Postop

That's interesting. I began losing hair at about 4 months out and it went on for a good year. I better change my stats. I haven't weighed 140 since about 14 months out. I seem to hold around 120. When I'm ill or not hungry (I still try to get down my protein but not much else) it can go to 114. When I'm good, though, it's between 120-123. Oh, I see. My stats say I lost around 140, lol.

As long as the two of you are watching your bloods carefully, that's all you can ask.

That’s interesting. Now you’re about 6 mos. out, right? Does your surgeon recommend that as the years go by or just for the first year or so?

Good thought, but chewables are not recommended for DS patients (except maybe for the first couple of weeks).

Welcome. A couple of questions: are you having a full DS or a single anastomosis? Who is doing it? With your BMI a DS is generally the most effective. I'm glad you're looking into it. After 12 1/2 of living with the DS, I can tell you I don't obsess over my vitamins/minerals/probiotic. And I've never missed a day over that time period. What happens is that it becomes part of you. For instance, in 2008, when I had to have my gb removed they wouldn't allow me to take my supplements for several days prior to and after surgery. I felt so odd. It was as if part of me was missing. At each meal I'd pine for them. It's just what happens. I do take at least 40 a day so it can be a lot. Some take fewer, some more. It's very individual and eventually blased on your blood work. Keep all you blood work. Pre-op and post-op. It's exceedingly helpful (as the years go by) if you're having an issue to see what your baseline normal was preop and, of course, to watch all trends post-op. I also recommend a Dexa bone scan pre-op so you have a baseline. Even for men. At this point I have a ticker in the back of my head that mentally counts the protein grams each day. Same with the supplements. I know what to take and when. Granted, when they're tweaked (say after I have bloods done and results show a change is needed), it takes a few days to get into that new groove but it happens pretty quickly. I also have a sheet with what I take. I carry it so I can give a copy to doctor. It's much easier than having to enter it on a form. I also sent you a PM.

If you don't want to see a bariatric surgeon. You need a different PCP or an endocrinologist who will do the labs you need done. Sent you a PM.

Sent you a PM.

That's very important.

My DS was on 4/11/05. I went from a size 24-26 to a size 4-6.

@jojowdflo It certainly could interfere or it could not. It's trial and error. I currently take over 4000mg. of calcium citrate per day (DSers must take citrate). That's to keep my numbers normal. I would not recommend the patches for a DSer. They aren't enough.

They gave me some food in the hospital. Just a bit as I couldn't really eat. And when I got home it was immediately on purée.

Yep. Full DS. 12 1/2 years ago. BTW, remember if you had a full DS there's no counting calories or cholesterol so go ahead and eat the whole egg. Just go for that protein and fat.

I remember my first egg. My surgeons had me eating before you so it was at about 6 days out (as I was in the hospital for 5). I had scrambled eggs. Or should I say 1 tsp. of scrambled eggs, lol. My mother couldn't believe it, but that's all I could do.

I rarely go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I pee, but nothing else. It will take your body a while to figure itself out.

I agree with the others; see a doctor. One thing, why did you donate plasma? Was it necessary? If not, most DS surgeons don't want their patients to donate blood or plasma unless it's a medical emergency and even then to think twice.

Very little risk of dumping with a DS. The DS is a more complex surgery. It takes longer to do. You need to ensure your doctor has done tons of them. You don't want to be in his first 10. Does he want to do a full DS or a (SIPS, SADI, single loop procedure)? if you're having the DS you need to commit to a ton of vitamins and supplements for the rest of your life. Every Day. Also a slew of blood tests once or twice a year depending on your surgeon's requirements. Remember: think twice, cut once. Like you said you don't want to have to do this again.

Yes, he's known to do the DS. You must make sure about a couple of things that have come up with him: 1. Is he doing it in 1 or 2 parts? 2. Is he doing the traditional DS or the Loop DS on you?

There used to be a forum with some Aussies on it. I'll PM you can the URL. If it's no longer active I know it still has a list of several surgeons who do the DS there.

@fastfoodaddictnomoreIf you're going to Mexico there is only one practice I know that DSers recommend. That's Dr. Esquerra. He's at the Mexacali Bariatric Center and was trained by Dr. Ungerson. I know many DSers who have had their surgery at that facility.

It's funny. I've owned it for years but never used it. I know others swear by it but mine sits in my closet.

@DakiniNo odors at all. Shower with deodorant soap and then use deodorant. I sweat much less bc I'm not carrying the extra weight. Definitely stool and gas odors so I'm very careful what I eat in public and carry certain sprays (I've tested a ton of them) to deal with it. You learn what to eat & when and then it's manageable. It hasn't hindered me at all. No one knows I've had WLS.

@Lexington1020 Hi. If you had a full DS, you needn't count calories. We count protein grams, sugar and simple carb grams. I haven't counted a calorie or read the calories on a label in over 12 years since I had my DS. It's a hard concept to grasp. But you will. Now it would feel odd to look at calories whereas pre-DS that was such a large part of my life. Your protein shakes should be about 7 grams of sugar and under. They do help fulfill protein and liquid requirements. The rule of thumb is 30 grams/protein at 30 days, 60 at 60, etc. I didn't make it as I couldn't eat that much but YMMV. I drank a shake everyday for the first 2 years, I think. Then never again (except in rare occurrences). I just eat and eat protein. Keeps me satiated and I can eat every hour or two if I want.

Oh. Then you must have a different nutrit. than Sharon. She's at Lenox Hill.

@cjsunshine Gee, I don't know. You're right, no straws to begin with. But I never thought about a squeeze bottle. I'd suggest you ask Sharon.

@cjsunshine You'll do as much as you're able. Maybe up and down the stairs a couple of times a day so you can walk outside. So important to drink. Sipping is really the most important thing. Much more important than eating at the the beginning. Oh, I just saw you're going to Roslin. Guess you're having the SIPS. I've had a couple of shoulder surgeries at Lenox Hill. Found it a good place.