I am almost 7 years post DS and wish I had done it 15 years earlier! As the others have said the poop and gas stink but the foods you eat manage that pretty well. I have become completely gluten intolerant in the past couple years but have learned to manage that just fine. My weight is stable at 130-132 lbs. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

I am almost 7 years out and have become very gluten intolerant in the last year or two--I cannot even eat brown rice without serious gas and bloating, etc. I can manage potatoes without a problem but that's about it. I take a daily probiotic but find that I had to start eliminating things from my diet little by little to find what was causing the problems. You may find your body is going through similar changes. Still, I'd do the surgery again in a heartbeat!! BTW my weight is great, probably very much due to being gluten-free.

I have no experence with anti-depressants but have always understood extended release meds should be avoided by DSers as we do not get the full results. 

Brandy--You will need a doctor who will follow you as needed once home.  I took my husband with me to see my doctor to sell him on the surgery, gave him written information on the DS, our committment to the process before, during and after and asked him for his involvement once I got home.  That was the easy part.  I'm 4 years out (tomorrow). He writes the lab slips for me when I request them but I really am my own best advocate on finding out if things need adjusting with my blood levels and when I need things done.  Don't get me wrong, he's a wonderful physician but the DS is an unknown for him and we have no one in the state that I am aware of who does the DS so I kind of feel I am mostly on my own. My surgeon is in Brazil so he is not really available except by email (or phone. I suppose).  If your doc doesn't want to support you, you will need to find one who will before your surgery.

Another thing you must know is the heavy committment to take lots and lots of vitamins every day and the not-insignificant $$ to do so.  I also drink protein shakes everyday to maintain my protein intake and they are also expensive.  I am not trying to discourage you from the surgery but you need to be aware that those are life-long responsibilities and the costs continues to rise with everything else in life.

I do not use a nutritionist as those here do not know or understand the DS.  I did see one for several months before my surgery but that ended up just being an opportunity to learn that I did not want a gastric bypass or any othe type of baratric surgery other than the DS.  Your labs will let you know how you are doing and where you need to tweek things.  Hopefully your doc will help you with that. 

Please understand, the DS does not change your head so you will need to address any eating and behavioral issues related to food or you will sabatoge your long-term results.

I love my DS but it is a big committment and not to be entered into lightly.  I wish you much success!

Lisa

 

I had the same problem for a while.  I found out was caused by the toothpaste I was using.  Once I switched the problem went away.

Lisey--

It's wonderful to hear from you again!  You've  overcome so much!  You are truly an inspiration!

Continued good health and good luck in the marathon!!

Lisa

Make yourself a thick protein shake using some heavy cream (I use about 1/4 cup with 6-8 oz cold water and a little fruit and 2 scoops of Syntrax Nectar Sweets Choco Truffle but any will do)  Blend with ice to your desired thickness.

I took five weeks because I could and my job required lots of time on my feet (I'm an RN).  I probably could have returned after 2-3 if I was at a desk sitting.  I liked having the time to get my eating and bathroom routine in order though.

I was a lightweight two years ago when I had my DS performed by Dr. Marchesini in Brazil. In 9 months following my surgery I was below my goal weight.  I continue to maintain my weight loss and except for intolerance for white flour and soy I have no problems.  I love my surgeon and my DS!!
I have never felt or looked so good!  I still am surprised when I see myself in pictures.

I had minimal pain following my lap DS considering the complexity of the surgery. I was out walking over a mile one week post-op.

People generally think I look much younger.  Some of that is good genes, some of that is the weight loss.  With less fat on my body sometimes I think I look older, but that is not what others say (and I don't ask for their opinions, they just volunteer them.)  Given the choice, I'll take being thin any day!!

I went to Brazil and would do it again in a minute!!  Don't be afraid to travel IF you are going to an experienced and highly regarded DS surgeon.