CJ Sunshine

I hear you and apple1. I try not to let it hurt...but sometimes it does anyway. I do know most children mean no harm. I remember my nephew being little and commenting on how big my muscles were...and I just agreed that I had big muscles.

SIPS - Stomach Intestinal Pylorus-Sparing Surgery - is a modification to the traditional DS, which uses only a single anastamosis and has a longer common channel. It is proposed that it will have less malabsorption with similar weight loss and retention results as a traditional DS, but long term data is not yet available. My doctor does not require a pre-op liquid diet until the day before surgery, when I will be on clear liquids only. I did have some general guidelines from the nutritionist, to follow this last month, but honestly nothing terribly restrictive and far more gentle than what I've read other people have had to go through. I'm not sure why some doctors think the strict pre-op diet is necessary while others feel it is completely unnecessary. But my doctor is great and considered one of the best in the field, so I trust him and I'm grateful I don't have to do that!

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with taking synthesis after DS. I'm wondering if there were issues with absorption. Did you have to crush the pills? I had a total thyroidectomy a few years ago, so I have to take it daily and I'm wondering how surgery might affect it. Thanks.

I like this foreign culture idea...although really looking forward to the day when it's not an issue...OMG...to be able to walk into a room completely unnoticed...or noticed for the right reasons.

Not only do I go to a gym, but I do exclusively water aerobics (I have bad knees), so I'm in a swimsuit! I try really hard not to allow my self-consciousness about my weight keep me from doing things I enjoy or are good for me. But every once in a while something like this happens and I get that slap in the face about how different I look and it makes me want to hide.

I'm having a SIPS on 9/14, as well.

OMG! My mom always told me to tie my shoes in the middle, because if they were tied on the side she said, "that's the way fat people tie them!" As if, at over 300 lbs, my shoes were what would give away that I am fat!!

I do this same thing!!

Yes, paranoid is right. We have a party to go to on 9/10, just 4 days before my surgery and I considered bailing...my wife suggested instead just not hugging or kissing anyone and frequent hand washing....she is right...I have a very strong immune system and tend not to get sick easily, but I'm still nervous about it!

Thanks! It's so stressful! My wife has been sleeping in the spare room because she suddenly got sick and doesn't want to risk giving it to me.

I would definitely call his doctor...that does sound potentially like infection.

I think I'd rather force myself to walk than take shots. I will just try to do short frequent walks.

My NUT said the same thing about the size of the pills. Have you found that your thyroid issues affect your weight loss after surgery.?Even fully medicated, I've always tended to be a slow loser...although I definitely do better when I cut the carbs. I wonder how my body will be post surgery.

Congratulations on getting your date...sounds like we will be having surgery "together". Mine is on the 14th.

Hello and welcome! I'm new too, just joined this week. I'm having surgery in 20 days, but who's counting! Lol

I'm sorry you have had such bad experiences with endocrinologists. I've been lucky to work with more than one who were very caring.

This is a great suggestion! I'm experimenting before my surgery (3 weeks away today). I tried freezing crystal light pops...tasted good but freezes like water...duh! So they are tasty ice cubes but a little challenging to eat

That was my thought too. All of those symptoms could be hypothyroidism. I had hashimotos for over a decade before having my thyroid removed in 2011. In addition to having your doctor check vitamins, I'd make an appointment with an endocrinologist to check on your thyroid.

My insurance required a monthly report signed by my doctor for six consecutive months. Weight watchers would not have qualified. I have United Healthcare.

Did your doctor/nutritionist give you a food plan to follow? It seems that's the way to go...if not, I always get the best results with low carb, lean protein and lots of veggies.

Yes. My nutritionist is named Debbie and I love her. She was so positive and kind and knowledgeable. I liked her better than any of the nutritionists I've worked with in the past.

I feel lucky to have such a highly qualified and respected surgeon just minutes from home. I trust him and know I'm in good hands.

Mine are pretty small too. The doctor said there shouldn't be any issue, but I wanted to hear from the people who have lived it...honestly, my dose is always very weight sensitive, so I'll be going to see my endocrinologist regularly as I lose weight to get my meds checked...so I don't know why I'm worrying...

Yes, I'm having the SIPS modified DS. I'm doing it at Northern Westchester Hospital, where he also practices. I live in Westchester county. It is considered one of the best hospitals up here...I actually prefer it over Lenox Hill because it's not a teaching hospital. As a former medical malpractice attorney, I prefer residents don't touch me.

I've been working at upping my water intake now...so I'm in the habit of drinking water frequently...fortunately, I actually like water. It was one of the few things they told me to work on before the surgery. I know I can't use a straw after the surgery, but what about water bottles that are the kind you squeeze? are those okay?