only imagine that being healthier in general would better equip me and my body to deal with or even avoid other health problems.

[gunit1979 0]

Adequate nutrition intake during a serious illness is my concern so thanks for addressing this CowgirlJane. I watched my mom go through cancer and chemo and I know loss of appetite is a big issue even among non-sleevers who are in chemo therapy. Thanks for your input.

[IncredibleShrinkingMan 437]

Take those multivitamins...religiously. That is the most powerful defense against both minor stuff (hair loss, broken nails) as well as against serious threats to our immune system, etc...We do not become immune to any non-weight related illness, but following the directions keeps us on par.