ObesityHelp

The side effects of the DS differ from person to person.  Some people turn sensitive to breads, pastas, corn chips; Stuff like that, all due to the gas and or diarrhea.  I, for one, have little to no side effects from my DS.  In fact as I type, I'm eating a bagel. 

I understand what you're looking for; you want to know what you just signed yourself up for.  But the results are so different from person to person. I hope others respond.

Best of luck!

i agree with janine, you will get so many versions on this site, there are plenty of stories to search through, revisions may have different stories than a virgin DS. my take on it is that the surgery is only the first part of the changes in your life, physical changes are not the only issues you will have to deal with, and not just because its the DS, you have to learn to change habits and make adjustments in your life and others will have to adjust to the new you. i personally just wish i had the surgery sooner, but there is a time and place for everything, the only time i have problems with gas if i over do the carbs (white flour, wheat, bread pasta), i am also lactose intolerant, so i stick to things that dont give me the side affects, i am currently doing iron infusions but this is something i have to deal with or suffer the consequences, i also hope to lose more but is seems my body likes the weight it is now.  i was very unhappy the way i was and i was getting sicker and sicker as i got older. i am very happy with my decision. i am surprised that the DS is giving me a more normal way of life (aside from the supplements and infusions) compared to other wls. i just hitting 2 years so i may be still in the honeymoon stage but i am enjoying the results compared to nutrisystem and diet pills! The DS may not be for everyone but it was a great choice for me.

yep, i supplemented but it was not enough to get out of a hole that was recreated due to issues unrelated to the DS. some people have iron issues, some dont.

There really shouldn't be any reason for you to need to run to Mexico, unless you developed a REALLY serious complication---once you're healed from surgery, you don't need your surgeon any more. Most of us do our follow-up stuff---labs, etc.---with our PCP. Of course, it's important to find a PCP that really understands the DS (almost impossible), or one that's willing to be educated about the DS (much easier!)

My surgeon retired six months after he did my surgery, 8 years ago.

Every person is different. My DS experience will not be your DS experience.

My DS so far has been a cakewalk, complete with cake! I had the amazing John Rabkin do my DS--www.paclap.com. I think he cuts an exceptional DS.

I poop about 2-3 times a day, mainly in the morning right when I get up for the day. Yes, they smell bad--they're poop--they're supposed to. I eat what I want (loading up on protein first). I am eating peanut M&Ms right now, as a matter of a fact. Yum!

I do not have a sore rectum or even fart much more than a "normal" person does. If anything, people comment on my nice smell from the perfume I wear. My DS has not caused me one moment of embarrassment in the last four years--just pride.

I think I told you on the MB that I have been lame about my vites as of late and need to get back on track. But vites are a part of every thinking person's WLS experience. (There are plenty of dummies who say "I had the XXX surgery so I don't need to take vites." Well, they're wrong.)

Best of luck to you.

Nicolle

Yep, my doctor, Dr. Rabkin, is in California. San Francisco. I traveled to see him because I think he is the very best. Yes, I am biased!

As long asyou mean Dr. Ungson in Mexico, then I have no quibble with your choice. Anyone else would be a mistake, at this point.

Nicolle

Down and Dirty.. me personally even at 18 months out.  I never leave the house until I've gone to the bathroom twice (which is usually about a 1/2 hr. apart) right when I get up and after my first cup of protien coffee.    To many time early out I would try to make it to work between poops and have to turn around.. if there was time or find the nearest tree (I live in the forest thank god )  Point is, when you have to go.. YOU HAVE TO GO and there's no stopping it.. I don't care how hard you try.  Good new is MOST if not all DSer's only deal with this in the morning and your thru for the day.  Other then that I've had no other issues even the gas/odor thing which I control with a really good probiotic twice a day. 

110 pounds gone.. best thing I've ever done

kb

I go twice in the morning and it's really quick..like two minutes   I get up 1 hour before I leave for the office, have coffee, make my lunch, shower.. normal things.. and get to the office with time to spare..  It really is just part of the routine and alot easier then pre-surgery when I never new how long i'd be in a bathroom

Probiotic is "Primal Defense Ultra"  I get it on Amazon

You asked about taking the vitamins. I use a 31 day organizer and fix up my vitamins once a month. It takes awhile and I don't really like doing it, but it simplifies the ready of the month.

Early out the vitamins were pretty overwhelming, but now, a little over a year out, it's pretty routine. I was used to taking prescriptions meds everyday and I'd much rather tie the vitamins.