Question:
How long can I live after this surgery???!!!!!
I have a question that nobody seems to be able to answer. I am ready to have my bypass surgery within the next month or so, and now I am not sure which surgery to have(lap-band or bypass). My question is this, I know that I will be healthier after losing all this weight, but what about the effects of taking supplements for the rest of my life? Is there anyone out there that has got more than 5 yrs. post-op? It seems like this surgery is now 25-30 yrs old, but where are all these people that had surgery all those years ago?? I would really love to hear from someone that had surgery more than 10 years ago. I know my quality of life is going to be much better after surgery, but what about quantity?? I am 53 yrs.old and would like to live at least 20 more years!!!! Thanks to all !!!! Mary B. — mary beauregard (posted on October 29, 2008)
October 29, 2008
Mary, Quite frankly, I do not know how old this surgery is, but I do know
that there is probably no comparision between surgeries done in the
beginning and those done now. Laproscopic surgeries were not done back
then and so much more has been learned over the years. I know people who
had WLS 6 years ago who Had it much harder than I did because of experience
of surgeons and worlds of imporvements made recently, within the past 3-4
years. I do know that my health problems, including uncontrolled diabetes,
would have killed me within 3-5 years and now it is 95% gone along with bp,
cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea problems. The quality of life I have
now is far superior to the one I had before WLS and however long I last has
taken second seat in my head. Lyn
— SkinnyLynni2B
October 29, 2008
i have 2 friends who had wls rny in the late 70's and early 80's- they are
both healthy as horses, but they stick to their daily protocol and do not
forget what used to be if they think a piece of candy is fine- just one.
If you ask around, and people are truthful, you will discover some of the
diabetes comes back, as does the HTN- why? because people become
complacent, want to be "normal" and start to slowly start eating
like before surgery. The best results, for enduring weight loss without
pre-op co-morbs slipping back in, is to treat every day as if you are newly
post op. Adhere to all the rules despite how much you want something not
on your protocol. I try to live it that way and have maintained my 230 lb
loss, just like my 2 friends who are 25 and 30 years post op. Its up to
us, we can make this work for life. We love how we look, lets keep it this
way. Good luck Cindi 3.24.04 -230# and maintaining the loss :)
— DollyDoodles
October 29, 2008
I can tell you this, my aunt had open cut 35 years ago. At the time she
weighrd 450 lbs and all kinds of health issues. She has maintained her
weight to stay around 130 lbs, and no health issues now. She just turned
65. Hope this helps you . Take care Darlene
— Darlene G.
October 29, 2008
Good friend of mine had WLS (rny type) in 1969 and is still between 125 and
130 She does still watch what she eats and says she only takes, calcium,
B12 and a multi. She looks great and is nearly 80 now.
— sheri139
October 29, 2008
The surgery is not as old as you think it is and has progressively become
better and more improved over the years...So the surgery you are having
next month is NOT the same surgery some very few have had 20 years ago....I
know several people from the Grads Board who are 10+ years. One person in
particular whom I love and adore is Michele AKA Vitalady. I believe she's
14 years Post OP and her hubby is a year after...so he's 13...She's had her
troubles, I think they both have! But they are alive and well and look
awesome! There are several others that pop in now and then to annouce they
are just living life and enjoying the years of being trim and
healthy...They pass on some short words of wisdom and go back into the
world away from the boards and just go on iving...You cannot have a long
term study on longevity for at least and average life span and that is more
than 20 years! So no ...you will not find your answer. Even if there was
an average life span to quote from a study...I am a RULE breaker! I will
do everything I can to live longer...live healthier...How? Simple
rules...Get your labs, KNOW what your levels are and watch them...DO NOT
wait til you are low, even if the doc says it's in the "normal
range"...Don't ignore symptoms, eat healthy, follow the basic rules
that come with the surgery you had...be you own health care advocate, keep
up with new vit studies and discoveries...do not undestimate malabsorption.
Exercise...If you have RNY you will malabsorb! PERIOD! You do not
suddenly start to absorb better as you eat more...You only eat more
nutrients which might not be the right ones if you don't eat a balanced
meal like soooooooooooo many who somewhere decided all breads and grains
are forbidden and share their fears of weight gain if they eat a little
bread or rice or potatoes in moderation! Anyway...I'm going off in a
tangernt now so I will just say two words...PREVENTION and MODERATION...My
two favorite WLS words. Many wishes and luck and long, old years to you!
Hugs!
— .Anita R.
October 29, 2008
I can tell you from the moment my mom had the surgery in 1989 that she felt
so much better then before. My mom was 58 years old at the time of her
surgery. She did not get the information and education that we get now.
She was well over 450 then and when she past away was 180. Her death was
prolong some 20 years because of her surgery. She was able to see and love
her grandchilden, She was a nurse that love doing it and caring for the
older people. So If you live 1 year more or 50 years I thing it for the
best. I was 43 years old when I had mine, I am out 1 year and 6 months. I
feel better then ever, Now the first couple of weeks I ask myself why I
did this to me but now I have 2 wonderful children that I can walk with,
hike with, run and play. I can enjoy life as I never did before. I am in
college, I am grandmother of 7 wonderful children. Maybe If I never had
did the surgery I would not be here to have everything I got. Your choice
should be from your heart, know what you want, be reasonable about just how
much you want, not all of us should be a 1 or 3, maybe 15-16 or 18. I am a
22 right now I will never see a 3-5 or 9-10, but I am truely happy. I know
several people that fell off and gainit back. You got to be true to your
self. What do you want to do next year? A trip, run a mile, set in a movie
seat and be comfortable, eat out with out being look at wrong. Just be
healthier. I will pray your choice will be easier for you. Carman Rose
WV
— carman
October 29, 2008
I can't say much more or different than what has already been posted...
What will your life span be in your current state of weight and health? and
then quality of life? Loosing weight makes one feel so much better and
does eliminate type 2 diabetes over 80% of the time. I was one in the
presentage. I'm seven months post op and 92 lbs down and can hike and walk
like I don't remember when. It's a choice that you will have to make and
be determined to stick with it as it's only a tool and one can gain back
all their lost weight and then some. It's a life change choice.
Blessings, Anita
— ap2008324
October 29, 2008
i don't know for sure who they are. i have ran into a few people myself.
they just seem to be normal folks.
there is alot of questions that come up. and i understand the feelings. i
am so very glad that i have done the bypass. i know you will make the best
desion for you.
— peggy R.
October 29, 2008
whats up i am ten years plus u'r age and i expect to live at least 40 more
years.all jokes aside i am in better shape than i have ever been ,lost 265
lbs ,5 years post op and have maintained my loss for 3 1/2 years so why
focus on quanity?Its mostly about quality and mine is uncomparible to
before surgery. had bypass partly because band was not available but in all
honestly i would have chosn the bypass because i need to mal asorbe i have
no regrets and thank God and a great surgeon and program daily for the
chance to have a life that is great at a size that is good for me.choose
what is best for u.Good Luck
— Bette Drecktrah
October 29, 2008
Hello Mary,
Have you asked your DR. about your life expectance after surg? I dont
think anyone can answer this question as the surg of 1975 [when my mother
in law had hers] is very different than what is done now. So you cant get a
true comparison with 1975 to todays surg. I know I am very thankful for
the improvments that have beeen made for more of us to be able to have the
WLS done. We will ALL have better lives because of this. Iam sure this is
not the answer you wanted..but I do not know how you can compare the first
surg to the latest. I wish you well and hope you get what you want.
— tootsie52
October 29, 2008
Dear Mary B. Please know that I am truly being respectful when I say
this,but there are absolutely no guarantees in life of just how long we
will live! It is in Our Plan With God just how long we live.No pun
intended, tragedy could happen to any of us at any time. I commend you for
your statement of the QUALITY of life will be much better. This being the
reason we opt for procedures such as this. We want to improve the quality
of our lives,as I reflect within my family,I much prefer the quality time!
Please know that I,too, am opting for wls. Gastric Bypass, I have
researched the options in depth and with the support of my husband,kids and
my surgeon I am entirely elated.I am 42,the biological mother of 3 great
guys,another young man I have been blessed to raise for the past 8
years,hes now 19, and the foster parent of 2 little girls,(10 & 1) I am
so thankful. Our new technology can now do major brain surgery in an
outpatient basis. With much success!!!! Please,Please know that I truly
meant NO disrespect!! Best Wishes in any decision that you choose for
yourself,you wont regret it!follow your heart! God Bless You! Kim
— kurtsgirl
October 29, 2008
Mary,
My father in law had bypass 20 years ago, besides regaining the majority
of his weight cause he is a heavier drinker (and lazy) he is healthy. Yes
his quality of life went back down after he gained the weight back. I have
talked to him about the surgery and the one thing that he tells me.
EXCERSIZE and then do it more, and he says watch your portions. At one
point he remembered what it was to be thin again and considered going in to
have a surgery re-do. He is just simply too old now (67 I think). And shall
I say he likes his beer too much!! Anyway yes there are survivers!! I am
sure you will be just fine no matter what decision you make about the
surgery. As for me I am hoping I will have a date for some time in January
after the holiday's...
Lisa
— Lisa M.
October 29, 2008
Hi ya
Ive thought about this surgery for at least 5 years now and Im finally
going to have it. I used to be afraid of dying post surgery as I had met
two people and sadly they died. I use to worry that it was the surgery
that killed them. But that was my own ignorance. I just had a very
thorough scan of organs and arteries, veins etc and here is what I found
out. I have cysts on my thyroid, which should diminish when I lose
weight. I have an old clot in my vein, that I would have never known
about, I have some plaque starting to form in one carotid, my spleen is
slightly enlarged. My lab work put me at a risk of having a cardiac event
in the next five years. Without the weight this good go away, however,
some damage has been done. So could something still happen to me in 5
years. You bet ya it could. Would it be because of the surgery. NO Way.
It will be because of how I treated myself all these years.
— Gilliegrl
October 29, 2008
I too went through this dilemna. Band vs. GBP, and ended up doing bypass
and am glad everyday that I did. In my support group, there are
"bandsters" and I don't see the same success. Many of them end up
(a year to two later) getting the bypass. Yes, you will take supplements
the rest of your life, but I see that as a small inconvenience compared to
being very overweight. You will learn to be diligent about taking care of
yourself and learning to eat correct the first year or two, and then
hopefully, you have re-learned to eat the right way. It seems that with the
band, you can still eat poorly, you just do it in small quantities all day
long! After 3 years, I still have the nausea and sweats of "Dumping
Syndrome" when I try a bit too much dessert or candy.........and I am
VERY GLAD for that physiological reminder that I should not push it. It has
helped me stay successful and not gain any weight in 3 years. I can say
that I have also learned alot about how my body works, and have stayed on
top of taking care of myself. If it's any help, I have a friend who had her
GBP 7 years ago, and she too has kept all 140lbs off. I am glad I chose
the GBP since it is tried and true, and there is long term data to support
it's success.
I hope this helps? If not, we can talk on the phone? I'd be happy to answer
any pre-op questions for ya!! -Darlene
— dadebrito
October 30, 2008
I had Lap RNY 5 years ago. I have not had any problems. I take 2
flintstone vitamins, iron because I have always been low in iron and
vitamin C to keep the creepy colds away. I don't feel it is an
inconvenience. You want to know how long you will live. Well, none of us
know the answer to that question. We will all live until it is no longer
our time to be here. Your quality of life will be so much better not
packing the extra weight around.
— Carlyn M.
October 30, 2008
My mom had the Duodenal Switch (which is much more malabsorption) in 1996.
She is doing wonderful. She is healthy and has no side effects. She has
been told that she should live a full and long life. I had the RNY because
of her in Feb and have lost 107 lb. Good luck to you and God bless!!
— Sillyguts
October 30, 2008
Lot of folks on this answer are all saying the same thing pretty much...if
you adhere to your nutrition and diet rules you will live a long and health
life. I too had a friend who had the the original stomach stapling done
many years ago and is alive and kicking well into her 60's. Its much better
now then it was many years ago, doctors have leaned so much. Good luck.
— chell1957
October 30, 2008
I think I may be able to bring a smile to your worried face. I am 32 and I
have 8 years post-op, and doing great. However, here comes your smile, my
mother is 13 years post-op and she is 61 years old!!! She is so healthy
that she pretty much has raised my 10 year old and my 4 year old!! In fact,
she has more energy and better health than the two of them, COMBINED!!!Do
not fret. It's worth it. If you need photographic proof my e-mail is
[email protected]. I'd be glad to mail you pics of me and my beautiful
mother.
— Kelly T.
October 30, 2008
hi hun ...had lap-rny on june15th,06 ..i had noooooo life .sure i have a
hubby,kids ,grand babys .but was looking in at them, really not there .when
my girile were little i was so big that i made my hubby take them to school
before he went to work ,after a school party at the park .i was so asamed
for my oldest daughter .kids were asking her is that hippo your momma..she
was 7 yrs old .i was so proud of her .she has more love in her them all of
your momma's.she is the best mom in the world .but my heart was breaking
because of it .i said to my self i would not put eather one of my girls
though that again ..so i missed out on there childhood .told my hubby i
would not miss out on my grand babys ..good luck brenda in tx
— brenda F.
October 31, 2008
Mary, if you do not take anything away from this experience but one thing,
please know that no surgery or physician can tell you how long you will
live. The good Lord has a plan for you, your job in life is to follow that
plan. You could have surgery tomorrow and then walk out of the hospital
and be hit by a bus, so don't think for one moment that there are any
guarantees. If you are going to have the surgery then make sure you are
prepared to live a healthy life afterwards. But remember, God does not
promise us tomorrow. Good Luck and God Bless.
— Stephanie H.
October 31, 2008
The further out a person is, the less they tend to post. It's not that
they aren't out there, it's that they have adjusted to post-WLS life and
don't usually have the same questions / need for support as those who have
just had surgery.
I don't know what your health history is, but for most people, WLS extends
life.
— mrsidknee
November 1, 2008
Hey Mary,
It's gayle from our group:) I was also pondering this question. I
think as we get closer of having our surgeries we ask this type of
questions. but like everyone had said , only God knows when we will be
brought home. Hope to see you at the gym .... our walking group
peace
and God Bless
Gayle leroi
— rainbowgayle
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