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I had to comment because I just had DS with Dr. Sudan on June 2! In fact, I'm going back to Duke tomorrow for my 2 week check up and then on Tuesday for the post-op dietary meeting. I was excited to see another patient of Sudan on here! Private message me if you would like to keep in touch and share some of this journey! (I live in SC)

Just wanted to check in and let you all know that I had my DS surgery early Tuesday morning, with the removal of my gallbladder. I feel really great, all things considered! I'm glad that part is over. But I've had very minimal pain and not even one episode (thus far) of vomitting or even nausea. I was in the hospital Tues - Friday and came home Friday evening. My biggest obstacles so far are just my own anxiety (which I struggled with prior to surgery) and getting fluids in. They recommend 64 ounces of clear liquid and something like 30 ounces of Protein drink while in the liquid phase and I have found that absolutely impossible so far. Even without the nausea it's just so much liquid! I'm going to browse the forum and see what other newbies are up to and try to find some suggestions. Overall, I'm really excited to be on this side of my journey and looking forward to each new phase. xo

Finally got word on insurance approval for my surgery. Yay! I'll be joining you all a week from tomorrow. I'm trying to make sure I'm prepared once I get home. I was told that while on the post-op liquid diet I would need a chewable, liquid or otherwise crushed multi-Vitamin and that once I move to the soft foods stage I'll start all the other vitamin and mineral supplements. Question 1: While on the liquid diet, would this be a good vitamin choice: http://www.amazon.com/Centrum-Chewable-Multivitamin-Flavored-Tablets/dp/B000RKVS5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432565917&sr=8-1&keywords=centrum+chewable Question 2: I'm trying to order a variety of Protein supplement samples, I know tastes can change after surgery, but what is a good supply to have on hand from the beginning? Is the variety pack from unjury the way to go or will I need more than that initially? Question 3: Just want some veterans to fact check the other information I was given by my surgeon: a) Take a Multivitamin that provides you with 200% of the daily value. (typically 2 multi-Vitamins daily, but check label) Once on soft foods add: calcium citrate, B vitamins (sublingual b12) Iron and ADEK (dry, Water soluable) c) Protein Goal = 60, they've noted "it is okay to have more" (though I seem to remember from here the goal is 30=30 days, 60=60, 90=90 and some even go to 100-120? What is your average daily protein intake?) Question 4: Is it okay to get the majority of your proten from supplements if you have an aversion to meat? I have gotten a lot better at eating meat but I feel like there's no way I'll ever be able to get 100g proten from meat in a day, ever. Laptop crapping out now, better end this here. Looking for any advice foir the first few weeks post-op! TIA!!

The DS actually does provide restriction, the same as VSG. It just goes a step above that with malabsorption.

Toasted Ink, amazing weight loss! Sorry to hear you were ill. I would love to keep up with you and your progress!

Gail, I've started my own post inquiring about this, but may I ask what exactly contributed to your friend being in a coma? Was it a result of smoking after he had surgery or before? I have recently quit smoking myself and am curious now how long I should wait to have the surgery. Good luck with yours!

I just read in another post where someone's friend had major complications, following the DS procedure, which they discovered, "were caused by his lying about quitting smoking." Can someone explain this to me and give me an idea of how long a person will need to be free from smoking cigarettes until having this surgery is a "safe" option? I have just recently quit smoking and never considered that I may need to wait a certain amount of time after quitting to go through with surgery. Anyone have any advice?

Quick question for anyone who might know: My insurance has a BMI requirement of 50 in order to meet approval for the DS surgery. I was at 50.5 at my first doctor visit and actually gained about 10 pounds because I was so afraid of dropping below 50. My question basically has two parts: 1) If I were to begin at 50.5 and then drop down below 50, would I automatically be disqualified? My surgeon's office seemed to almost be telling me to maintain my weight and not lose any and that it would not affect insurance approval if I did not lose weight. Which brings me to: 2) My insurance requires a 3 month doctor assisted "weight loss" program prior to surgery. January is my 3rd month and I'm honestly postponing the appointment until I get some feedback on this post! Will not losing (even gaining) weight during the doctor assisted weight loss negatively affect insurance approval? Again, my surgeon's office did not seem to think so but I'm wondering if anyone has any personal experience with this? If there's anything I need to do differently, I would love to know before my final appointment. And, of course, I realize this all varies from insurance company to insurance company. I'm just hoping to get a general idea of what to expect. I guess I'm getting nervous being so close! My surgeon's office keeps assuring me that my wonderful surgeon will do a peer-to-peer with insurance if necessary, but I would like to be as proactive as possible on my end too. Thank you in advance for any replies!

Wow, thank you for the many amazing responses! It's wonderful to hear from people who've already embarked on this journey. Thank you so so much. Toastedink, would love to hear how you're feeling and doing now!

I absolutely agree! Thank you.

Thank you for the reply. I also wanted to say that I feel very confident in the DS as the surgical choice for me (although I am at 50.5 BMI, barely meeting my insurance company's requirement of 50) but when I read too many posts on this website I get really anxious thinking I'm making too drastic a decision and should maybe be pursuing something without the malabsorption. However, I think I need that aspect to get to and maintain a healthy weight. My surgeron didn't hesitate for a moment on telling me he recommends the DS for me. How did you know it was the "right" surgery for you?

Hello everyone! I've been reading this forum for a long time now but have never posted before. At my nutritional consult the psychologist really recommended I reach out to people who've had the surgery I am going to get (DS) to get some real life accounts of what life is like after surgery and to help me feel more prepared. I've had my initial consult, psych evaluation, nutrition consult, and am on month 2/3 of my doctor supervised weight loss program. I'm very excited that I'm getting close to (hopefully) being approved and getting my surgery date. I really feel like I'm ready (I've been reading everything I can on this particular surgery for over a year now, including many posts on this forum) and just very excited to become a healthier person who can really enjoy life. Anyway, I guess I'm looking for any stories of any kind that you feel might help me feel more prepared for surgery. I'm very concerned about what to expect in the pain department immediately following surgery, I would say that's my biggest fear at the moment. I am well acquainted with the diet and supplements and how different life will be in that regard. That will surely be a challenge for me, but it's one I am looking forward to at this point. What types of issues or complications did you guys have after surgery? How long will it be until I feel like myself and have energy again? I have 3 kids from infant to school age so that's another concern of mine too. Has anyone been disappointed with their weight loss following this surgery? I am looking to lose about 170 pounds to reach what is medically considered a "healthy" weight for me. My surgeon is Dr. Sudan at Duke, who I have all the confidence in the world in. I'd love to connect with anyone who has had him as a surgeon, but I'm mainly just excited to hear from anyone who might be able to help me get prepared! Thank you

Oops! Ignore this because I have no idea how to delete it. Sorry!

I'm not sure what the statistics are or anything, but I think losing 100+ pounds is pretty incredible for most people. (In less than a year at that - took me about 10 months. Not cumulative after years of dieting - losing/gaining the same 20 lbs, etc...) 140 pounds is amazing! I'm hoping to have success without the band, but I know the option is there if I should need it.

They weighed me, did vitals, started my paperwork and that appointment counted as my first visit with the nutritionist