RedWolf

Do ds. Its awesome.

I had ds via laproscopy on a Monday was out of the hospital on Wednesday and was fine on Thursday but for feeling lathargic until the next monday.

Finally (and ill shut up). I have four friends who we all went to the same bariatric clinic. They recommended and performed different surgeries for each of us based on what they felt was best. (sleeve, rny and ds). We all four listened and did as recommended and all had an awesome experience. So, go to a place that is confident and competent in all the surgeries and you'll get the custom fit that is best for you. Go to a guy who only does lap band and guess what he will recommend.... When you only have a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.

Also, I think there is an unfair tendency to overstate that DS is risky. Because it is newer and folks feel threatened that a new kid is on the block. I think the figures now for DS complications are like 1% (rather than .6 % for other types). So naysayers will say its 40% riskier. Thats crap. But even so, keep in mind the folks that have DS have it because they had more problems, co-morbidities and higher BMIs to begin with. Who's to say they'd not have complications with whatever surgery they would have had. Regardless, To me, the risk difference was overblown, mostly by those who are wed to the other surgery types and didnt have ds. I suppose it riskier if you have edward scissorhands as your doc. I think there is a tendency for anyone to defend their skill set or the surgery they had, and if their skill or knowledge of other surgery types is limited, to push you into the surgery they know - which might not be the best choice. Its just might be the only type they are versed in.

I had DS in December. It has been wonderful. My bmi was 49. No complications at all! I can drink all the liquid I feel I need (big cups, no dixie cup strapped to my hand for an hour)! and now Im on a "regular food as tolerated diet". I can already tolerate any food I wish without ill effects. However, I wish far far less, and far far healthier, and I eat far far less and far far healthier! I have shed 6 prescriptions and 59 lbs in 58 days. Diabetes is basically gone. Perfect blood sugar and pressure. I also added 3 lbs of lean muscle already from some average weight lifting. Personally, I like being able to eat more than 3 forks (and because of the malabsorption, you have to eat more than sleavers) and not having to take an hour to do it. I guzzle water if need be after a workout or if I get behind on my water requirements. No problem. In a day, I usually have two shakes, a protein bar, and some fish and im good and happy usually. But i can eat the regular type of foods with a smaller volume that just looks like what a reasonable, skinny, fit, health-conscious person (the folks i used to despise and envy;) would have. Now, keep in mind that my experience is probably ideal. But for me, this is the right choice! Listen to your doc.

Update: I'm down to 321. So, that's a loss of 48 lbs in 46 days- more than 1lb a day. Blood sugar is typically 89- without any meds since surgery! And I'm loving it. No issues!! I am pretty sure my doc knew what he was doing in recommending DS for me. It is showing! Love to know how your experience goes!!

DS surgery 12/7/15. Lifting weights or walking almost daily. Im a bit worried because it seems I can comfortably eat a normal portion of fish before getting any full feeling. In one sitting I had 4oz of salmon and two crab cakes before feeling anything close to full. At another I ate 7 oz of talapia and a 3oz cup of lobster bisque for another meal. With no issues in or out. I ate slow and chewed but Is this volume normal? Im only 3 wks out. As long as its not near meal time, I can drink all I the Water I want without any ill effects and without second thought about pace. Im actually wondering if doc forgot to reduce my stomach or didnt reduce it enough, ha. At one point as a test I actually did 2 forks of pecan pie well chewed. At another i had the lean parts of a bacon slice and about 1/2 ounce of lean part of ham. I havent had a serious bloated feeling since about one week out. I know DS'ers have more stomach Ive certainly reduced my preop intake, and other than the few bites of bacon and ham and pie above have religiously followed nutrition and exercise regiment. But I almost feel like I should slowly explore more to find out what it feels like and how to recognize it coming on and what would cause it. I had two episodes of diarreha but those were while on pure liquid. What gives?

I was kind of hoping some DS patients might offer their thoughts. I understand there is a lot of difference between ds and the gastric bypass as to stomach size and digestion.

Ok. I thought we were supposed to feel when we were full. And with the push for protein, i thought it was ok to eat. As to the few bites of other stuff , I think I was just curious whether Id be sensitive and to see if i would keel over dead. But i appreciate the advice. Ill stay on track.

Great Forum. I'll post once I have a dramatic enough change. I had DS on 12/7/15. Ive lost 33 lbs in 22 days!

Screw any spouse who won't support you. They are selfish and feeble minded. The notion that they are concerned with your safety is a subterfuge for their own fear of how it will change their life. They may be scared that you'll leave them in the dust if you better yourself, or be afraid you'll stop buying their cookies and Soda. Or worse, expect them to go to the gym and drop some too. Get healthy and shed your weight and them too if they won't support you.

pre op diet started 11/30/15 (369 lbs). Had my surgery on 12/7/15. As of 12/21/15 I weigh 336. That's a 33 lbs in 22 days. At this rate I will weigh 0 lbs in 8 months.

I am a man so it might be a bit different. I just had DS on 12/7/15. I feel great. I am already on the weight machines lifting using arms legs and chests (no core or abs yet). Recovery was/is a breeze. I can drink a ton of water. I went to Rex Bariatric in Raleigh where they have 3 or 4 surgeons and do all of the WLS types. I think that helps avoid the situation where "if you only have a hammer in your tool belt, everything looks like a nail." In other words, they are not pushing you to fit into one procedure because of a lack of skill in others. A group that does it all is skilled at picking the right surgery and competent at whichever one suits you the best. I had two other friends who got different WLS from my same surgeon - with great results. He recommended a different one for me. So, if you go to a place that can do it all, listen to them. They want success stories and no revisions. Don't let fear get in the way of the recommended option. They have to scare the crud out of everyone. Disclaimers and stuff. Also, us folks needing WLS probably haven't followed our doctors advice very well in the past -- and look where it got us. . For me, I decided to concede that my brilliant opinions and decisions about my health were demonstrably proven to suck. So, I decided it was time to listen and obey the doctor, and I'm glad I did.