So here I am 70 years young and 14+ years post op Lap Band surgery.  I am still going strong.  At 424 pounds I am not sure that I would still have been alive.  There are some things I do daily like eating protein first, getting in at least 64 ounces of water and 30 minutes of fit living, as well as taking my vitamins.

Then there are things I do annually which include a wellness check at my PCP, at least a TNE (trans nasal endoscopy) or endoscopy to check my band and my belly, mammogram, blood work that includes all my vitamin checks - B12, folate, Vitamin D, iron, as well as cholesterol, and the standard testing.

Then there are things I do every 2 years such as my bone density exam and colon cancer screening.

Finally, there are things I do as needed which include NOT ignoring any changes in my body or symptoms that appear.

It all makes sense, right? 

What I have learned speaking with the hundreds of weight loss surgery patients that have crossed my path over the last 14 years is, that somewhere on this journey, typically 12-24 months after surgery when we have shed our weight and are feeling great - we think we are invincible.  Some even stop taking their vitamins and supplements and then wonder why they suddenly feel tired and cranky and out of sorts and just “not right” Oftentimes, especially if they are gastric bypass patients this is due to B-12 or iron deficiencies because absorption is an issue for some gastric bypass patients.  It gets so bad they have to go to the hospital for iron infusions.  I am NOT diagnosing anyone here, just pointing out some of what I have learned over the years.

Also, did you know that with extremely rapid weight loss we put ourselves at higher risk for osteoporosis?  Yup that is so…  And for you younger folks, male or female, this means the possibility of easy fractures in your bones, among other symptoms.  What’s the solution here?  Calcium and Vitamin D supplements as prescribed by your doctor, and at least annual blood tests to check your blood levels on both.

NO MATTER HOW GOOD WE FEEL WE ARE NOT INVINCIBLE.

A few years ago, my blood work revealed that I had too much Vitamin D.  So, I had to cut back, same with B-12, but a little excess of B-12 can’t hurt me so I didn’t worry about it.

And no, just because you eat a lot of dairy it doesn’t mean your calcium and D levels are ok.  Testing is the only way to know!

I am going tomorrow morning at 6:45am, for my annual bloodwork with all vitamin levels being checked.  I’m going that early because I need to be fasting and my routine is to pick up a nonfat sugar free mocha latte on my way, bring it into the room with me and start sipping the moment the last vial of blood is drawn.  Then I head over to the gym to get my fitness in for the day.

When’s the last time you had ALL your bloodwork done?

When’s the last time you took your vitamins and supplements consistently?

Think about why you had the surgery - to be healthy, right?  ‘Nuf said.