I had gastric bypass 3 years ago. For the most part things have gone well. I didn't lose as much weight as I had wanted to, but I feel great....until recently... I have a few questions for others who have had gastric bypass surgery: 1) Did you start to gain weight after a few years, even with no change in diet or routine? 2) Do you ever get the shakes, like low blood sugar? And if so, what works for you to prevent it or is it just a part of our lives now? 3) Does anyone else find that medications just don't work as well, as though pills are not able to be digested? 4) I have to eat a ton of fiber or I suffer from constipation. My BFF says she has the opposite issue. :roll: Sometimes I wonder what I got myself into. I came into it very well prepared. Before I committed to surgery, I watched my best friend's experience with it for about 6 or 7 years as well as my mom for about 5 years. We all have dumping syndrome if we eat too much fat or sugar, but they don't seem to have the other troubles I am experiencing.
I lost a lot of weight very quickly. I lost 100 pounds exactly in less than 6 months. Then I started to be able to eat a little more and slowly over the years I have gained about 30pounds back. I am not thrilled with the gain but it is much better than w here I was before surgery. I sometimes get shaky but that runs in my family anyway. My mother has had to eat a candy bar for quick energy for as long as I can remember or she gets weak. As for meds. I think I am okay there. I take Tylenol with no problem and my allergy meds when I need them. I need to do better with my vitamins but I tend to forget them. I do not suffer with constipation now but I did for a while right after surgery. I am very pleased with my surgery and would do it again tomorrow if I had to. I had terrible headaches before because my blood pressure was so out of control and meds. did not help it. I can't eat spaghetti very often which my son loves but I fix myself something else if I don't think I can deal with it. I can eat most things now and sometimes wish I couldn't.
AI have not had the surgery but have a friend that has. She gained some of the weight back after several years. I have another friend who had the lap-band surgery and gained all the weight back plus more; however, I don't think he stuck the the rules!! The one thing I noticed about both of these friends was that their personalities changed some. One is now very pessimistic, and the other actually attempted suicide twice post-surgery. I have no idea if it's related, but have always wondered.
That's interesting, sixcloar. I noticed a change in others as well as myself. I always battled depression, but now it seems it is taking new forms. I would do it again in a heartbeat, too, but I've had different challenges than I expected. Right now my major frustration is that after weighing 300 pounds for years, it left me with bad discs (now bulging) and we can't seem to get pain meds to work--even really high doses. I don't even have the typical side effects, so I'm sure it is an absorption issue but my family doctor doesn't think that is the case. I'm on a waiting list to see a pain specialist. In the meantime, I taking tons of pills and getting more and more "depressed". I hate this right now!
Brooke.. you are beautiful young lady.. sorry to hear about your problem I hope and pray they find something out to help you soon. Do you think the meds. you are taking are causing the constipation? (((HUGS))))
I had issues before I began trying to get the back pain managed, but it is notably worse. I looked up constipation one day and found that my anti-depressant, thyroid meds and pain meds can all cause it. Triple whammy! :lol: Thanks, ladies, for your thoughts and prayers. Love you all!
Regarding the meds, can you ask for the prescription to be in liquid or even injection form? My mom had the surgery and she has the same issue with meds and vitimins. I'd see if there is a liquid version. Good luck, prayers!!
