Eating With The Duodenal Switch

[Elisabethsew 50]

Many people are under the assumption that every time you eat after the DS procedure, you run to the bathroom. This is a huge misconception. The majority of people "go" once or twice a day. The key to weight loss with DS is watching the carb intake and resisting eating in between meals. The reduced size of your stomach keeps you from eating a lot and the intestinal manipulation keeps you from absorbing all the calories you take in.

What are other peoples' experiences with eating with the DS?

Liz

[Sheanie 29]

I eat every 2 hours. There are no "meals" with the DS. Since 85% of my stomach was removed (the sleeve), amputated, gone, along with it the part that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin; I have to eat more frequently. The key to weight loss with the DS is the sleeve. That's the restrictive part. The magic of the DS is the switch part: the malabsorption is what keeps the weight off by malabsorbing 80% of the fats I eat. For me, there is no diarrhea with the DS. Quite the opposite, I am now constipated. I take Magnesium Oxide and eat prunes with my Calcium citrate to combat this issue. I also increased my fat intake to a ridiculous point. I eat real butter on everything, heavy whipping cream in my coffee, and so on. I take high Protein high fat Snacks with me everywhere. I do not watch my carbs. Because I eat Protein first, for me the carbs don't matter. Bacon is a health food now for me. Crab Alfredo, hold the Pasta, at Red Lobster is a health food. Full-fat sour cream and butter on my baked potato. Rib eye steak smothered in blue cheese.

OMG, I made myself hungry, I gotta go eat!

[Elisabethsew 50]

I know quite a few people who get constipated. Like you, they increase the fat intake and Water and Fiber to "fix" the issue. I still need to consciously stay away from the carbs or I'll regain.

[catechole 2]

You have to eat in between meals to get enough Protein without supplementing heavily with Protein Shakes. It's common to eat every 2 to 4 hours. You cannot, I repeat CANNOT live with the DS on 3 meals a day without multiple protein shakes every day. You malabsorb fat, so just eat fatty meat like bacon. Eat it as much as you want. Just don't eat carbs.

[Elisabethsew 50]

I think it depends on the person. I can live with 3 meals a day... just do Protein first, fats second, and then carbs if there is room. LOL

[catechole 2]

I think it depends on the person. I can live with 3 meals a day... just do Protein first, fats second, and then carbs if there is room. LOL

Then you must be years out and have a really big sleeve. Most can only eat 4-6oz food even months out and it is NOT enough to get enough Protein in 3 meals.

Truth is, you don't need to deny yourself when you're hungry. You can just eat fat/proteins. In fact, people often find their weight loss with the DS STALLING because they don't eat enough calories.

[WhitB 4]

Elizabeth,

I am new to this board and still poking around but if you had DS surgery can you please fill out your stats? I think as a host it is important for posters/members to know where you are coming from and that your experiences are real.

Respectfully meant.

Whit

[Sheanie 29]

I too am curious to know how far out Elisabeth is and how she can live on 3 meals a day. If I only ate 3 times per day I'd be in the hospital. I can only eat afew ounces at a time. I eat at least 6 times per day, almost always high fat Protein such as bacon or dark meat turkey & chicken. When I eat Protein first, I almost never have room for carbs, so watching my carb intake isn't a concern for me 4+ years out.

[Elisabethsew 50]

I started at 445 pounds, had the sleeve first, and then had the rest of the DS procedure about a year later at 375 pounds. I am currently at 245 pounds and the lowest I got to was 199 pounds. The final phase of my surgery was in 2009 so I'm a little over 4 years out.

[Sheanie 29]

So did you ever post on OH? What's your screen name? Mine is the same. I'm also on Facebook, on several different forums.

I started at 445 pounds, had the sleeve first, and then had the rest of the DS procedure about a year later at 375 pounds. I am currently at 245 pounds and the lowest I got to was 199 pounds. The final phase of my surgery was in 2009 so I'm a little over 4 years out.

[Elisabethsew 50]

No, I do not post on other boards. I work 2 jobs and host here.

Thank you.

[Elisabethsew 50]

Many of the members posting in this DS forum belong to other sites. When a false quote is posted on another forum, it's important to address the truth.

Earlier in this thread I posted that I can live on 3 meals a day. This illustrates the differences people have with eating after the DS procedure. Many "light weights" do need to supplement with Protein shakes and frequent meals. This holds true for many "heavy" weights as well and I did need Protein Shakes the first 18 months post surgery. People who have the DS in one surgery often lose weight faster and have been outcomes in terms of weight loss. I was 445 pounds and had a revision to DS. I lost a large amount of weight over 18 months and still struggle with getting to a healthier weight. For me, 3 meals a days and Snacks on cheese or another protein/fat is fine (as evidenced by my lab tests). Never did I state this was fine for everyone and no place did I advise others should limit themselves to 3 meals a day as I was accused of saying and reported on another site.

Age, gender, metabolism, past surgeries, co-morbidities, intestinal length, common channel length, sleeve size, and many other variables all play a role in weight loss. I would never offer "all or none" advice to anyone and I would never dispense medical advice. Sharing and supporting others is my goal. I value the opinions of those who are considering surgery, who are freshly out of surgery, as well as those from experienced DS'ers.

Thank you.

[DSwitcher 35]

I am glad to be on this new forum. Rule #1 in my experience? "What happens on one forum stays on that forum," wisdom born of pain…. I believe the admins need to set the bar for this, and while I KNOW how frustrating it is to be spoken ill of, it is really important not to import drama. Let's take the high road, K?

I eat every 2 hrs and the new Nut couldn't get it. She wants me to eat every three or four hours, pre-op! I agreed to do do, with a Protein coffee and Jello in between. After surgery, I will graze with Protein and fats, and very little carbs, at least for the first 6 months…. DS IS the "eating WLS" from all I have been told by MANY who are experiencing success. I will adjust as needed. rdc

Edited December 26, 2013 by DS Switcher

[Elisabethsew 50]

Switcher,

I would follow the advice of your nutritionist. After surgery, getting in adequate Protein and staying hydrated are very important. As you heal and experience the results of the DS, the nutritionist can help you with your individual needs. Merry Christmas!

[LilyKeaton 3]

I believe we must acknowledge that there are nutritionists out there who have no clue about the dietary needs of the post DS patient. I really do not find my Nut very helpful. She recommends "low fat, fresh fruits, lots of green leafy vegetables, low carbs, no nuts or beans." and recommends 3 meals a day with no Snacks. I would be in bad shape if I followed those guidelines. While I do not think it our place to tell others what they "MUST" do or eat it makes me a bit uncomfortable to see that phrase, "follow the advice of your nutritionist" on here over and over again. How do we reconcile that absolute council with accurate information?