The DS is a very dramatic procedure that requires lifelong dedication to eating properly (for the surgery), taking your vitamins, getting labs done regularly (one a year) and making the appropriate adjustments.

The first 6 months of any WLS will have a major impact on a person - you've had MAJOR surgery and it takes time for the body to heal. Plus you're basically re-learning to eat again. The DS has two parts - one is a VSG - vertical sleeve gastrectomy - meaning they literally remove the majority of your stomach and it's called a sleeve because that's what it looks like - a banana - maybe 6-8 ounce capacity. The second part is the switch - they literally reduce the size of your intestines, which is where you absorb your nutrients, which is why following guidelines is crucial. The sleeve will ultimately stretch but it's the switch that keeps us within our goals (or close too it). We absorb approximately 50% of the fat (and nutrients) that we eat with the EXCEPTION OF SUGAR - that we absorb 100%. That's why carbs can be an issue.

It's important to learn about what you put in your body - read labels. Know exactly what's going in and how it affects your new system. It's a learning process.

With all that said, the DS is the best WLS for long term maintenance. I'm almost 18 years post-op and I am exactly at my goal weight. I've had a few ups and downs, but I'm always able to make adjustments simply by looking at what I'm eating (it's usually too many carbs - so it's back to basics for a while).

I think it's great that you're educating yourself. As far as food and sex, your friend had MAJOR surgery just 2 months ago. Takes time for the body to heal. Desire will definitely come back ;) As for food I probably love food more now than before. For me pre-op it was all about quantities - how much food could I eat. Now it's about quality - I love food - I love cooking, and shopping, and eating.

You need a DS-friendly diet. You need full fat. You need lots of protein and low carbs. I think we have all had gains over the years and in my experience going back to DS basics works. Generally its carbs that cause DS weight gain. Look at exactly what you're eating and make the appropriate adjustments.

Also lots of water.

Fruit is sugar. All carbohydrates should be the LAST thing you eat. This is how we lose weight and maintain the loss. We avoid carbs and sugar. If you want to know how to eat to lose weight read Atkins induction diet and add more protein. The only carbs you need to be eating right now are low carb veggies like green beans, spinach, and salad type greens. Brussels sprouts. Cabbage.

Constipation. Eat a lot more fat. Use butter, cream, and real mayo. Add fiber. If you need to, take psyllium capsules. If you take psyllium, keep up with the water! Psyllium is an indigestible carbohydrate so it doesn't count as a carb!

Protein. A LOT of us don't need 120gr per day. Some do. I would be happy with around 100 and adjust upwards according to your labs which are coming up in January, right? For more than a decade I stayed around 100 but now I only need about 80. Your needs will change over time. When you need to adjust, you change things. A general rule is to always eat protein first. Always. Next, fat, and LAST, carbs. I don't count calories at all. If I eat this way, I don't need to!

Don't drink calories/sugar. No juice. If you have to have fruit, EAT the Fruit. NOT JUICE. Me personally, I probably don't eat more than 10 or 20 bites of fruit per year. And I would bet I haven't even tasted juice in more than a decade.

Weightloss. I think you are doing well. 1 or 2 pounds a week for a revision is VERY good. Here is a tip. Almost everyone has some weight gain. When you hit your goal, lose 10% more so you have some wiggle room. So if your goal is 140, lose 14lbs MORE.

Maintenance. Once you hit your goal you may be able to eat more carbs without gaining. Time will tell. The best maintenance plan I have ever seen came from someone here years ago. She weighs every morning. If she is over her goal weight 3 days in a row, she goes back to cutting carbs until it is gone. Lather, rinse, repeat. For most of us, it is not effortless.

I didn't get a great DS so I live low carb. I also know I can't tolerate neverending deprivation. So I give myself cheat days when I eat nothing healthy. Holidays and vacations out of town are cheat days. This means I can participate in the holidays and I always have something to look forward to. This makes it possible for me to eat right most of the time. You need to find what works for you.

Best of luck!

Hi. Twenty years ago I had the Gastric Bypass. I had a revision of the Duodenal Switch back in January of 2020. I started losing weight quickly and went through my first stall in my 4 and 5th month. As of my ninth month, I have lost 82 pounds. I didn't know ObesityHelp was around, so this might help me with a lot of the questions I have. But prior to finding Obesity Help, I got my information on the various bariatric surgery boards on Facebook.

I have a lot of questions. My surgeon and dietician haven't told me much even when I ask them. My dietician said only 60 grams of protein and at most, 1300 calories a day. When I did that I stopped losing weight all throughout my stall. So, I started paying attention to the people on the bariatric boards on Facebook. They would tell me at least 120 grams of protein and 1500 to 1600 calories a day. I started losing a little weight, maybe one to two pounds a week. But I'm told that is very little.

ALSO, I have terrible constipation. Even with all the walking, exercising ( I ride my recumbent bike 6 to 7 miles a day), tons of water, eating fruit and taking Miralax. So, I asked the people of Facebook and they said I'm not eating enough fat. A couple of people told me I should know better. Well, I'm getting information from different sides and I'm very confused. I know I should be losing more weight. And I should be able to use the bathroom (I mean, my stomach makes all the right noises but I can't go).

So, PLEASE. What should I do to help myself?

Nicole this is so helpful, thank you! If my friend and I talk about that sensitive subject again soon, I'll let him know there's hope for balance! He has likely already talked to his doc. Based on your surgery date, you have a good bit of experience with DS, so I hope you post often with such great information. Appreciated!