Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. I'm coming to the conclusion that a DS is not for me. I have no comorbidities. I actually just had extensive bloods done 2 weeks ago and they are perfect. Dr said he rarely sees bloods like that, even in 20 year olds. I have no sleep apnea or arthritis. My BP is 110/70. I don't think I want to swap my relative health for nutrient deficiencies. I do think I will re-sleeve. My surgeon says it is a viable option due to the number of years I kept weight off with my sleeve - almost 9 years before I regained more than 2kg. Thanks again!

I'm almost 17 years post-op DS. Personally I couldn't imagine eating vegetarian, let alone vegan. I do eat "healthy" but specifically for the DS. I eat very high animal protein. I don't diet, I don't even use the word. I eat appropriately for the DS. As long as I get in all my water, vitamins, and protein, I really don't think about what I eat. I try to stay balanced but that's for the DS, not the rest of the world. I eat salads because I like them, but it's more protein and "stuff" than lettuce. I've learned how certain foods react with my body.

I also take lots of vitamins and supplements because I don't get them through food. This is non-negotiable and literally a lifetime commitment. You have to be willing to be compliant with your vitamins, getting labs done to ensure you're not deficient.

I have had a few DS-related issues. I've battled iron deficiency anemia since about year 2. I simply don't absorb oral iron but it's controlled with periodic infusions and lab checks. I've also developed osteoporosis. But I'm also now 62 years old so it could also be genetics. I'll never know. But I've also gotten rid of very bad sleep apnea that I know would have ultimately killed me.

Would I do the DS again - absolutely.

I will say that the DS, just like the sleeve, is only a tool. You have to change your mindset and look at food in a completely different way.

Hi, I had a VGS in 2007. I was 103kg (226lb). Within one year I was 58kg (127lb). I stayed between 58 and 60kg for 8 years. This was by sticking to small meals and my sleeved never stretched beyond me being able to fit in a starter sized meal. I read Dr Fuhrman's book Eat To Live and discovered that micronutrients are what your body needs for optimal health and longevity. I ate a vegan high carb (by carbs I mean vegetables and fruit) and low fat and moderate protein (plant protein only) diet. Of course life had ups and downs but I managed for 8 years not to run back to junk food and emotional eating to deal with it. Then I had some non sleeve related health problems and mega stresses from deaths and watching the "slow death while still alive" effects of dementia on my dad. Brain injury to my brother - and me the care taker of both (and a hubby and 4 kids). So 8.5 years ago I was 125lb. Healthy diet and my sleeve was still nice and tight. 3 years later I am 95kg (209lb), my sleeve fits in a normal sized meal, I eat HEAPS of junk food and snack constantly. I've tried to get back on track but would love my proper sleeve back to make it easier to gain control. My Dr suggested I consider a DS because it seems the best option for a sleeve weight-regain. I am interested but am concerned about the potential nutritional deficiencies. I don't just want to be slim - I want to be healthy and live a long life. I want to know if anyone has followed the vegan diet I followed with my sleeve and if you had been able, when combined with vitamins, to maintain optimal nutrient levels. I would also like to know how many people suffer from diarrhea and foul flatulence (as some of the literature suggests you can) and if this can be controlled with diet. Sorry for the mammoth post!

Hello......

I'm almost 7 years post DS and I have never taken a probiotic.
I just returned from vacation where I drank WAY too many sugary ****tails and have had diarrhea since about Thursday. I feel like I can't stay off the toilet.
Looking for recommendations for a good probiotic to get my gut back in order.
TIA

It's back on the Biotech website for less than 8 dollars a bottle. The cheapest I found it on Amazon was about 21 dollars a bottle (you do have to pay shipping on the biotech site).