I thought I would post some of the things I learned while researching pre-op – maybe it will save you some time :-)

Measurements
Pre-op take very detailed measurements of your body.  Post-op when the scale does not move it is helpful to look at how much your body is changing even when the scale does not move.  Since I am a geek, I keep mine in a Excel sheet so I could even graph the changes if I really wanted to be dorky.

Bone Density Scan
Calcium absorption is something we really have to watch since we mal-absorb 80ish% of fat.  The blood work we have done test our calcium levels but if our levels are low our body will steal calcium from our bones in order to keep the level acceptable.  By the time the low calcium shows up in our labs it can be to late.  By monitoring our bone density levels we can catch problems before they cause permanent damage.  The best way to do this is to have a Bone Density Scan pre-op to serve as a baseline and then have one annually to see if your bone density changes.

Supplements
I am sure you know this by now but we are committing to a lifetime of supplements.  We can no longer absorb the nutrients we need though food and if we do not supplement to keep our labs in a healthy range we can do permanent damage to our bodies.  It is extremely important that we are taking a form of calcium that is easily absorbed (I take calcium citrate with D) and that we are taking all of the pills required for a 100% daily value.  It is usually at least 2 calcium pills since only so much calcium can be absorbed at a time.

Sleep Apnea / CPAP
After I decided to have WLS I started looking into ways I could prevent complications and have a ‘easier’ recovery.  The biggest thing I found that could make a difference (besides quitting smoking) was treating my sleep apnea.  If you are obese and are a snorer chances are you have sleep apnea.  When I had my test I found out my oxygen level was dropping dangerously low at night, not to mention I was never rested since my body woke itself up every few hours.  After I was fitted with a CPAP my energy levels really improved (although I hated using it).  The way the Dr explained it to me was if our body does not have adequate oxygen then it can not heal itself.  So if you snore and have not been tested it might be something you want to check out.

Well here is where I am so far:

Starting weight - 251
Month 1- 224 (BLOOD PRESSURE NORMAL BEFORE I LEFT HOSPITAL!!!)
Month 2 - 207
Month 3 - 193 (Sleep Apnea Gone)
Month 4 - 181 (No longer pre-diabetic)
Month 5 - 170
Month 6 - 164
Month 7 - 156
Month 8 - 150  (AT GOAL!!!!)

Post Date: 1/8/07 12:21 pm
Well it is probably time for me to introduce myself.  I have been lurking here for over a year and a half but just joined.  I am so thankful to all of you for posting about your experiences, they are why I chose DS.  I got lots of information from this site, duodenalswitch.com and the blogs I read on a regular basis, thank you all!

I am now 3 ½ months post op and doing really well.  My high blood pressure is gone, sleep apena is gone and I am no longer pre-diabitic.  I am loving the DS!