Hi all,

I joined this group a long time ago and I am more of a lurker than a poster too.
Initially there were a lot of pre-op people on here and newbies, which there
still are--and that is a good thing, because this can be an excellent resource
for information. I do not get much from the group, but I realize now that maybe
I can help give back or "pay it forward."

I can only give you my personal experience for what does and does not work--and
you need to be aware that everyone is different. But I wanted to let all of you
know that I am out here and can try to guide you to resources that helped me.

I had an RNY over 6 years ago with Dr Pilcher, right after Dr Selinkoff retired.
I was in a 5x and now wear a size 10. At one point I was in an 8, but people
kept telling me that I looked like a hunger child poster (I am 5"8') so I
deliberately put back on weight and I am happier with myself. I do not count
the poundage lost, but how I feel in my clothes. I will never have plastics,
they are not needed for my health and I plan on keeping my battle scars from my
life long fight with obesity. My PCP told me I had to have this surgery or I
would die, and it still took me over 8 months to put my name on a waiting list
after extensive research.

My surgery went ok, but I had a wound infection after that took a while to clear
up. I went off of insulin but stayed on metformin for 2 years--now I am back on
insulin again--This surgery does NOT make Diabetes go away! I am still the
ultimate mal-absorber. I have to cut all pills in half and take them throughout
the day just to keep them in my system, and I go for an IV iron infusion series
about every 3 months. I do not get any nutrition from food at all, and I
basically live on vitamin and mineral supplements. I never regained hunger and
I only eat when I am with people or if I remember to, and the weirdest things
still make me dump to this day. I do not eat carbs--bread, pasta, rice...all
fill me up to the point of slimes followed by vomiting. A teaspoon of bar-b-q
sauce will have me on the potty for 1/2 an hour and is just not worth it. For
over 6 years I have basically lived off of sugar free jello, string cheese,
Wendy's chili, grilled shrimp or shrimp cocktail, and a ton of propel water. I
wanted to make the most of my honeymoon period and just kept eating that way
after. I am a grazer--4 bites of food every 3-4 hours and I am fine. If my
blood sugar gets too low I stick a mini-peppermint in my mouth and keep going.
Candy does not make me sick, but bread does???? Weird....

Anyway, if the group is active again, I just wanted to let you know that you
have at least 1 of us old timers out there that have been there and done
that--and now the t-shirt is too big!

Much luck on your individual journeys, and let me know if I can point you
towards any info that might be of help.

Angela