Keto and Gastric Bypass

RowdysLady

So I can't be the only one here who's had gastric bypass surgery. In 2003 I weighted 363 lbs and had been very heavy my entire life. I had never, regardless of how I tried, been able to lose weight. I was dying. I knew I was dying and I had to do something so I had the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass surgery and I am convinced that in 2003 it saved my life. My lowest weight was 194 after surgery. I was back up to 250+ when I started actively trying to lose weight again. For a few months I "dieted" like we all have at some point but I switched on April 16th to Keto. I've been following that strictly since. I'm at 240 now and still trying to get back down to 190.

On occasion I wonder if Keto is different for me since 5 ft of my small intestine is out of service. I have always, since surgery, had to take lots and lots of vitamins every day to ensure I stay healthy because I don't get all of my nutrients from my food any longer. The small intestine is where a lot of absorption takes place.

As an aside: just some of the changes that occurred after the surgery - no more back or knee pain,hiatal hernia, no more sleep apnea or CPaP machine, no more pre diabetes, no more depression, no more hypothyroidism, no more prescription medications of any kind, no more difficulty breathing upon motion, a wealth of problems went away. I don't want them to come back!!

Anyone have any thoughts or experiences to share?

LINIA

You're down 10 pounds since beginning this WOE, is that correct?

KarlaYP

I had a Sleeve (weight loss surgery) in 2010. Weight was 318, and I lost to 208. It didn't last though. I regained to 276, and was terribly sick! I threw up bile at random times, on an empty stomach! It was terrible! Had to convert to a bypass in January, 2015, just to stop the bile from getting to my stomach! I knew I couldn't eat the same foods after that surgery, as I had before, it I wouldn't ever succeed at my weight loss goals. I joined MFP to log my food, and while recovering from the bypass I found this group. I went keto as soon as I could have solid food, and haven't looked back! My weight now is 172! I'm 3 pounds from a normal BMI! I feel amazing and know if I'd followed the dietary recommendations from my surgeon, I wouldn't be where I am today!

The malabsorption will always be an issue because of the bypass. My doctor preaches protein supplements, but I feel a boiled egg is better than the supplements. So I do what I do. He scratches his head when I tell him about what I eat, but says, "You look good!" That's enough for me! My lab work is all within normal limits, but I do take my vitamins (this will be life long!).

Congratulations for your early success!

KnitOrMiss

Are liquid form supplements (like a powder that you mix in water or something) not a better chance for absorption for those who have difficulties in that arena, rather than taking large quantities? Just curious, because I also have absorption issues due to low stomach acid and no gallbladder (triggers dumping, and so nothing stays in the system as long as it should...).

RowdysLady

@LINIA almost. I dropped 8 pounds immediately the first week then went up a little bit, came back down to the initial 8 lost. I will get on the scale Monday and hope for another drop. (the up and down was during my cycle)

@Karlottap That's awesome you've come so far! Congrats!

@KnitOrMiss - yes. I should take everything in liquid form but it's so expensive to buy vitamins like that and there are some that do not come in liquid form so I have to take pills. Taking a capsule that has powder in it is better than a solid too. I used to crush but became lazy after all those years. I just buy em up when they are buy 1 get 1 at CVS and take four of everything. It's worked so far and I had my surgery in 2003. I did have a B12 deficiency for a while and gave myself shots but that worked itself out after about 3 months. Not really sure why but I've been good for years now from a vitamin perspective.