Postop

I've had a bison burger.

One of Dr. Ungson's associates has taken over for him. I can't tell you much about him. I'll PM his name to you if you want; people are slowly beginning to have the DS done by him and posting about it.

Everything went into the blender. Tuna, chicken, etc. The only thing that didn't was scrambled eggs.

I eat a lot of nuts. But as you can't and don't care for tuna, here's what else I eat a lot of: cheeses meats (with the fat and/or skin) deli meats Greek yogurt eggs Can you eat seafood?

Hey, thanks. You've just started your great journey. You'll love all the NSV like (you mentioned) walking up stairs, parking all the way across from the supermarket just so you can walk, housework without tiring quickly or aching, shopping wherever you want, passing a store window and smiling...

Hey, thanks. You will, too. Any more questions or any paperwork you want (I have everything my surgeons & DS nutrit. gave us) just let me know.

Hi, I was incredibly nervous, excited, nuts, before my DS. I locked myself out of my apt. twice the week before surgery. "I think my biggest hang up is being so restricted later in life when it comes to diet...." Why do you think you'll be restricted? I'm not. The DS is the least restrictive (food-wise). I go out to eat (and get 1-2 more meals with a doggy bag). I eat fast food. I eat junk. I just do it differently than before when I binged and binged and binged. BTW, no one (other than my immediate family and physicians) know I had the DS. No one. Not friends or colleagues. You can tell if you like or you can keep it to yourself. It's your choice. I had and have reasons why I don't tell. It's really a very personal choice. I pay it forward online and go to a support meeting 3-4x a year. Even 10+ years out, it all still helps. I can help others and get help when I have an issue.

Hmm...I never heard of the 1 year coffee thing, but if that's what your surgeons want then I'd abide by it. As for nerves, the week before my DS I locked myself out of my apt. twice. That's how nuts I was. Regarding the liver shrinkage, my surgeons only require 2 days of liquids prior to surgery. They feel that is enough to shrink the liver. I ate up until then with no issues. Had the full DS in about 4.5 hours. If, for some reason, Dr. Coates only did the sleeve, make sure you can come back in 6 mos. and have the switch done. Concerning barfing: I was a barfer. I threw up a couple of times a week for about a year. But I was the exception. I don't know any other DSer who did so. Nausea meds. should help you. I never took any. The RNY is very different than the DS. Our issues are generally different. As for telling anyone about the DS, no one other than my immediate family and physicians know. I go to a support group 3-4x/year and use the 'Net to help gain and give support. So feel free to post any questions or issues.

I was in the hospital for 5 days. It was supposed to be 4, but I ran a slight fever. The surgery took 4.5 hours, which was pretty normal. It was a straight DS. No GB or appendix removal. Best of luck. You're about to join us on the Dark Side.

Glad to hear you are home.

Yeah, but you're the one working it.

I remember when you were starting out. Well done!

Oh, in-law issues. Now I get it. Thank you.. But, there are no legal issues.. Only issues with my husbands family. They are not supportive of anything I do and should not shock me, its always been this way

Sorry to hear about the legal issues. But glad to hear the WLS process is going forward.

What are your ferritin levels like?

A virgin DSer can expect a 12-18 mo. window (on average). Unfortunately, I can't say on a 2 step DSer. Have you asked on any other boards where there may be some? They could probably give you a more true to life answer.

You've got a good window to get the weight off. Just try and do what you can and use it as best as possible. Good luck.

I sent you a PM.

Best of luck.

Ask Dr. Rankin's office if they know of any services to pick you up. In NYC you can hire someone to pick you up from the hospital. Then ask if they know any aide service for someone to assist you the first couple of days (if you're staying in a motel when you get out of the hospital). The Rabkins have been doing the DS for a long time. You can't be the first to be coming cross country. Also sent you a PM.

Weak, tired. It's major surgery & tons of anesthesia.

I remember they gave me a turkey lump the second night. I ate a tiny forkful.

What did you eat?

It should drop soon. Many of us have very low BPs (and heart rates) after the DS. Hope you feel better.

RE: smoking. That's a great idea. It's so important to be off cigarettes when you have your surgery.