Question:
WILL I HAVE TO DIET AFTER THE DS? PLEASE SAY NO.

I'm scheduled for BPD/DS and was wondering if i will have to diet afterwards. I've never had any luck with diets and I would always gain more weight than i lost. If i eat in moderation after the surgery, but DON'T DIET, will i still lose a good amount of weight?    — Laura R. (posted on June 5, 2003)

June 5, 2003
Hi Laura, Congratulations on your upcoming DS surgery. The answer to your question is "NO--you will not have to diet after the DS surgery." That is the #1 reason I chose this surgery. There are no food restrictions, no bad foods vs. good foods, no counting calories, no going hungry. The only thing you need to do is take advantage of the 18-24 month window of opportunity (weight loss phase) by avoiding refined carbohydrates. Concentrate on getting your protein, complex carbs and water. But after you reach goal, you are free to eat whatever you want in moderation, of course. You actually can do that during the weight loss phase, too, but it may slow your progress a little. If you have a lot to lose and want to lose 100% of your excess weight, you will want to avoid simple sugars during that time, as it is absorbed 100%. All other food groups are malabsorbed. The malabsorption factor of this surgery is a miracle for those of us with messed up metabolisms caused from a life time of dieting. You will never have to diet again. Enjoy your new life. God bless!
   — artistmama

June 5, 2003
Make smart choices, yes... diet.. no. A year out with my BPD I can attest to this. Because I am not extremely restricted, nor do I dump, I have the ABILITY to eat pretty much the same way I did before surgery. The difference is that I choose NOT to. It's all about quality over quantity and pushing protein first and foremost. Sure I have my moments when the old habits overide the new habits. It ticks me off, but I dust myself off and go back to sqare one. Your tool will only be as successful as you you make it. Moderation, push protien, get your water and exercise and you should see great results. Though I have to admit, it is LOVELY to be able to have that bite of (insert your favorite decadent dessert here)when you really want it. Just my two bits. ~Peace
   — Joscelin

June 5, 2003
Not that I'd recommend that anyone follow in my footsteps, but...Though I've supplemented faithfully and always eat my protein first, I've promised myself since my surgery that I would cut out the refined carbohydrates and sugar. I haven't done so yet. But I lost weight steadily--never plateaued--and reached goal anyway. That's why I love the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS).
   — Kay B.