The DS (and SADI) are the only weight loss surgeries that require higher fat. I will assume you had traditional DS for explanation purposes, ok? In order for our body to "use" or metabolize fat, that fat must come in contact with Bile, which is produced by our body. If there is no Bile present, the fat is not utilized as energy. So no absorption of the fat and no absorption of the calories from fat. When the surgeon "rearranges" our intestines, it is done in a manner that rerouted Bile around the majority of the intestinal track (small intestine). In a DS, that Bile is reintroduced to the small intestine for only about 100 to 150 cm at the end of the process. Hence, the body doesn't absorb it until then. For a traditional DS, scientific studies documented that a DSer will absorb only 2 in 10 grams of fat. So if I, for example, eat 100 grams of fat in a day, my body will utilize only about 20. (And will excrete the 80 unused grams in my stool). 20 grams of fat is not healthy. The body needs about 30-35, minimum. For brain function and skin and hair and bowel health. So when a Medical professional touts low-fat to a DSer, he/she is actually demonstrating that they don't understand the implication of malabsorption. And in my opinion, actually doing harm to their patient. We as DSers actually need to eat a high fat diet to get that minimum daily absorption level for our body to function properly. Tell me if that makes sense to you. Fats are not the enemy | Bariatric Facts

A Call For Speakers, Inspirational to Educational!

We are currently accepting speaker submissions for the 2023 ObesityHelp National Conference! Our mission is to provide education, empowerment, support, and inspiration. If you are as passionate as we are about our mission, we would love to hear from you!

Conference Dates: Friday, September 15th and Saturday, September 16th, 2023
Location: Costa Mesa, California

Click here for more information and to fill out your application!

Good evening everyone,

You've seen me posting here since my journey started last year. I'm continuing to share aspects of my story in case it helps someone else along the way.

I'd been having GI symptoms for a month and a half and reported them to my WLS clinic the whole time. Initially, they passed it off with the traditional feedback to take smaller bites.

After I wasn't eating solid food anymore, they ordered the EGD, which showed bile reflux. I got tossed a couple prescriptions and told to call them in 10 days after the Levsin course. The Levsin did help. I called back and asked for a refill. I carefully described my symptoms and evolution again and they tried telling me that by the time the new prescription was gone, I'd be all better. Yeah, I knew that wasn't happening.

Every day I'd been spending time massaging my stomach and intestines as a pain management technique. I decided to just keep calling them. They finally asked to schedule a CT scan for last Tuesday (over a week out from the call because full).

The scan showed mild thickening of the terminal iileum. They called me on Wednesday, May 3rd with a referral to a GI specialist to schedule a colonoscopy. Said it was indicative of Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis. I started calling the specialist to get scheduled.

I'd been on leave for the unexplained neuropathic pain and had tried to return to work that day. Early Thursday morning I had an emergency symptom. I'd eaten very little since Tuesday, drank less, and only took my supplements. I still felt massively full. Dr. Google told me pretty much the only reason for said symptom was a bowel obstruction.

Don't be me. I waited hours so I could drop my dogs off somewhere. I knew it wouldn't be a quick clinic visit, and it wasn't. The hour and change drive in to the ER was excruciating. They still dismissed my symptom until the second CT scan came back showing a bowel obstruction. They basically accused me of eating slabs of meat when I'd barely been on any food for weeks.

Anyway, they rushed me into an exploratory lapararoscopy to see what was indicated. Fortunately, there were no twists or hernias or other issues he could find. Thankfully, no resection needed. They inserted a tube into my stomach through my nose and proceeded with bezoar protocol. That part lasted two days and I do not recommend it.

Ultimately, I spent over five days in the hospital after fighting to be heard about my symptoms for over a month. The surgeon has no idea why I went from a clear scan Tuesday to obstructed Thursday. He's not convinced it's because of surgery but the likelihood is higher because of our rewiring.

His advice is the same things we all hear. Small bites, chew well. I'm not a fan of how it went down and I'll work on being an even more vocal advocate in the future.

Please, please say something if you have symptoms. It's scary how fast things can turn. Have a wonderful evening. Thanks for reading the ramble!

It appears when I started taking B complex and B 12 it eliminated that issue

Join us in beautiful Costa Mesa, CA on September 15th & 16th!

We can't wait to see you all at the OH2023 National Conference this year! We are happy to be celebrating YOU and our 25th Year Anniversary during the upcoming conference! Come join us for fun, education, inspiration, and support. Get your EARLY BIRD tickets now and save $30! Book your hotel room too!

Less than 50 days left to lock-in the Early Bird prices as this offer ends 6/15/23 Tag your friends and give them a heads-up, the more the merrier.

We can?t wait to see you in the ?OC?!