DarcyMad
Over 4 years!!!
Feb 27, 2015
Well, 4 years has gone fast. I've bottomed out at 129 lbs and have bounced back to 145 lbs. I think I would like to lose 10 and stay around 135. That's where I felt best. The weight is not hard to take back off, which is great! I just have to go back to basics and concentrate on protein and less carbs. I've stayed in a size 8 misses or a 13/15 in juniors. Size M tops usually. My blood sugars are great and my A1C is 5.2 so Type II diabetes is still gone. I'm 46 and have gone through early menopause. I'm sure the fat loss has played a major role there but I'm ok with it!
My ADEK tend to run low normal to slightly below normal. I have had to have K injections to keep those up. I have gone from taking oral vites to using the patchmd patches. I use the Multi, calcium + D and the Keep Kleer which has a high Vitamin A. I still take oral Dry E. So far, so good!
I've remained complication-free. No twisted bowels, no issues with the initial recovery. I did have a kidney stone last year and had to have lithotripsy to get rid of it but have not had one since. I still feel that I'm a compulsive eater. I must have something in or near my mouth at all times. These days its mostly protein but I do feel that counseling is going to help so I've made an appt with a psychiatrist to see what he thinks is the best course of action. I also think I may be ADHD and that it plays a role in my impulsion/compulsion to eat.
While I don't feel its the answer to eating disorders, I do feel that the DS is the best option for surgery as far as weight loss and long term success. Yes, your malabsorption DOES slow down after the first few years and it becomes more of a priority to live a low carb lifestyle. If you can adopt that lifestyle then having more carbs once in a while isn't the end of the world. Yes, it can cause gas that's really unpleasant! Lesson learned. BM's, however, have returned to normal for the most part.
I love spreading the word about the duodenal switch! If you are still up in the air about which WLS to choose, come talk to me! There are lots of very compelling reasons to choose the DS. Good luck!
My first surgiversary!!!
Nov 18, 2011
Happy surgiversary to meeeee! 
I posted not too long ago with the details of my weight loss so I'll not go into that here. If you read my profile and my blogs, I encourage you to go look at my weight and inches lost in my health tracker. I love looking at that thing!!! To see that little line going down, down, down really tells the story.
This year has been amazing. I've gone from having absolutely no energy to playing with my son, having races (yes, running!) in the backyard, sprawling out on the floor to color or build Lego things or train tracks and actually being able to get myself back up! LOL This year, Thanksgiving will really be full of thanks and gratitude and FOOD! Last year I was barely post op and in the mind game stage and feeling utterly disappointed that I couldn't eat more food.
I have gone from hiding myself to wearing more revealing clothing. I actually LIKE showing off my bod! Not in a fluzy kinda way, LOL, but wearing clothes that actually fit. I'm tasteful!
I've been dating. Haven't found anyone worth keeping yet but I at least have hope that I will someday. I find that I still tend to push guys away the minute I feel vulnerable and that's a behavior from my fat days because getting dumped happened so often. There's work still to be done in that area. It will most likely take the work of a therapist to work through some of my "fat" issues.
I really thought I'd have problems with body dysmorphic disorder, like so many, but that hasn't happened. It may be because I was thin/athletic most of my life and wasn't fat until I was an adult. I at least have a frame of reference when it comes to looking into the mirror. I DO still worry about what will happen once the weight loss stops. It really has for the most part. I go weeks with no loss then dump 4-5 lbs. I only see the scale fluctuate about 2 lbs in either direction at this point. Nothing outside of my comfort zone....YET. I'm waiting for the bounceback but I'm at least prepared for it to happen.
There are days that I think I'll wake up and this will have all been a dream. Sometimes I think still that "this wonderful thing can't happen to me." I do still anticipate a failure of some sort - it just hasn't happened. I'm learning, ever-so-slowly, that I DO deserve good things in my life. I deserve to be happy, I deserve to be healthy, I deserve a man who will treat me well, I deserve to have a happy little family. So many things I think I felt I didn't deserve before because I hated myself. Ok, maybe hate is a strong word, but I was disgusted with myself.
Today, I couldn't be more proud of what I've accomplished with the tool that was given to me. The DS has been amazing. My surgeon, Dr. Stewart is amazing. I'm so thankful that I met him and learned about the DS. That would never have happened had I not found OH. The friendships I"ve formed through the boards here have played instrumental roles in my success as a DS'er. There's no better way to know what you are in for than to have real-life experiences shared with you. Good, bad and even ugly, they are an important part of your education as a patient. Arm yourself with knowledge.
Had I listened to the "hype" about the DS, I probably would not have had it. So much negativity surrounding it and people feeding off of mis-information. I really decided to go straight to the source. Post-op DS'ers. I found that the surgery was not necessarily more risky, the recovery was not quite as bad as I'd heard, and my life afterwards is not plagued with diarhea and gas...LOL. I EAT GOOOOOD! Tons of the things I would want to eat and I am even bad now and again. I pick my battles. This has taken ALL of the anxiety Iwas experiencing as a "dieter" out of the equation. I do not feel like I'm in any way restricted. This decreases the urge to binge or compulsively eat. Those were my biggest concerns pre-op. I was a compulsive eater. I think my self-esteem increasing has lessened the need for me to self-medicate with food. I FEEL FREE!!!!
2 comments
I posted not too long ago with the details of my weight loss so I'll not go into that here. If you read my profile and my blogs, I encourage you to go look at my weight and inches lost in my health tracker. I love looking at that thing!!! To see that little line going down, down, down really tells the story.
This year has been amazing. I've gone from having absolutely no energy to playing with my son, having races (yes, running!) in the backyard, sprawling out on the floor to color or build Lego things or train tracks and actually being able to get myself back up! LOL This year, Thanksgiving will really be full of thanks and gratitude and FOOD! Last year I was barely post op and in the mind game stage and feeling utterly disappointed that I couldn't eat more food.
I have gone from hiding myself to wearing more revealing clothing. I actually LIKE showing off my bod! Not in a fluzy kinda way, LOL, but wearing clothes that actually fit. I'm tasteful!
I've been dating. Haven't found anyone worth keeping yet but I at least have hope that I will someday. I find that I still tend to push guys away the minute I feel vulnerable and that's a behavior from my fat days because getting dumped happened so often. There's work still to be done in that area. It will most likely take the work of a therapist to work through some of my "fat" issues.I really thought I'd have problems with body dysmorphic disorder, like so many, but that hasn't happened. It may be because I was thin/athletic most of my life and wasn't fat until I was an adult. I at least have a frame of reference when it comes to looking into the mirror. I DO still worry about what will happen once the weight loss stops. It really has for the most part. I go weeks with no loss then dump 4-5 lbs. I only see the scale fluctuate about 2 lbs in either direction at this point. Nothing outside of my comfort zone....YET. I'm waiting for the bounceback but I'm at least prepared for it to happen.
There are days that I think I'll wake up and this will have all been a dream. Sometimes I think still that "this wonderful thing can't happen to me." I do still anticipate a failure of some sort - it just hasn't happened. I'm learning, ever-so-slowly, that I DO deserve good things in my life. I deserve to be happy, I deserve to be healthy, I deserve a man who will treat me well, I deserve to have a happy little family. So many things I think I felt I didn't deserve before because I hated myself. Ok, maybe hate is a strong word, but I was disgusted with myself.
Today, I couldn't be more proud of what I've accomplished with the tool that was given to me. The DS has been amazing. My surgeon, Dr. Stewart is amazing. I'm so thankful that I met him and learned about the DS. That would never have happened had I not found OH. The friendships I"ve formed through the boards here have played instrumental roles in my success as a DS'er. There's no better way to know what you are in for than to have real-life experiences shared with you. Good, bad and even ugly, they are an important part of your education as a patient. Arm yourself with knowledge.
Had I listened to the "hype" about the DS, I probably would not have had it. So much negativity surrounding it and people feeding off of mis-information. I really decided to go straight to the source. Post-op DS'ers. I found that the surgery was not necessarily more risky, the recovery was not quite as bad as I'd heard, and my life afterwards is not plagued with diarhea and gas...LOL. I EAT GOOOOOD! Tons of the things I would want to eat and I am even bad now and again. I pick my battles. This has taken ALL of the anxiety Iwas experiencing as a "dieter" out of the equation. I do not feel like I'm in any way restricted. This decreases the urge to binge or compulsively eat. Those were my biggest concerns pre-op. I was a compulsive eater. I think my self-esteem increasing has lessened the need for me to self-medicate with food. I FEEL FREE!!!!
11 mos. out and goal reached!
Nov 03, 2011
The past year has been unbelievable! My surgiversary will be November 17, 2011. I've reached my weight loss goal of 111 lbs and have even surpassed it! My goal weight was 140 and I'm standing at 138 as of this morning. I"m 5'7" so I'm right where I want/need to be. If I go below that by a few pounds, I'm not too worried as I know there's some bounceback. I have consulted with my surgeon, however, about increasing carbs so that I'm in a maintenance phase.
Not once in my life have I ever succeeded at a diet. Oh I've lost weight but not once have I ever reached a goal weight...not ONCE! This is a first for me and I'm tremendously proud of myself for helping to make this happen. I'm also glad that I have the tool that made this possible. The DS. I cannot say enough good things about this surgery.
I also was very fortunate to have the surgeon I had. Dr. Stewart is an amazing bariatric surgeon. He's very skilled and very thorough. He was able to minimize my time in surgery and (I believe) that helped my time in recovery. I was back to work after a week and a half!
I am so grateful to my DS family. The people I met through OH on the DS board were instrumental in getting me prepared for surgery and how to live life afterwards. The boards can sometimes be moody but if you can cut through that to the heart of what's being said, the knowledge you will gain there is invaluable. Never be afraid to reach out to someone you connect with and ask questions.
That's it for now!
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Not once in my life have I ever succeeded at a diet. Oh I've lost weight but not once have I ever reached a goal weight...not ONCE! This is a first for me and I'm tremendously proud of myself for helping to make this happen. I'm also glad that I have the tool that made this possible. The DS. I cannot say enough good things about this surgery.
I also was very fortunate to have the surgeon I had. Dr. Stewart is an amazing bariatric surgeon. He's very skilled and very thorough. He was able to minimize my time in surgery and (I believe) that helped my time in recovery. I was back to work after a week and a half!
I am so grateful to my DS family. The people I met through OH on the DS board were instrumental in getting me prepared for surgery and how to live life afterwards. The boards can sometimes be moody but if you can cut through that to the heart of what's being said, the knowledge you will gain there is invaluable. Never be afraid to reach out to someone you connect with and ask questions.
That's it for now!
6 mos out (ok, more like 7!)
Jun 30, 2011
Wow, well I must admit now that time flies! I can remember a time early out when time was dragging and it seemed like things were moving so slowly. I'm into more of a routine now where food choices come more easily and taking vitamins and supplements are just another part of my life. I never thought I'd get there!
As of yesterday, I'm officially down 90 lbs! I had 110 lbs that I wanted to lose. I felt like 140 was a good goal weight for me. I'm 161 right now and if I didn't lose 1 more pound I'd be ecstatic with where I'm at! I'm in a size 10 solidly...probably even an 8 in some cases! I couldn't even begin to tell you how long its been since I've been a size 8. I can actually wear a 2-piece swimsuit! I go to the pool and am actually proud to show off my 43 year old bod and I think people can tell! LOL Granted, my suit is a tankini...I have scars on my tummy so I cover them. But...I look good!
My Type II diabetes is resolved. My blood pressure is down, cholesterol and tri-glycerides are down, sleep apnea - gone! I have so much energy sometimes its all I can do not to get up and start running. I actually enjoy being active with my 6 year old son! I'm dating! Guys actually LOOK at me! LOL People who knew me when I was fat almost don't recognize me today. The change just blows my mind on a daily basis and its something I don't think I'll ever get tired of.
I am so thankful for Dr. Stewart and this website. Without stumbling upon it I would not be where I am today!
0 comments
As of yesterday, I'm officially down 90 lbs! I had 110 lbs that I wanted to lose. I felt like 140 was a good goal weight for me. I'm 161 right now and if I didn't lose 1 more pound I'd be ecstatic with where I'm at! I'm in a size 10 solidly...probably even an 8 in some cases! I couldn't even begin to tell you how long its been since I've been a size 8. I can actually wear a 2-piece swimsuit! I go to the pool and am actually proud to show off my 43 year old bod and I think people can tell! LOL Granted, my suit is a tankini...I have scars on my tummy so I cover them. But...I look good!
My Type II diabetes is resolved. My blood pressure is down, cholesterol and tri-glycerides are down, sleep apnea - gone! I have so much energy sometimes its all I can do not to get up and start running. I actually enjoy being active with my 6 year old son! I'm dating! Guys actually LOOK at me! LOL People who knew me when I was fat almost don't recognize me today. The change just blows my mind on a daily basis and its something I don't think I'll ever get tired of.
I am so thankful for Dr. Stewart and this website. Without stumbling upon it I would not be where I am today!
Time for another post! 3 mos post-op.
Feb 10, 2011
Well, its been 3 months! I've reached a few milestones and am coming up on another big one! I "officially" weigh less than when I got pregnant with my son. That was 2004! As of today, I've "officially" lost 50 lbs. Half of what I wanted to lose! I know I haven't lost as much or as quickly as some but I didn't have a whole lot extra to lose. So I could think about it negatively and wish I'd lost more OR I could be the optimist and be thankful for where I'm at! I choose the latter.
I'm "officially" 2 lbs from ONEDERLAND!!!! Holy cow...really?! Its literally been since 2001 since I've seen that on the scale. Really, there are days that I wouldn't know that I ever had WLS. I feel THAT good. Of course, there are the days I overdo and end up with nasty gas too but that's about the worst of it for me. Eating has become much easier. Either I've learned to slow down or my stomach can handle more. I DO drink with meals. I have heard so much from people who say don't but I do take small sips to help wash things down.
I have NEVER, EVER thrown up. Not to say that I haven't been close but it was my fault for eating too quickly. As far as WHAT I can eat - just about anything! I am not lactose intolerant. I can do small amounts of sugar in coffee and oatmeal. Some floury things are ok and others are not. I ate a donut yesterday with no negative repercussions but a dinner roll about did me in! I always think its just easier not to mess and try other types of flour. I can do whole wheat stuff, breads and noodles and also quinoa is a good flour and makes a really yummy noodle! The one thing I cannot do in large amounts are sugar alcohols. I ate an Atkins-type bar with 11g of sugar alcohols and thought I'd pop. I was so blown up that I couldnt' even eat dinner.
I've lost plenty of inches. I haven't gone down TOO many sizes because the last place I'm losing is my tummy! So the pants are baggy but fit in the waist....exasperating! I have to remember to stop, breathe and have patience. My time will come! I'm going to be going back to the gym and I'm really excited about that! For once, I'm looking forward to exercise because I finally have the energy to do it. I can chase my 5 year old and actually keep up! Even HE notices that I'm losing weight.
All in all, I couldn't be happier with the surgery I chose. My co-morbs are gone and I feel absolutely wonderful. I thank God and all the people on this website for helping me make this difficult, but good, life choice!
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I'm "officially" 2 lbs from ONEDERLAND!!!! Holy cow...really?! Its literally been since 2001 since I've seen that on the scale. Really, there are days that I wouldn't know that I ever had WLS. I feel THAT good. Of course, there are the days I overdo and end up with nasty gas too but that's about the worst of it for me. Eating has become much easier. Either I've learned to slow down or my stomach can handle more. I DO drink with meals. I have heard so much from people who say don't but I do take small sips to help wash things down.
I have NEVER, EVER thrown up. Not to say that I haven't been close but it was my fault for eating too quickly. As far as WHAT I can eat - just about anything! I am not lactose intolerant. I can do small amounts of sugar in coffee and oatmeal. Some floury things are ok and others are not. I ate a donut yesterday with no negative repercussions but a dinner roll about did me in! I always think its just easier not to mess and try other types of flour. I can do whole wheat stuff, breads and noodles and also quinoa is a good flour and makes a really yummy noodle! The one thing I cannot do in large amounts are sugar alcohols. I ate an Atkins-type bar with 11g of sugar alcohols and thought I'd pop. I was so blown up that I couldnt' even eat dinner.
I've lost plenty of inches. I haven't gone down TOO many sizes because the last place I'm losing is my tummy! So the pants are baggy but fit in the waist....exasperating! I have to remember to stop, breathe and have patience. My time will come! I'm going to be going back to the gym and I'm really excited about that! For once, I'm looking forward to exercise because I finally have the energy to do it. I can chase my 5 year old and actually keep up! Even HE notices that I'm losing weight.
All in all, I couldn't be happier with the surgery I chose. My co-morbs are gone and I feel absolutely wonderful. I thank God and all the people on this website for helping me make this difficult, but good, life choice!
One Month Out!
Dec 15, 2010
Yay....I'm officially one month out today! I am so happy thus far with my surgery and progress. I'm down 26 lbs, fitting in smaller clothes and I FEEL lots better! There hasn't been much that I can't tolerate. White flour is really it right now, which I can't have anyway so I don't feel like I'm missing out.
My biggest obstacle is learning to eat slowly, chew my food and getting in my fluids. I'm still a fast eater but this surgery forces you to slow down for sure! Its taking work and conscious effort but its definitely headed the right direction. I still can't eat big amounts but I don't want to! I rarely feel hunger, although I know that will return at some point. The foods I can eat make it so easy to not eat the foods I can't. I don't crave sugar even though I have some from time to time. This is huge for me!
I feel that I had the best possible surgeon to take care of me and I am eternally grateful to him for all of his help and the help of my angel and the many friends I've made while being a member here.
0 comments
My biggest obstacle is learning to eat slowly, chew my food and getting in my fluids. I'm still a fast eater but this surgery forces you to slow down for sure! Its taking work and conscious effort but its definitely headed the right direction. I still can't eat big amounts but I don't want to! I rarely feel hunger, although I know that will return at some point. The foods I can eat make it so easy to not eat the foods I can't. I don't crave sugar even though I have some from time to time. This is huge for me!
I feel that I had the best possible surgeon to take care of me and I am eternally grateful to him for all of his help and the help of my angel and the many friends I've made while being a member here.
I'm switched! 2 wks post-op
Dec 01, 2010
Well, its over and done! I'm switched! Do I feel like a different person yet? No, but I know that's coming. I managed to lose 21 lbs in a week and a half...crazy! I quit when I started on the soft foods but I also got constipated. UGH! I'm upping my water intake and taking a pro-biotic to help. So far so good! I think I had it relatively easy post-op. I was in a lot of pain early on and got lots of good drugs to keep nausea and pain away but was off the pain meds before I left the hospital!
Today and, really, as of last night, I started feeling a bit more pain. Maybe the nerves are finally growing back and allowing me to feel that. Its still nothing I need pain meds for but was a bit more uncomfy than initially. I'm now trying to plan protein and fat-laden meals! LOL This will be great for my son who is ADHD and his meds keep his appetite way down. Its not as difficult as I thought it might be.
I must be experiencing the glycogen metabolism because I'm at a standstill on the scale. Its been that way for the better part of a week now. I've read enough "did I break my DS?" posts to not get too freaked out about this. I've started putting my foods and liquids on nutrimirror.com so I can see where I need to do more work. Surprisingly, its only in the liquids department! Proteins and fats are good and even my carbs are low.
I'm on my multi-vite but still not taking calcium and iron. Those will come in a few more days! Ugh...I hope I'm prepared for the calcium! I don't need more constipation apart from what I've already had. That and I LOVE cheese so I don't want to jeopardize being able to eat that!
Other than that I'm finding that I'm often COOOOLD! I'm not sure if this is normal but man I just can't seem to keep warm! I hope that's not a sign of some vitamin deficiency. Guess I'll find out soon enough. I'll be back to see Dr. Stewart in the next week or two.
1 comment
Today and, really, as of last night, I started feeling a bit more pain. Maybe the nerves are finally growing back and allowing me to feel that. Its still nothing I need pain meds for but was a bit more uncomfy than initially. I'm now trying to plan protein and fat-laden meals! LOL This will be great for my son who is ADHD and his meds keep his appetite way down. Its not as difficult as I thought it might be.
I must be experiencing the glycogen metabolism because I'm at a standstill on the scale. Its been that way for the better part of a week now. I've read enough "did I break my DS?" posts to not get too freaked out about this. I've started putting my foods and liquids on nutrimirror.com so I can see where I need to do more work. Surprisingly, its only in the liquids department! Proteins and fats are good and even my carbs are low.
I'm on my multi-vite but still not taking calcium and iron. Those will come in a few more days! Ugh...I hope I'm prepared for the calcium! I don't need more constipation apart from what I've already had. That and I LOVE cheese so I don't want to jeopardize being able to eat that!
Other than that I'm finding that I'm often COOOOLD! I'm not sure if this is normal but man I just can't seem to keep warm! I hope that's not a sign of some vitamin deficiency. Guess I'll find out soon enough. I'll be back to see Dr. Stewart in the next week or two.
Today is the day!
Nov 16, 2010
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I'm sitting here in the hotel room, its 8:30. Getting ready for my shower and last wash with the Hibicleanse and then its off to the hospital for prep.
Everyone comments on how quickly this process went but it felt like it took years, not months! Now that its here, all I can focus on is what my new life will be like and how fortunate I am to have the support of the friends I've made here on the OH website. I couldn't be luckier to have people I know will guide me when I hit rough spots or have questions. Also, people who will deal out some tough love when I'm being a whineybutt! LOL
Julie and Darlene - you two are absolutely the BEST. I still say that I wouldnt be where I'm at today if you hadn't been so open and willing to share your experiences with me. You opened your hearts and your homes to me and I am eternally greatful. You both exemplify the "pay it forward" attitude that DS'ers are known for. I hope, someday, to be able to pay it forward as well as you both do! I love ya ladies!
Ok...its off to shower and head to the hospital.
See y'all on the DARK SIDE!!!!
Mwahahahahahahaaaa!
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Everyone comments on how quickly this process went but it felt like it took years, not months! Now that its here, all I can focus on is what my new life will be like and how fortunate I am to have the support of the friends I've made here on the OH website. I couldn't be luckier to have people I know will guide me when I hit rough spots or have questions. Also, people who will deal out some tough love when I'm being a whineybutt! LOL
Julie and Darlene - you two are absolutely the BEST. I still say that I wouldnt be where I'm at today if you hadn't been so open and willing to share your experiences with me. You opened your hearts and your homes to me and I am eternally greatful. You both exemplify the "pay it forward" attitude that DS'ers are known for. I hope, someday, to be able to pay it forward as well as you both do! I love ya ladies!
Ok...its off to shower and head to the hospital.
See y'all on the DARK SIDE!!!!
Mwahahahahahahaaaa!
Approval and surgery...finally!!!!
Nov 09, 2010
I got my approval...woo hoo! Surgery is on November 17th at Forest Park Medical. I finally feel a sense of ease, like a weight has been lifted. A good friend (Jewel506) gave me a surgical meditation CD and I played it this morning on the way to work...yeah, I know...bad idea but it was AWESOME! I'm going to be playing it a lot over the next few days to help me get ready.I have Dane all set up to stay with his best buddy, Gavin. This will make the time go quickly for him. I, on the otherhand, am nervous about it! I worry about him behaving, I worry about him not being able to sleep because I'm not there...ugh. I'm sure he will be just fine but a mom can't help but worry!
There will be much more to post, I'm sure, as the date gets closer!
Too close for comfort!
Nov 02, 2010
So I'm still waiting on approval from Aetna...only its not Aetna's fault! Even though my surgeon's office said they sent my paperwork, Aetna never received it. All of this happened when the program director went on vacation so everything was put off by a week in her absence. Now its 2 weeks til surgery, no approval and i feel like I"m getting the run-around from the surgeon's office! Its hard to prepare for this when you really know nothing. I have no idea of what will happen after surgery...do I need to stay in a hotel afterward? Will I go back home? Is there a post-op class? All of these things have been mentioned but have never gone any farther. I'm getting nervous!
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About Me
Cedar Park, TX
Location
22.7
BMI
Surgery
11/17/2010
Surgery Date
Jul 22, 2010
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
