Is there anyone here that's post op 7+ years having health struggles, what are they?

[Lookin4answerspostop11+years 2]

Hi everyone,

Im post op (11+) Years. Im curious and was wondering if anyone is on here who is post op 7+ Years and who, are having or have heard (in research or know of some post op patients years later having complex health struggles?

if so what were the complex health issues years post op and what was the treatments or outcomes?

[Hop_Scotch 1,632]

I am not 7+ post op, but am interested in what complex health issues you may be experiencing? Do you think these issues are related to your surgery or perhaps co-incidental?

The questions you are asking seem to be far-reaching...perhaps it would be better if you set out your history of weight surgery, outcomes and complications etc

[catwoman7 11,214]

just so you know, there's hardly anyone on here who's that far out. Not sure where to recommend you ask that question as most people that far out aren't on forums or in support groups anymore, but maybe someone will respond...

[Lookin4answerspostop11+years 2]

Thanks for the response. I figured it was going to be difficult but still thought Id just ask.

[gina1200 0]

Hi, I am 8 years out. O haven't had any complex health issues but re-loosing 35 pounds. Any suggestions. After the surgery I was pushed into menopause early, but I welcomed it. Any suggestions on getting back on the wagon?

Sent from my SM-N960U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

[catwoman7 11,214]

22 minutes ago, gina1200 said:

Hi, I am 8 years out. O haven't had any complex health issues but re-loosing 35 pounds. Any suggestions. After the surgery I was pushed into menopause early, but I welcomed it. Any suggestions on getting back on the wagon?

Sent from my SM-N960U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm almost six years out and would like to lose 10 lbs. I've just made more of an effort to exercise at least 150 minutes a week and have cut back a bit on calories. I know it'll take forever to lose it since I'm currently four lbs "overweight" (thanks, COVID), but that's fine. If I decide I want I want to lose faster, I'll cut back more on calories.

[Lookin4answerspostop11+years 2]

Hi guys,

so here goes... if you are wondering why, if you are thinking this is far reaching this far out from gastric bypass reux en y surgery than this whole message might be of interest to you... if not ... no worries... just responding and hopefully clarifying as best as I can.

Not sure what you mean by my question being far reaching, can you let me know what you mean, Im honestly just looking for anyone who might have experienced some health challenges that they are curious if there surgery could have been impacted, worsened or created by the surgery. Im not looking to blame my health on weight loss surgery nor am I saying its a good or bad choice for anyone, that's a personal decision for sure. Im just looking for possible answers in several places (other than bariatric as well) to find answers so I can live my healthiest life that all and if someone else has had complicated health issues or is several years post op and health in many areas has weirdly changed in not so positive ways, what they may be and did they find a specialist or find a solution/decrease in symptoms or cure and what that is. I know its a needle in the hay stack but I am also doing due diligence post surgery as I did presurgery to look for all possible ways to make the most healthy choices for my life.

I started to have one thing after another happen starting in roughly 2014 and increasing to the point of 5-6 years later involve multiple systems of my body. The follow up here in Ontario with a gastric surgeon specialist or any gi for that matter, nutritionist, specialized nurse practitioner etc. is not covered by OHIP (our medical coverage in Ontario) past 5 years. I did get a consultation at about year 7/8 when things started to accumulate as far as symptoms, diagnosis's, and medications, specialists etc. But he was just please I kept my weight off and did a general food diary check, supplement check that I was using and just said Im not sure, all these things aren't directly related to gastric bypass and all the best as he said we only follow up for 5 years as a way of gathering data, research, and statistics, once the 5 years are up, its up to your GP (general practitioner) to follow you. In Ontario we have a severe shortage of GPs and mine retired and soon after I moved out of the area and cannot find a gp to even do regular blood work and keep an eye on all the health stuff, let alone gastric bypass related regular check ups, that just now up to walk in clinics that I wait to see whoever and check my own levels online if they will do the test and as they remind me I need a gp and when I ask where would I find one, they go silent.

Am I saying its related not necessarily yes and not necessarily no, all I know is our gut is our second brain and controls so many functions in all systems throughout our bodies, even often telling the brain to release or decrease certain hormones, Proteins, chemicals throughout our body to attain a delicate balance of homeostasis. So I don't think its a huge leap to say the gut controls a very substantial amount of systems in our body directly and indirectly and when manipulated may effect what seems to be a totally unrelated system.

Am I saying this is coincidental or due to life stressors maybe, maybe not... I just don't know and I don't think even most or any gastric surgeons know yet either because to be honest I don't know if that's included in their 5 year max research and stats before your on your own. I know its probably for most gastric surgeons, in there best interest to say no, it can't be connected to gastric surgery and be blown off for many reasons that don't need discussion as far as Im concerned.

could it be the accumulation of the perfect storm of gastric bypass surgery, chronic unforeseen life stressors AND heredity, age, all of the above yes I think so.... Im trying my best to seek for answers and do what I can in the area of management of my life stressors, self care, living a healthy life style according to my surgery requirements and and what's best for me, could it be bodily changes just due to aging + all the factors that make aging a more challenging journey than it needs to be, could it be hereditary or just coincidence...

I think yes to all of that. Yet if I am willing to seek answers in all areas of my life that could be having an impact on my life, I feel that not seeking answers in this area would be irresponsible to my health and sticking my head in the sand... I think its all important and contributing factors for me.

Im just looking to see if others have some commonalities that may give me clues as to what may be part of a complication directly or indirectly related to the surgery or supplement brands/types/ways of administration to provide best deliverance of vital minerals and nutrients.

Im sure everyone researched very deeply into surgery just like I did. Does it not make sense than for me to ve researching deeply into possible connections that may be simply modified that could have an amazing cascading positive affect on my health in many areas, may be to something very simple and overlooked by me or specialists yes... because I want to live fully, be healthy, enjoy my life... so searching for every possible way to improve my health is vital... I am worth it.

Hope that makes it a little more clear as to my question and why I am seeking some answers here. Even if slim... fit me, every possible help from anyone, is much appreciated as a community of people who have been through this process. We are here because of a common bond, common fears, questions, concerns and victories. I am just coming from a different point in my jouney than most on here... yet I have hope by seeking I will find answers and even though Im post surgery by quite sometime I can also add value to this community of things that have been absolutely changed my life in so many great ways, yet also valued enough to ask the questions... I want answers and my health complications in some or many areas has been somehow caused or contributed to my complex health struggles in any way than that's important information for not just me, for all of us... is it not?

[Lookin4answerspostop11+years 2]

11 minutes ago, catwoman7 said:

I'm almost six years out and would like to lose 10 lbs. I've just made more of an effort to exercise at least 150 minutes a week and have cut back a bit on calories. I know it'll take forever to lose it since I'm currently four lbs "overweight" (thanks, COVID), but that's fine. If I decide I want I want to lose faster, I'll cut back more on calories.

I have heard around year 7 from a fellow gastric bypass patient when I first had the surgery as she went for her follow up (it was in the States - Ontario doesn't follow up past 5 years) that the hormones that make you hungry that can be dampened by cutting the vagus nerve near the stomach somehow (Im not a dr, or biologist) start to rev up more than they have since surgery and this can be a period of readjusting to a hunger level that most of us may not have had for several years which makes loosing that last bit and keeping it off a bit more challenging. I think going right back to the basics post surgery and doing a food journal (as painful as that is after awhile lol) could be extremely helpful to find many answers. be sure to include how much Water your drinking each day and is it at least 30 minutes after eating, are we all being conscious of taking time to still really chew everything? I think if I found my initial binder of what to do and not to do that may help me again as a fresh reminder, not sure if this may be helpful? It might be for me, thanks for asking this great question! Im interested to see the responses for myself and my own health and weight loss of the last 15/20 pounds, again....

[Lookin4answerspostop11+years 2]

and then there's covid eating and lifestyle... when things improve I think a lot of things will improve in so many ways for all of us... lets get through covid. congratulations on keeping the weight off, that's awesome news and that your motivated and exercising even admidst covid.... Good on you! Thats awesome!

[catwoman7 11,214]

1 minute ago, Lookin4answerspostop11+years said:

I have heard around year 7 from a fellow gastric bypass patient when I first had the surgery as she went for her follow up (it was in the States - Ontario doesn't follow up past 5 years) that the hormones that make you hungry that can be dampened by cutting the vagus nerve near the stomach somehow (Im not a dr, or biologist) start to rev up more than they have since surgery and this can be a period of readjusting to a hunger level that most of us may not have had for several years which makes loosing that last bit and keeping it off a bit more challenging. I think going right back to the basics post surgery and doing a food journal (as painful as that is after awhile lol) could be extremely helpful to find many answers. be sure to include how much Water your drinking each day and is it at least 30 minutes after eating, are we all being conscious of taking time to still really chew everything? I think if I found my initial binder of what to do and not to do that may help me again as a fresh reminder, not sure if this may be helpful? It might be for me, thanks for asking this great question! Im interested to see the responses for myself and my own health and weight loss of the last 15/20 pounds, again....

I never stopped keeping a food journal, because I know it helps keep me on track. If I didn't pay really close attention to what I'm eating and how much I weigh, my weight would start going up pretty fast. I credit close monitoring with being able to maintain my weight all this time (besides the COVID weight I mentioned - working on getting that off!). So yes - I would definitely recommend tracking!

[catwoman7 11,214]

28 minutes ago, Lookin4answerspostop11+years said:

Hi guys,

so here goes... if you are wondering why, if you are thinking this is far reaching this far out from gastric bypass reux en y surgery than this whole message might be of interest to you... if not ... no worries... just responding and hopefully clarifying as best as I can.

Not sure what you mean by my question being far reaching, can you let me know what you mean, Im honestly just looking for anyone who might have experienced some health challenges that they are curious if there surgery could have been impacted, worsened or created by the surgery. Im not looking to blame my health on weight loss surgery nor am I saying its a good or bad choice for anyone, that's a personal decision for sure. Im just looking for possible answers in several places (other than bariatric as well) to find answers so I can live my healthiest life that all and if someone else has had complicated health issues or is several years post op and health in many areas has weirdly changed in not so positive ways, what they may be and did they find a specialist or find a solution/decrease in symptoms or cure and what that is. I know its a needle in the hay stack but I am also doing due diligence post surgery as I did presurgery to look for all possible ways to make the most healthy choices for my life.

I started to have one thing after another happen starting in roughly 2014 and increasing to the point of 5-6 years later involve multiple systems of my body. The follow up here in Ontario with a gastric surgeon specialist or any gi for that matter, nutritionist, specialized nurse practitioner etc. is not covered by OHIP (our medical coverage in Ontario) past 5 years. I did get a consultation at about year 7/8 when things started to accumulate as far as symptoms, diagnosis's, and medications, specialists etc. But he was just please I kept my weight off and did a general food diary check, supplement check that I was using and just said Im not sure, all these things aren't directly related to gastric bypass and all the best as he said we only follow up for 5 years as a way of gathering data, research, and statistics, once the 5 years are up, its up to your GP (general practitioner) to follow you. In Ontario we have a severe shortage of GPs and mine retired and soon after I moved out of the area and cannot find a gp to even do regular blood work and keep an eye on all the health stuff, let alone gastric bypass related regular check ups, that just now up to walk in clinics that I wait to see whoever and check my own levels online if they will do the test and as they remind me I need a gp and when I ask where would I find one, they go silent.

Am I saying its related not necessarily yes and not necessarily no, all I know is our gut is our second brain and controls so many functions in all systems throughout our bodies, even often telling the brain to release or decrease certain hormones, Proteins, chemicals throughout our body to attain a delicate balance of homeostasis. So I don't think its a huge leap to say the gut controls a very substantial amount of systems in our body directly and indirectly and when manipulated may effect what seems to be a totally unrelated system.

Am I saying this is coincidental or due to life stressors maybe, maybe not... I just don't know and I don't think even most or any gastric surgeons know yet either because to be honest I don't know if that's included in their 5 year max research and stats before your on your own. I know its probably for most gastric surgeons, in there best interest to say no, it can't be connected to gastric surgery and be blown off for many reasons that don't need discussion as far as Im concerned.

could it be the accumulation of the perfect storm of gastric bypass surgery, chronic unforeseen life stressors AND heredity, age, all of the above yes I think so.... Im trying my best to seek for answers and do what I can in the area of management of my life stressors, self care, living a healthy life style according to my surgery requirements and and what's best for me, could it be bodily changes just due to aging + all the factors that make aging a more challenging journey than it needs to be, could it be hereditary or just coincidence...

I think yes to all of that. Yet if I am willing to seek answers in all areas of my life that could be having an impact on my life, I feel that not seeking answers in this area would be irresponsible to my health and sticking my head in the sand... I think its all important and contributing factors for me.

Im just looking to see if others have some commonalities that may give me clues as to what may be part of a complication directly or indirectly related to the surgery or supplement brands/types/ways of administration to provide best deliverance of vital minerals and nutrients.

Im sure everyone researched very deeply into surgery just like I did. Does it not make sense than for me to ve researching deeply into possible connections that may be simply modified that could have an amazing cascading positive affect on my health in many areas, may be to something very simple and overlooked by me or specialists yes... because I want to live fully, be healthy, enjoy my life... so searching for every possible way to improve my health is vital... I am worth it.

Hope that makes it a little more clear as to my question and why I am seeking some answers here. Even if slim... fit me, every possible help from anyone, is much appreciated as a community of people who have been through this process. We are here because of a common bond, common fears, questions, concerns and victories. I am just coming from a different point in my jouney than most on here... yet I have hope by seeking I will find answers and even though Im post surgery by quite sometime I can also add value to this community of things that have been absolutely changed my life in so many great ways, yet also valued enough to ask the questions... I want answers and my health complications in some or many areas has been somehow caused or contributed to my complex health struggles in any way than that's important information for not just me, for all of us... is it not?

I guess it depends on the complication. You're right in that some could just be contributable to age, or not related to WLS at all. I have osteoporosis, but I have no idea how much of a factor bariatric surgery was in that. I'm also in my 60s and osteoporosis runs rampant on both sides of my family, so it could have been age and/or genetics, too. I have no idea. But there's not much I can do about it now other than treat it (which they're doing...). I certainly don't regret having bariatric surgery even if it DID play a role, because at almost 400 lbs, I probably could have been dead right now if I hadn't had it.

Edited February 2, 2021 by catwoman7

[njlimmer 343]

Hi! I'm nowhere near what you're looking for as my surgery is still coming up, BUT I do have a friend who is several years out from the sleeve, and she started having some serious health issues that they finally determined was an Iron deficiency. She's started iron infusions and that seems to have helped. I know from your follow-up post that getting tested seems like a challenge, but a full workup maybe what you really need to get to the root of your problem.

That is so weird, and stupid, that they only track for 5 yrs. 😡

[catwoman7 11,214]

28 minutes ago, njlimmer said:

Hi! I'm nowhere near what you're looking for as my surgery is still coming up, BUT I do have a friend who is several years out from the sleeve, and she started having some serious health issues that they finally determined was an Iron deficiency. She's started Iron infusions and that seems to have helped. I know from your follow-up post that getting tested seems like a challenge, but a full workup maybe what you really need to get to the root of your problem.

That is so weird, and stupid, that they only track for 5 yrs. 😡

Yes - there are a minority of patients who can't absorb iron - or much iron - orally, so they have to go in for occasional infusions. Luckily, most of us do fine on oral iron though...

[ms.sss 15,662]

50 minutes ago, njlimmer said:

That is so weird, and stupid, that they only track for 5 yrs. 😡

Clarification: The followups and involvement of the original surgical team is fully covered by provincial insurance (in this case OHIP) for a max of 5 years. After that we are dealt with by our PCP's (again covered by OHIP). Unless one is specifically referred to a specialist by their PCP (who must determine if there is a need), then the patient must pay out-of-pocket, or get covered by private insurance (i.e. usually supplied by their place of employment, or acquired as a private individual)

@Lookin4answerspostop11+years, you are correct that OHIP won't cover nutritionists, nor most services of a NP (unless they perform common services employed by your PCP, in which case the PCP bills OHIP), but OHIP will cover GI Specialists if referred by your PCP for medically necessary services.

So I guess in your case, you need to convince your PCP that its "needed". There are no shortages of PCPs in my area (but I'm in T.O.), so theoretically one could just keep going from doc to doc until one finds one that is sympathetic to one's cause.

Do the docs at the walk-in clinic accept permanent patients?

Alternatively, you can contact Tele-health and see if they can give you some advice, either for your symptoms, or for more info on where to get a PCP.

...of course all this is moot if you have private insurance.

Edited February 2, 2021 by ms.sss

[Lookin4answerspostop11+years 2]

I totally agree that it has given me my life back in many ways. and with my aunt 600+ pounds and died early in her mid 60s of stroke and was in a nursing home at 60 after her first stroke. Im very grateful to still be here and have life. Id just like to improve my health significantly so that at 47 with two younger kids (7 and 8 ) and parenting totally solo on my own during covid, I want to be here as long as I can and live a healthy and full life.

Hi you asked for a bit more details so here it goes.... possibly related yes, possibly no... just seeking possible ways to become stronger, healthier and live my best life with my kiddos. Im not saying anything against wls surgery at all... its given me so much for quite some time... im just concerned and looking for possible solutions as I think most would if a snow ball multi system deterioration is happening and no specialists have answers and the gastric bypass specialists won't see me. I am sending out a question to see what might fit to help improve my health, that's all. thank you to all for understanding and reading this. Without weight loss surgery I wouldn't probably have been able to have my kids (I was told previously I would never have kids at the weight I was at and with the health issues I was having at the time related to my weight... so no I definitely do not regret it... but I would love to have my health back and improve my and my kids quality of life to an even greater extent. Thanks again!

Im 47 female

I weigh 180 pounds and at 167 my bones were sticking out and I was receiving a lot of concern as people assumed I was down to 130 on my almost 5'8 frame that's always been very muscular until I gained all the weight in my 20s. Up until then I was very athletic, voted most athletic female at my 1500 student high school, won all possible awards with sports and leadership and invited to try out for the Ontario Provincial Women's soccer team. Im saying that as most BMI charts would have and did conclude I was overweight even while playing for rep soccer, basketball and volleyball teams etc. so the the BMI for me has never been a good indicator of health or fitness.

These are my struggles

Third Degree Complete Heart Block and flat lined for recorded 22 seconds on a halter monitor. Some may argue it could have been a vasal vagel response (although they usually tap out at 10 seconds)... and if in this line of thought were true, part of the vagus nerve is severed during gastric bypass reux en y surgery, most often not the part that can affect the heart yet any slight injury can occur during surgery especially to nerves. If my vagus nerve was nicked by mistake in the wrong spot, even without surgeons awareness, It could cause a vasal vagel response and shut off my heart temporarily (as its a nerve conduction issue). I developed this complete heart block in 2015 but had symptoms starting in the fall 2009/winter 2010 that could point to the start of the glitches with my hearts electrical circuits. I also developed super ventricular tachacardia (SVT) that did not pre-exist surgery. No arrhythmias did.
But I also have heart conduction issues in my family... so it could be genetics or a surgical complication unrecognized during surgery.

I have always had stellar bone density. I was tested pre-surgery and they were shocked that someone at my weight (450+) had such strong bones. In 2014/15 I started having back issues and did my bone density test and I was diagnosed mild degenerative disc disease in L4-S1. Three years later its now moderate to severe with a leaking disc, slipped vertebra, and a vacuum affect pulling my spine over to the right. I also now have it in my thoracic and cervical spine all at the mild stage right now. My Calcium levels are normal. This may be the cause or one of the causes of widespread ligament/muscle inflammation surrounding my entire spine. Because of no nsaids to reduce the inflammation and because its such deep tissue the anti inflammatory topical creams don't help so much. I have also developed more than 1% bone density loss in my right hip and was told on my report that the Ontario Government recommends bone density repeat testing in one year. I did have a GP at that time but she refused to refer me saying that's not a big enough risk as it is compared to the exposure of the scan. I disagreed but was blocked. Im still in search of a GP (family dr but rural/more northern communities are all in short supply of family drs. People are driving two hours and keeping their family drs when they move because finding one is next to impossible. My hip now is so painful that I cannot lie on it at night. Yes it could be bursitis or it could be due to bone mass loss. This started in my early 40s and has been worsening rapidly. (I had WLS at 36). My teeth also have started to physically crack and crumble, the dentist thinks its somehow related to malabsorption although my tested levels of calcium are normal. I don't know...

They aren't sure with the deterioration of my spine if that is causing nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy in my lower extremities as the CT isn't clear enough to see and the referring neurologist who was involved at that time said that all Toronto Hospitals she contacted said no to an MRI until my legs start to give out, as Im too high risk of another complete heart block. Ive also had a lot of cardiac ablation surgery for the SVT and that even in people without previous heart blocks increases the chances of severe heart blocks and death with one spot ablated, I had 7. Yes the heart blocks could be hereditary, yes the svt could be hereditary, the bone density no. The possible way to diagnose this and other neurological issues (which could be ms or my spine deteriorating is possible) cannot now be done due to my heart history that may or may not be related to a vagus nerve injury sustained during surgery and I can't get help to remedy this until its so severe I can no longer do activities of daily living, maintain independence because of risk of falling and loose my lower ability to function. To find other answers to shore up my spine (bones) and make them stronger is imperative to have a good quality of life and function well as a mom of younger kids on my own. I also have since developed very low blood pressure as well now which was never an issue that has now started to have episodic high spikes. This makes medications difficult too low or too high Im in trouble. I had my pacemaker put in in 2015 and another this past October 2020.

I have a lot of gas showing to fill and expand my non functioning stomach and I asked the GI when I had one in 2018 why my stomach is so full of air/gas when no opening from the top is there, it only drains downward. I suspect possible infiltration of SIBO somehow or another gas producing organism but he just shrugged and didn't pursue it. My abdomen has now started to severely distend to the point that I look 9mths pregnant, its hard to breathe, and its hard as steel as my 8 year old would tell you and he says its usually mushy lol with all my extra skin. this occurs after I eat especially although its always tender and slightly hard and swollen... just worsens when I eat, not sure if its connected to my cycle and digestive tract, if my stomach that's been severed has issues now that its not functional (just drains gastric bile/stomach acid) and this abnormal non use of my stomach specifically has reacted over time to this, how bacteria migrated upwards while gastric acid flows down and out. I just don't know... possibly totally unrelated for sure...

these are just some of the issues... Im just looking to see if any one in this specific community has any similar issues and if they resolved, how.