Weight Loss Surgery - Just for DS'ers #1

MsBatt's post was the one that tipped the scale, so to speak. As much as we love Dawnajoy, there's never been enough call for DS issues, until now.

soooo, all of you who have had it, are considering it, know something about it, this place is all yours!!!

and don't hesitate to jump in anywhere else as well or start up any other threads... we're really all in this together with only slight variations on what works and what doesn't.

glad to see so many of you!!!!!

Hey. I'm a DSer... anyone else here?

It's great to see another DSer here. I am 4+ years out from my DS and couldn't be happier.

dawna

Hey Dawna! Nice to see you too!

DS whats that?

Rea,
The DS is a type of weight loss surgery. A very effective surgery. You might try googling duodenal switch. There is a great site for information on it but I'm not allowed to post the url here. :?:

DSer here too... I'll be three years in august!

HI laurie!!

Hey guys!

This duedonel switch sounds familiar. I will look it up.

Hi Jiff, it's been a really long time. You were so helpful when I had questions about WLS. Still haven't gone for it. But the situation(health wise isn't improving) So I decided to come back to this WLS forum and start looking into options again. I don't know if it's even an option insurance wise.
Hope all is well with you.

Take care,
DonnaD

I'm a dser too. A BPD-DS... is that the same thing?

I am new to this site, but I am a DS'er as well. I had my surgery about 6 weeks ago and am doing great!

I feel very pround for all those people who did the weight loss surgery. You guys are very brave.

very personal questions so feel free not to answer....
did anyone selfpay?
how long is your common channel?
how many ounces was your stomach?
did you travel out of country for the surgery?

No posts here in over a year, eh? I'll change that! :p

I'm considering (well, more than considering--hoping for) DS. I am attending 2 information sessions early next month to compare 2 surgeons/practices. I have to start my 6 months supervised diet as soon as, well, my insurance verifies that it is a requirement :dizzy:

Good luck Jill :hug:

Hi all,

It's been forever since I've posted here. I really miss this place. I don't know why, but I get so many popups here that nothing seems to block, it just drives me crazy.

I just had my 7 year postop checkup at USC and all seems to be well. Won't get my lab results back for a few weeks, but last years' were fine and they aren't expecting any issues.

I will try to check back more often, and maybe check with site admin about the popups.

Dawna

DAWNA!!!!!!! so wonderful to see you - you're right - you DO need to come around more often! there are several folks who are looking at DS, and they need your wisdom.

7 years - and a fabulous success!!!!! congratulations. you're my idol.

Thanks for the welcome back Jif! I appreciate it. I think I (hopefully, maybe) solved my popup problem on the site, so I should be around more often.

I'd be happy to chat with anyone looking into WLS or the DS in particular.

Dawna

I'm a DSer - 3 months out and already lovin' my DS!!

I'm a DSer - 3 months out and already lovin' my DS!!
Hey, Peach! Nice to see you over here on 3FC!

:wave:
hey you! This is my 2nd account here - I forgot my old password etc...so I just started a new one ....

I should read here more often.... :cool:

Over 3 1/2 years out...

Over 3 1/2 years out...

Awesome! What is an average menu for you?

Awesome! What is an average menu for you?


Let's see. Well, I don't love breakfast. I find it the most difficult meal of the day so I eat just enough to take my vits/minerals.

Here's a typical day.

Breakfast:

Some nuts
2 slices American cheese

Lunch:

6 oz. tuna w/mayo & a hard-boiled egg mashed in it. (Very few carbs as I don't want the gas at work). Other days it's 1/2 sandwich with 2 kinds of meat, cheese and mayo. (I save the other 1/2 for another meal). If it's not enough protein I'll drink a protein bullet. However, with the 2 kinds of meat and cheese and what I eat the rest of the day it's usually ok.

Snacks throughout the day:

Nuts
Cheese (I cut it up and bring it usually)

Dinner:

2 turkey burgers w/catsup. I love catsup ;)
I don't love vegetables so you'll rarely see them. I've been that way my whole life.

Also, I've always been a picky eater (hard to believe, isn't it, with a MO person :D)

Snacks for the evening:

Fruit
SF candy
1/2 bagel with butter or cream cheese
Chips or pretzels (esp. when I'm trying to put on some weight)
SF fudicle

Since it takes me 2 sittings to eat lunch & dinner I don't always have room for a lot of snacks.

How 'bout you? What do you eat?

Thank you AAAA. I'm just learning about the DS. I hope awareness of it grows so that more people can be helped.

Don't get spooked by me (if it doesn't look like that much). As I said earlier, many DSers I know eat a lot more than I do.

Don't get spooked by me (if it doesn't look like that much). As I said earlier, many DSers I know eat a lot more than I do.

Is there a reason that you don't eat as much? Are you at your goal?

I didn't have a goal, but as it happens I'm way below where I ever thought I'd be.

Honestly, though, that's all I can eat and sometimes I still hang over the sink if I eat too much. I just seem to have a very small stomach.

I had it! June 26, 2008. I'm down 66 lbs and I have never felt better. I just ate some bacon and cheese eggs for breakfast. (That is DIET FOOD for a DSer - we need protein and do not absorb 80% of the fat in our food).

:bravo:I had it! June 26, 2008. I'm down 66 lbs and I have never felt better. I just ate some bacon and cheese eggs for breakfast. (That is DIET FOOD for a DSer - we need protein and do not absorb 80% of the fat in our food).

Glad it's working for ya.:carrot:

Hi Everyone!
Back in 1999 I had a mini-gastri-loop and am scheduled for a revision to DS on Jan 26th with Dr Greenbaum in NJ. I am sooo excited and so glad to find another place where us DSers can get together!

I saw my my WLS surgeon (12-05-08) and talked to him, he says that unless I can lose 75 pounds by myself he will want to do the duodenal switch which he swears would be more effective at my size and which my insurance is more likely to pay for. I also found out that my insurance may demand three 6 month monitored diets, I am half way through the 1st 6 months. I have dieted before but never with monitoring and as far as my knees are concerned I dont have another 15 months before I end up in a chair at any size I can get to on my own.
I really seem hung up on the scar, which is weird cause just about every inch of my body from the neck down has stretch marks and some bad ones but no major scars. I think I am thinking about that because it is a less important issue and I can think about it and not the stuff that really matters.
People mention that I could die doing this, but at this size if I end up unable to walk I will only get bigger and for me that IS a death sentence, to some extent litterally.
A lot of this is stuff I really can't do anything about, I HAVE to have the surgery, there will be a scar, I will not look how I have pretty much looked for the last 25 years but if I keep going with the knee pain I will just get older and older looking from the pain anyway and not being able to walk is not all that hot either.
I believe honestly that i deserve respect and love at any size, I dont hate myself at this size now even though I am about 445, and it blows some people away to know I would not be interested in doing this if I was not being crippled by my weight.

I saw my my WLS surgeon (12-05-08) and talked to him, he says that unless I can lose 75 pounds by myself he will want to do the duodenal switch which he swears would be more effective at my size and which my insurance is more likely to pay for.
I don't know about insurance being more likely to pay for the DS over a different surgery type--if they cover the DS, they cover the DS. I do agree that the DS is likely to be more effective than other procedures at a higher BMI (there are studies to support this). If you have any questions at all about the DS, please PM me. I am somewhat overzealous with research, so I can point in the right direction for just about any info about the DS :)

Oh, and to the people who say you could die doing this, you could die during ANY surgery. You could also die in a car accident on any given day. You could also die getting struck by lightning during a storm. You get the idea. You have to do what is best for you, and if WLS is what fits for you, then just weight the risks against the benefits. For me, the potential benefits far outweight the potential risks. I would rather have a shot at a longer, healthier life than just continue the way things are and die of obesity-related issues at a young age.

Jillybean!!! Good ta see ya :)

I have my first DS consult with my surgeon on Feb 18. I'm so excited. I had the VBG with sleeve gastrectomy in April 2004 and have maintained a 80+ lb loss, but am stuck at about 260 lbs. I lost 30 lbs on WW with strict adherence, but gained it back in 1.5 months during some stress eating.

Right now, I've only told my sisters, my 3FC sisters and my dad of my bypass decision. I'm debating whether to tell my Mom, who is very anti-surgery/anti-medical anything - if I do, will it be before the surgery or after? I'm also debating how quiet to keep this at work. It'll be obvious after several weeks.. right? hehe.

For the experienced DSers, I've heard cheese is ok (I love cheese), but how about other milk products? Plain yogurt? Does the fat percent contribute to oily poops?

As a VBGer, I've turned into a grazer. I mostly eat nuts, yogurt cheese, and crackers when I'm not stress eating.

Thanks in advance for any DS advice!

Luv,
Ratkitten

Hello Ratkitten,

As a DS 'old-timer' (it's so hard for me to believe) I can help you out with some of your questions:

I've heard cheese is ok (I love cheese), but how about other milk products? Plain yogurt? Does the fat percent contribute to oily poops?

Obviously, cheese is great. My refrig. is stocked with it, cold cuts, sf choc. pudding, etc.

Other milk products, no problem....now. The first year many (if not most) become lactose intolerant. Thankfully, it leaves after the first year for most of us -- as it did for me. However, during that first year I ate lactaid milk & cheese & took OTC lactaid pills whenever I had any real milk or cheese. Plain yogurt is fine. You can also have it low or full fat, if you like. You can also have flavored yogurt as we don't count fat grams or calories we count sugar (in the beginning things should be <5 grams) and protein grams. As for the oily poops, it's so individual it's hard to say. I'd say in the main, yes, the more fat, the more my poops are orange. It doesn't really bother me b/c I'm used to it.

As a DSer, it'll prob. be easier for you if you're a grazer. Many DSers I know eat every 3-4 hours (or more) and meats, cheese, nuts are, obviously, the best things to graze on.

Looking forward to welcoming you to the Dark Side.

Thanks for the info AAAA!

It's good to know that my fav healthy foods will still be favs. I've talked extensively to my PCP and she is very supportive of me going for the "2nd" part of the DS.

Your picts are amazing!!

Hugs and Luv,
Ratkitten

Your picts are amazing!!


Thanks. http://i39.tinypic.com/f419as.gif

Well hello fellow DS'ers!

DS on February 22, 2008 in MI with a BMI of 43. Today one year later my BMI is 20 and I'm feeling FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to gabbing with you guys!

Well hello fellow DS'ers!

DS on February 22, 2008 in MI with a BMI of 43. Today one year later my BMI is 20 and I'm feeling FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to gabbing with you guys!
Hello, gorgeous! Welcome to 3FC! :hug:

Welcome. Glad to meet you.

Hey, y'all! I thought I'd mosey on over here from that "other" board to say hi and see what's up here. I had my DS on Feb 17th of this year and am doing really well. Down 41 lbs. so far! Hope you all have a good day!

Glad you came over.

41lbs. what a great loss!

How's the DS treating you? Everything going well?

It is going well, AAAA. I've had some of the typical newbie adjustment stuff going on. Things like figuring out how much fits in my sleeve at a time and all that. I'm pretty much in a groove with that now, though. And I had to start Nexium due to killer heartburn, but other than that, I feel as though I have skated by compared to others. No complications to speak of at all. No bathroom issues, and I finally am back at my pre-op energy level. So, all in all, I'd say the DS is treating me pretty good.
Thanks for asking! :D

Glad to hear it. I had a rough first 9 months so if you're going thru the 'regular' stuff then it sounds as if it's going well.

I took Pepsid for the first 2 months (surgeon's orders) so it isn't unusual at all to need something.

I am Ipren and had a duodenal switch weight loss surgery in April 2009. I have lost about 52 pounds since then. My goal is to be at 125 pounds and this means losing another 44 pounds.

I was losing more pounds right after the surgery. Is this normal? Does anybody have some suggestions about what to eat and what not to eat because I want very much to reach my goal and I think that what I am eating may not be appropriate. For instance, some times I have one slice of multi-grain bread for breakfast, some fruits for lunch, and 2 tablespoons of rice with 2 ounces of salmon for dinner. I do have at least four cups of regular coffee with 3 splenda and 2 ounces of half and half per cup. When I feel like eating something, I would have a dozen of cashew. Unfortunately I am not exercising because I was told that I have to wait a year after the surgery. I could walk but have not been able too because I am recovering from foot surgery.

Anyone has any advice for me?

Thank you.

Ipren

I am Ipren and had a duodenal switch weight loss surgery in April 2009. I have lost about 52 pounds since then. My goal is to be at 125 pounds and this means losing another 44 pounds.

I was losing more pounds right after the surgery. Is this normal? Does anybody have some suggestions about what to eat and what not to eat because I want very much to reach my goal and I think that what I am eating may not be appropriate. For instance, some times I have one slice of multi-grain bread for breakfast, some fruits for lunch, and 2 tablespoons of rice with 2 ounces of salmon for dinner. I do have at least four cups of regular coffee with 3 splenda and 2 ounces of half and half per cup. When I feel like eating something, I would have a dozen of cashew. Unfortunately I am not exercising because I was told that I have to wait a year after the surgery. I could walk but have not been able too because I am recovering from foot surgery.

Anyone has any advice for me?

Thank you.

Ipren
Wait a YEAR to exercise? I'm sorry, but that's craziness. Exercise if you want to. I had my surgery at the end of March and have been exercising for weeks and was cleared to start exercising even before then. So, unless you have some other medical restriction (well, like your foot right now), that's just craziness. Who was your surgeon (I'm feeling an Elariny vibe from that comment)?

For foods, try to limit the carbs. I wouldn't do toast, rice, and fruit all in one day. Focus on protein first, do not limit fat (unless you are having bathroom issues), and save any carbs for dead last and, even then, only if you have enough room in your tummy for them.

Welcome to the Dark Side.

I guess what concerns me a bit about your eating plan is the lack of protein. DSers need to consume between 80-120 grams of protein per day. Now since you're still relatively new you prob. won't be able to get that much in (I know I sure couldn't). However, instead of the multi-grain bread for bkfst. I'd have protein (or have it with the bread). Same for lunch. Fruit is good for a snack but you really should consume protein with every meal. Also, how about a protein shake? I had one everyday for the first 2 years till I could eat enough.

Nuts are a good snack. So is cheese, peanut butter, etc. Try and think protein first, second and third. Firstly, because we only absorb 50-60% of it and secondly, the more protein & liquids the better the weight loss. :)

How are your vitamins and minerals? Have you had any blood tests taken yet?

Sorry, but I don't drink coffee so I can't give you any help there.

Hello,
I'm new but I know where you are. I had a RNY-DS 10/2000. I lost a total of 125, but I will say the last 40 were so hard and it was a struggle to maintain for me. OK, I did not maintain and quickly started to gain back. At any rate, I now know why I gained, and now I'm struggling to lose it again. I am doing low carb now because it is working for me.
Perhaps this will help you.
1. Activity-if you can't exercise for whatever reason, you should at least start to move. If walking is not an option, try doing leg and arm lifts while sitting. Just start moving and keep your body in motion for short periods. THAT WILL HELP. Don't think you will lose all your weight because of the surgery, I promise you will not. Once the honeymoon is over (1 year out) you get your appetite back and then it really is hard.
2. Don't drink with your meals, wait for 1/2 to 1 hour before you drink after eating. I LOVE COFFEE TOO, but wait before you drink.
3. Get your protein in before anything else, it stops the cravings and helps you stay full longer.
4. If you are an emotional eater, watch it! Keep a journal - what you don't know at this point is that it is easier to stretch you stomach than you might think......and it does not shrink back.
Hang in there and focus on you. You have come a long way and be proud how far you have come. GOOD LUCK You are amost there :)

Hello,
I'm new but I know where you are. I had a RNY-DS 10/2000. I lost a total of 125, but I will say the last 40 were so hard and it was a struggle to maintain for me. OK, I did not maintain and quickly started to gain back. At any rate, I now know why I gained, and now I'm struggling to lose it again. I am doing low carb now because it is working for me.
Perhaps this will help you.
1. Activity-if you can't exercise for whatever reason, you should at least start to move. If walking is not an option, try doing leg and arm lifts while sitting. Just start moving and keep your body in motion for short periods. THAT WILL HELP. Don't think you will lose all your weight because of the surgery, I promise you will not. Once the honeymoon is over (1 year out) you get your appetite back and then it really is hard.
2. Don't drink with your meals, wait for 1/2 to 1 hour before you drink after eating. I LOVE COFFEE TOO, but wait before you drink.
3. Get your protein in before anything else, it stops the cravings and helps you stay full longer.
4. If you are an emotional eater, watch it! Keep a journal - what you don't know at this point is that it is easier to stretch you stomach than you might think......and it does not shrink back.
Hang in there and focus on you. You have come a long way and be proud how far you have come. GOOD LUCK You are amost there :)
I'm sorry, did you have an RNY, or did you have a DS? They are quite different and not really hybrid-able. Is your stomach a sleeve or a pouch? If you have a pouch, you may have an extended RNY (ERNY) or a distal RNY, but with an RNY pouch stomach, it is quite different from a DS.

This thread seems kinda dead.... =/

When i first joined this forum, I was only aware of the RNY and lapband because that's what my hospital does. Jillybean encouraged me to check out the DS due to the way I described my eating patterns and my concerns about the RNY's side-effects.

So I've researched. And researched. And more and more. I feel like I have enough information to decide on the DS at this point. I really like what I have read about it, and it seems like it is perfect for me.

I found a doctor who has done many successful lap DS's in Georgia - near my sister. My big concern with recovery is having someone to help me drive home and help out, so I've been looking at states where I have close family.

My doctor here in Iowa wants me to do the RNY because she isn't familiar with the DS. (!!!!) I'm not going to settle for the RNY just because she's not up to date on all the options, though. So I'm starting the process of getting my insurance (Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield) to approve the DS out of state. It looks like a rough fight with them though, so we'll see how it goes..

Hey, good luck, 30.

You're definitely correct in heading out of state if your doctor isn't familiar with the DS. You want to go to someone who has done hundreds as it's a much more technically demanding operation.

From what I've read, I think you're making a good decision 30.

Thanks AAAA and girl81 =)

I have made contact with this doctor in Georgia (Dr. Smith) who has done a bunch of DS's. I'm now in the stage where I need to make formal contact, submit my info, hopefully begin the process soon. =))