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I am sorry to just now be getting back to you. I have had other health problems, some making this so much worse. I appreciate your help. I tried the link, but it gives so many doctors that do not do the DS surgery. Every website I have been on is like that even though I ask for DS surgeons. There is one 2.5 hours from me, but with my health problems, I cannot travel much. I have been to him several times over the last 4 years, and he has not been able to help me. He has only done 2 lengthening of CC, and that concerns me. His bedside manner is pretty scary too. I need to find a more experienced doctor if I ever get to where I can travel better. Thanks!
I had a DS surgery in 1/2013. Everything went well until 10 months later. At 135 lbs., my doctor said I was losing too much weight. I am 5'3" and at my worst, got down to 99 lbs. Ever since I have tried to eat more, I have had bad stomach pain, and more than the extra expected bloating, gas, frequent bowel movements, and also very urgent BM's. But it is mostly not diarrhea. I got up to 115 lbs. and stayed there a couple of years but still had all the problems. I have malabsorption problems, but my labs have always been good. I do have to keep an eye on my iron.
In April, I had to deal with C-diff for 6 months. I went down to 88 lbs. I am now at 104 lbs. Outpatient tests after c-diff show I have EPI. It is not curable. Your pancreas stops making the enzymes needed to break down your food, medicine, etc. so your body can't absorb it. I am on Creon 24,000 units 13 times a day. I am sick of being sick all the time.
Is this a possible reason to have the lengthening of the common channel done? I have always thought you only did that if you had bad labs.
I know that surgery won't cure the EPI. But today I had a bariatric doctor, (he only does sleeves and bands), say that the surgery doesn't always cure malabsorption issues. I do not have a DS surgeon close to me, and that is causing even more problems.
First congrats on your success.
Are you doing too much cardio? I know it sounds weird but after I lost all my weight I actually stopped almost all cardio (except for a 10-minute walk on the treadmill to warm up). I focused on weight/strength training only. By doing too much cardio your body is still trying to burn fat, which it appears you have none of, so it's taking muscle. You may need more than 2k calories a day with the amount of working out you're doing.
Janet in Leesburg
DS 2/25/03
Hazem Elariny
-175
Those are amazing pictures and an incredible success story. While the surgery was a tool that made it easier to lose the weight, it is your hard work that gave you the body you ended up with. I am really proud of you.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
Thank you for your reply, I found it very informative.
