Postop

Are you a full postop DSer?

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@jfbeckeHi, I'm assuming you're a full DSer as your surgery was done in 2004. At 13 years out, AquADEKs aren't nearly enough. Same with any type of softgel as they contain oil so we malabsorb them. You need to take your vitamins separately in pill or capsule form (a.k.a dry). Have you had your bloods done recently? That will help to put you on the right track as to what & how much supplementation you need. I can lead you to a sheet of basic DS supplementation, but it's really for newbies. You really need the bloods.

@Eva Aycock Sent you a PM.

HI. If you get a regular DS and eat tons of carbs: 1. You can regain; 2. You're likely to have stool and/or gas issues. Carbs cause smells most wouldn't like to have often in public. The beauty of the DS is no counting calories & constant eating (if you wish). I eat every 2 hours or so. But it's protein. For instance, my lunch today was a Wendy Triple Burger with catsup and cheese. It took 2 sittings to eat it, but I did. However, I didn't eat the bun bc: a. I wouldn't have a lot of room for the protein; b. I'd stink up my workspace. As a female, I do eat carbs and sweets. But at home and only a couple of times a week. Others I know have some cookies or chocolate everyday. You have to see how you do. As a male, the odds are you'll be able to eat more and lose more than most females. Probably even more carbs and not gain a ton. But you probably would gain some and then there's that stink....

I know some who have had it done. Their doctors didn't want to do it all in one step. They've done pretty well as the malabsorption does help to keep it off but also lets you lose more and usually more quickly. However, when it's done in 2 parts, the weight loss isn't quite as much as the one step DS (usually).

Sorry. Should have specified I was asking @Lawyeress

Hi. First I need to know if you had a full DS or a SIPS/SADI?

That first week I was so depressed. I ate 1 tsp. of scrambled eggs for breakfast and that depressed me as I thought I'd never be able to eat again. I had swollen ankles and was exhausted. It happened again at about 6 weeks out. I became terrified at what I'd done to my body. I was afraid I'd be frail and fragile. What you're feeling isn't uncommon. I did, however, have therapeutic help. It helped put things into perspective as I began to figure out how my new system worked. Nowadays (at almost 12 years out) my life is pretty normal. I eat, I do what I want, I wear what I want. You will, too. Give yourself time. It's only one week. Plus, remember: that anesthesia is doing a number on you, too. It can take a good long while for your body to normalize after hours of anesthesia.

Not to be a downer, at all. Just remember he's a man. Their loss rate/amount is often different than ours.

Yes. And it permits me to eat constantly. I generally eat Protein every couple of hours. Sometimes at 3AM, too, if I'm hungry.

If you have a full DS it's more like 125+ grams per day. I probably eat around 150 a lot of days.

So are you having the SIPS or the full DS? I'm not sure.

DSers take many, many more vitamins/minerals than any other WLS. It's due to the intense malabsorption. It's definitely something to consider (price-wise) when deciding whether the DS is the right surgery for you. Almost all of us don't take a B12 supplement. That's much more with RNYers. ADEK is good for maybe the first year (if that). After that we have to supplement separately. ADEK isn't enough. Your calcium number is about right. I take over 4000 units per day of calcium citrate. Your Vit. D3 will mostly likely be between 50,000-150,000 iu per day. Of course, this isn't right when you start out. You'll have stores built up inside your body. It's as time goes on and determined by your blood draws (done twice a year or yearly depending on your surgical team). And remember, DSers can only take dry vitamins/minerals (capsules or tablets). No gelcaps or anything oil based. That would blow right though us.

If you do decide to go with the DS, you will need a good deal more than 1-2 Vitamin pills. Please check back regarding vitamins/minerals for a DSer if you decide to go that route.

I've never heard of a full DS or a SIPS done as outpatient. The website doesn't list the DS or SIPS. I'd want to know how many have been done. Dr. Smith moved from GA to celebration FL. He does the DS and SIPS. Dr. Boyce in TN does them both as well. These are a couple (in the south) I've known of through the years.

Hi. First off, who is your surgeon? Does h/she do the full DS or the SADI/SIPS (which is a variation)?

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While most people base their vitamin/mineral intake on their blood results; Vitalady does have a basic list you might wish to start with: List

The traditional DS with the longer common channel does provide more absorption of foods, vitamins/minerals. Therefore, there should be fewer issues with possible Vitamin deficiencies, gas and/or stool issues. If you don't have the longer common channel, many of those can be helped by following a strict vitamin/mineral regimen, blood tests, and what to eat and when. I can't say whether or not a longer common channel will definitely prevent any of those issues. With the traditional DS with the longer common channel; as you don't have the increased malabsorptive component, it may be more difficult to keep the weight off. I know you wish to have children. Many DSers I know of child-bearing age, seek out high-risk ob/gyns to ensure their pregnancy is a good experience for both the mother & child. The recommendation after a DS is at least 18 months before trying to have children.

What is your cc now? Is it shorter than 100? If so, your Vitamin absorption will definitely be more difficult than if it's 100 or above. And yes, now that your doctor is lengthening your cc, your gas & stool smells should be less fragrant. However, they still will probably be worse than an average person's. You can can help to control them by what you eat and when.

Was it a bowel obstruction? I know some DSers who have had them.

Best of luck.

I've been practicing DBT since 1999. It changed my life. As a matter of fact, I just began Skills classes again this past December. I find I need to refresh them every 5 years to keep myself sharp.