DSwitcher

Sheanie, My Celebrate Chewables, have A, D and E, a little low on the K. I had planned to add an ADEK after surgery. Does that seem sufficient for the basic multi? I will, of course take other supplements...

"The novelty of this study is the large and sustained reductions in the symptoms of anxiety and depression after the duodenal switch procedure, and that these changes were closely associated with improvements in self-reported physical health." http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/729214

Had pages of nutritional baseline blood work already. Been a little wheezy with the cold weather up and down, but no mention yet of pulmonary clearance...

I am glad to be on this new forum. Rule #1 in my experience? "What happens on one forum stays on that forum," wisdom born of pain…. I believe the admins need to set the bar for this, and while I KNOW how frustrating it is to be spoken ill of, it is really important not to import drama. Let's take the high road, K? I eat every 2 hrs and the new Nut couldn't get it. She wants me to eat every three or four hours, pre-op! I agreed to do do, with a Protein coffee and Jello in between. After surgery, I will graze with protein and fats, and very little carbs, at least for the first 6 months…. DS IS the "eating WLS" from all I have been told by MANY who are experiencing success. I will adjust as needed. rdc

Looks like I will be doing an endoscopy and colonoscopy before surgery. Scheduled for psych eval. Also need a consult re: changing med prescriptions for absorption change. Otherwise, pretty much the same as the first time in 2012. Don't think the sleep apnea clearance will be necessary this time. Has anyone else had to jump through any additional hoops?

VSG to DS is not correctly listed as a revision, but a completion of a dual procedure. Many had the first surgery (3 or 4 possibilities) and then had the DS, later, to complete the surgical procedure. Many, including myself, hoped that the sleeve, alone, would be sufficient. I followed the VSG for three years, and found that maintenance and avoiding re-gain, was not metabolically possible. While I will be what is considered, a "lightweight," I have allowed myself to eat regularly to have some rest for my metabolism and to weaken the starvation re-action, a theoretical construct, that has some believers and some detractors. Completion with the DS will provide the malabsorption necessary to correct the insufficiency of the Sleeve alone, according to my Drs. Those who chose the "Virgin DS," having both parts at the same time, are also finding success in maintenance. The stats are definitely in the DS favor.

Like making the decision for WLS, there is a lot of research and information to be gathered before this decision is made. A vast majority of people are getting better services, for what many are finding is a better deal in the long run. When I hear lots of horror stories I question the facts… Just like WLS...

I couldn't read it all, but sounds like it could be normal depression. talk to one of your docs, re meds and some therapy around the fact that you are not getting your needs met by your family might be appropriate...

Not a coincidence. As sleevers like me hit maintenance and have no metabolism left, the only choice is DS completion!

I went through all kinds of gyrations in the beginning, trying to put together a GNC, CostCo, Walgreens value-pak, and who needs that stress?. I have met with the nutritionist, not the surgeon, so I am taking Celebrate at post op level and Vit D3, dry, which was low, to get things up in general. In Jan, I will meet the surgeon. I will start The Vitalady Packages to build up before surgery. I have decided to pay the extra for going with the three month plan, as my "guilty pleasure." After my next labs, 14 vials worth, I will reassess. It's the cost of doing business iin DS Land!

Are you a Sleever in maintenance? Having a hard go of it, even though you are following your plan? That was my experience, and why I have elected to re-sleeve and have the second phase DS, which promises to provide a level of malabsorption that will enable me to maintain. If you ar considering the sleeve, or struggling with the sleeve, I suggest you look at the Duodenal Switch, and get past the rumors and bad info you may have heard. DS is, by far, the most effective surgery!

58 views and no replies. How many of those folks are having or have had DS?

WLS Revision Journey continues! Disability Medicare Parts B,C, and D are taken care of. AARP completed for deductibles and Part C. Surgeon's office has all info needed. Just a matter of running all the info through and setting the first appt, which I hope will occur this week! Just as I was about to decide the Re-Sleeve and DS was not for me! Like I had another choice? Swing them critters, I want to get this one right!

In the beginning, I was so pleased to have chosen to have the VSG, Gastric sleeve, without " Duodenal Switch (DS)." I was convinced that if I followed every rule religiously, did all the other health things I was supposed to, it would work, and I was ready to work it, for three years. ! I was wrong. Although I lost 140# I am still at a 37-ish BMI. No matter what calories, exercise, etc. I subjected myself to, no luck! My Dr recommended that I was a candidate for Duodenal Switch I am already proceeding to be resleeved and complete the 2nd part, Duodenal Switch. As more and more Sleevers (and Bypassers) fail, the emergence of the DS is assured….IMHO when one actually studies the facts rather than listen to rumor and wive's tales, it's a no-brainer for LT success! rdc Before After Afterer

What are some changes you have been thinking of, maybe obsessing over, that'll only make a difference, if you DO them?

I travelled all over the US and the world (Russia) in an evangelistic singing group. Independent baptist, Episcopalian, and Church of Christ. All had sexually abusive clergy. The latter extremely powerful, fundamentalist and cultic.... "When God Becomes a Drug" is a great book... Helped me reconsider a creator..

As a recovering person, I rely on the science of addiction studies, which assures me that addiction is not evil or sin, it is a disease. Some of the behaviors that are symptomatic of my disease are serious and must be adddressed. Not through guilt and shame, but by the most effective recovery techniques, added to a basic spiritual factor that is also effective in breaking the bond substances and addictive behaviors have over me. Science also tells me that meditation, prayer, sharing, confession of behaviors, and journaling, as well as other spiritual activities, are part of successful recovery. Chapter Five of The Big Book of AA tells us: "Do not be discouraged. No one among us has been able to maintain anything like per­ fect adherence to these principles. We are not saints. The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection. "Our description of the alcoholic, the chapter to the agnostic, and our personal adventures before and after make clear three pertinent ideas: -- That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives. -- That probably no human power could have re­ lieved our alcoholism. -- That God could and would if He were sought. -- Being convinced, we were at Step Three, which is that we decided to turn our will and our life over to God as we understood Him. Just what do we mean by that, and just what do we do?" This is where action must be added to faith...The 12 Steps helps us begin the process....{:>} rd

I think we have to be careful about taking another's inventory when discussing faith related issues....

How does this impact on addiction? Lots of very good Christians struggle with OCD and addictive behavior?

I guess I am wondering about A "Higher Power" and how he/ she/ it relates to addiction and recovery...

Blabber On! lol

If it's not worth it to your husband, or if he is less than supportive, it is important that you explain to him, before surgery, that you are going on a journey and you woud like him to go with you. If he is not ready, tell him you are leaving on that journey, and he can either catch up, or consider his options. I think it is always important to support your spouse and their feelings, but to also make a clear statement of your intent. Later this may be a valuable thing to have done..... {:>} rd

The concept of a Higher Power is a real deal breaker for some, especially those who, like myself, were a part of abusive religion that was way more about "Power," than about "Higher" thinking. As a recovering addict of Religion, it was a struggle to sit through a lot of the religious vs spirtual sharing I heard. Little by little, I was able to disconnect myself from the impact I felt from others to realize that the part, "of our [own] understanding," was key to my own definition of Higher Power. Nowdays, I pray for "serenity, courage and wisdom." Much like the trinity I was raised on, this Higher Power suffices to meet my spiritual needs... What are your thoughts and feelings regarding a Higher Power? {:>} rd

I have discovered that Maintenance is not like retirement! If anything I have to eat cleaner, and exercise more than before.

http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/12-step-groups.htm