Hi Kate,

It's good to hear from you..and catch your report... I had an different wls, in mid 90's. I have complications similar to a DS, actually a RNY with multiple bowel resections and removals. Our weights mirror each other.LOL I live on a few acres in Tn. We have chickens and rabbits.and a small garden.

I have rhumatoid and Osteoarthritis, brought to fruition by Lyme. I can not take any meds , one dose of anything normally prescribed brings on gastritis. 2 hospitilizations w/twisted intestines later,- i now use willow bark 1-2 x a week followed with a single dose of Prevacid about 2 hours later. warm water soaks on hands get fingers going on cold days.The K2 and epsom slat foot baths have no hurt..

I am also on Anemia scale. my best fix for that is to have liver 2 x a day.. Only 1.5 oz each time... the second best is to take 2 Organic Buffalo or calf liver capsules with morning meal. Liver has every compound one requires to absorb iron.

The internist who found my severe anemia...told me Liver was the perfect food. Eating it 6 days a week 2 times a day, for 6 weeks. boosted my Hg. by 8/10ths a point.

It is so much easier to obtain and take dessicated liver. in capsules. it comes in 180 count bottles and price range is 45-70$, for 3 months supply@ 2 /day. Rabbit liver is delicious, both tender and sweet.., and so is farm raised chicken liver.It is wonderful my Hubby does not like either of them!LOL

For joint pain you might try magnesium oil... I have read a lot about it recently and it is on my "purchase on next buying trip" list.Earth clinic had an article on it recently.

I have also been diagnosed with osteopenia, to reverse that in both my hubbs and myself, 12 months ago we increased our D3 to 10 thousand units per day.with Vitamin K2. It has been researched over past 2 years as the body's mineral mover. Moving magnesium, calcium, zinc and other trace minerals to the bone and away from blood vessels. My Dh has had tests confirming his osteoporosis is improving with his additional 6 years since last tests. he hits 71 this year.

I like Seed synbiotic (probiotic & prebiotic)

I had my duodenal switch In 2012 and have had diarrhea but all of a sudden the last few days I'm constipated. Are usually go to the bathroom for five times a day and now I'm lucky if I have one bowel movement. Is that normal? any help you can give me would be most appreciated.

Thank you, Esther

Wow, Kate - thanks for the post. I'm just over 17 years post-op. You and I seem to have had similar issues. I actually continue with my massive vitamin doses. My mother and sister also had osteo (also non surgical). I tried Reclast - didn't really work. Currently looking into Prolia. My iron has managable with infusions - last infusion was almost 3 years ago and labs are still normal - no oral iron for me. I don't do shakes, but get all my protein from food. I'm exactly the same weight I was when I hit goal just over 15 years ago.

There aren't many 20+ DSers. It's comforting to know my life seems to be "normal" for a long-term DSer. Stay healthy and stop by one in a while.