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I had my DS surgery on March 28, 2011, almost 10 years ago. feet 5 inches tall. I am 5Before surgery I weighed 255 pounds. I had a heart attack 2 years earlier. This was my last attempt to lose weight long term. I have struggled with my weight since age 20. My surgeon, Dr. Bonanni in the Philadelphia area, set my goal weight at 132. I got to about 125 within 1 year. I have maintained ever since. I am currently at 115 and trying to get back up to 120-125. My advice is simply to follow the standard advice on getting enough protein, taking supplements, getting lab tests done on a regular basis, attending follow-up visits and support meetings, etc. For the first time in my adult life, I was full and satisfied with moderate amounts of food. Don't get me wrong, the recovery and relearning process was not easy. But the weight came off and stayed off. I would do it over again in a heartbeat.
I am sorry I had the surgery.I had previously had a gastric sleeve done but I lost some weight. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer I became her caregiver and focused on my mother. So after my mother died I wanted to focus on my weight again. NALC insurance rules prohibited me from seeking help. So I changed to Blue Cross Blue Shield they said no also even though the bariatric physician recommended my surgery. They said she did not follow the recommend protocol. Even though I explained I had to care for my mother Blue Cross said no. I heard some nurses had surgery in Tiajuanna, Mexico and they were doing well.As a last stitch effort I ask Bariatric surgeon here how much cash. I remember the person just blurting out a fee but it left me with more questions. Long story made short I went to Tiajuanna , Mexico and I have felt sick ever since. I am low key nauseated many days. I have to take pesto bismol or aluminum hydroxide gel to coat my stomach. I had my surgery 10/21/20 after I got home from Mexico I have been having diahrrea ever since. I no longer like foods I used to like. My sweet and salt taste buds are okay. I can barely eat. If I had the chance to live my life again at least for me I would not have raw Duodenal switch. I had no idea after the surgery I would have to wear a poise pad to catch the unabsorbed orange oil that come out in toilet and clothes. Everytime I eat or drink anything it travel thru my body so fast I need to be near a restroom.i looked in the mirror the other day. Skin 9n my arms are droopy, my face amazingly looks like the younger version of me when I was younger. But I feel just horrible. I dont think I will survive very long. I have been referred to a specialist. If the Lord is willing he can help me out of the mess I got myself into. I blame myself!
That's great. It's always good to see people without condition scaling down.Congratulations.
That's for sure a great idea. You can also get some cool views along the way. It's always good to see people staying active while on vacation. I specifically love hitting the gym when I cruise as the personal trainers they have are superb! We went in 2019 on a cruise to the Greek islands with a transfer from the airport to Piraeus port arranged with the same agency we used for our Athens private Tours. One hidden secret if you ever take a cruise is to avoid the excursions onboard as they make money from you. It's better to contact a tour agency that's local yourself.
Like PattyL said, you won't really know about your particular medications until the time comes. I've seen many people over the years who have to adjust their psych meds. I take a HBP and I don't seem to have any issues.
DSers do not absorb oil. Certain vitamins in their natural form are oil-based - primarily ADEK. Those have to be taken in their dry form - all are available but not as readily as the oil-based vitamins.
Janet in Leesburg
DS 2/25/03
Hazem Elariny
-175
Some people have no problems and don't have to change anything. Others may have to take smaller, more frequent doses of some meds or switch from the extended release version back to the original. No way to tell. You have to wait and see.
The reason we take 'dry' supplements is because we don't absorb much fat!
Hi all-first post here. I had sleeve in 2011 and have gained all I lost plus another 50lbs. I am considering doing sleeve revision and DS. So, my first concern is that I was reading how you have to take "dry" vitamins due to malabsorption. Does this affect any other meds you take? I take high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and anti depressants. Will they still be metabolized properly?
Congrats on your success.Our timing is similar - I just celebrated my 18 year anniversary of the DS. I'm currently at my goal weight (150) but had creeped up to about 165 a couple of years ago. I went back to DS basics - low carb, high protein, lots of water. I've never "dieted" since my DS. I honestly don't know anything about WW - are you counting calories? Are you getting in enough protein since with the DS our requirements are more than the average human ;)
How are you labs?
Janet in Leesburg
DS 2/25/03
Hazem Elariny
-175
Congratulations!
Some do well and it is a real struggle for others. I am 18 years postop and for the first time ever I am in the normal BMI range. And I never stopped dieting. I had very little easy weight loss after the DS. I had to work for every ounce. But what the DS did for me was to allow dieting to work. If I hadn't had surgery, I would have dieted myself up to 600lbs by now or I would already be dead!
For me it is just DS basics. Eat plain protein and very little else. I eat between 20 and 30 carbs a day. I do give myself cheat days. Out of town vacations and holidays. I want to be able to participate and I know myself well. I can't cope with eternal deprivation. Works out to around 20 days of free food per year. The rest of the time, I am pretty strict.
