HopeFaith

Hi Everyone,
There will be a weekly Zoom Meeting for DS'ers and those seriously contemplating having the surgery starting 1/30/21 at 11am Pacific Standard Time. Since I signed up for a free Zoom account, max running time for the meeting is 40 mins. We will have a timer and anyone who wants to share will have 3-5mins. I'll write a brief format, something very simple but structured with the ultimate goal of all of us having a place to support each other and share our experiences. If you think you might be able to make it, please respond to this thread. Thanks!

You will need the Meeting ID and Passcode to log on via Zoom. Here is the Zoom Meeting Info:
Meeting ID: 750 1754 0708
Passcode: RQGkb0
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75017540708?pwd=Sk9uOHRCRjdxVzNCcENpanF4ZW1sQT09

They will be exploring an area that's far away from where the WLS was performed. It's pretty easy, I had it done. The worst part is the colon cleanse the day before. After that, it's a breeze. Good for you. An ounce of prevention.......

Let me start with some simple statements.

No, I don’t know the length of my comment channel, I used to, but that doesn’t define my surgery and therefore takes up ZERO brain capacity.

Yes, if given the choice to have the surgery or not have the surgery, I would do it again.

Yes, working out at a lower weight is easier, but it still sucks, and I still hate working out. 🏋️‍♀️

One day you’ll forget about your surgery until after you’ve eaten too much movie theatre popcorn. 🍿You will pay for this mistake for at least 24 hours and swear to never do it again, until the next time you go to the movies and do it again.

Men only: NO, this surgery does not make your penis bigger. It makes the perception of the size of your penis bigger because you can see more of it when your belly disappears. Don’t be fooled into thinking you are suddenly a porn star, you are still the same guy.

Yes, I love Kale… As a garnish. Kale was never meant to be eaten as a food, whoever decided this leafy weed should be consumed by people should be banished from civilization.

16-years post-op and not a day goes by where my surgery doesn’t impact my life in some way, shape, or form.

If I eat too much of the wrong foods one day, I pay for it the next. I always carry a can of Ozium with me. It’s better than killing the human in the stall next to me.

I have learned that no matter how many Vitamins, supplements, and shakes I consume, since my surgery I am prone to anemia. Around 10 years ago I started receiving Iron infusions. I initially had to go in for a fill up once every six months, now, I go in around once every 13 to 14 months. Why has this changed, you ask? Great question! Because as you get further and further away from your surgery, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients increases and therefore you have the ability to absorb more calories increases as well, that is why people can easily start gaining weight several years down the road. Though I am not a doctor, I do believe this is accurate information.

Only once since my surgery have I **** in my pants, I don’t remember it happening, I just know that I woke up and had this issue to deal with. It has not happened since that time, I think mostly because I try to eat what I’m supposed to eat and I avoid foods that lubricate my intestines to the point of them becoming a slip and slide.

No, I do not tell every person I meet that I’ve had surgery. In the beginning, it’s a little difficult because you can’t eat normal amounts of food and it’s apparent that you want to. Immediately after surgery, I avoided going out for dinner with friends, instead, I would meet them for a drink. Today I can go out for business meetings, dinners with friends and no one knows or can tell that I’ve had surgery. I can order a normal size meal and always do. Typically, when I go to dinner, I eat my Protein first, then I have a few carbs and a few vegetables. I eat what is considered by most Americans to be a normal portion, not a restaurant-sized portion.

Now let’s talk about Protein Shakes. I am sick and f**king tired of all of the Internet chatter about which shake is the best tasting, has the most Protein, is convenient, comes in rainbow colors. It’s a f**king Protein Shake. Almost all of them have some shitty aftertaste component to them. I have tried dozens over the years and thanks to my son, a football player, I have found the one Protein Powder that truly destroys all others. It is called Pro7ein: http://www.vitasport.net/vitasport/products/protein/pro7ein-synthesis

I prefer to mix one scoop to 8 ounces of unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Many mornings I will do two scoops to 12 ounces of unsweetened almond milk. I end my day with another two scoop Protein Shake before bed.

I will tell you that if you add this one thing to your daily regimen, you will not be pooping yellow sticky liquid. I’ve read a lot of comments in these forums about yellow smelly poops. The reason you have yellow smelly poop because you’re not eating the right stuff, if you start focusing on your protein first, your ass issues will clear up.

Final note for you post-op, surgical newbies. You’ve had weight-loss surgery, you don’t have cancer. Stop treating this like you have something terrible f**king disease when you are around your friends. They are really tired of hearing about it. Trust me. Eat what you need to, do your thing, don’t make a big deal about it.

In all, I’d say I am very happy 16 years post-op. Is having a duodenal switch right for everyone? No. Like any surgery of this type, it has life-changing implications. Some are good, summer bad, but ultimately it is to help those of us who struggle with losing weight.

***I originally placed this in Post-Op Q&A and relaized it belongs here.

I revised from the Lapband to the DS two years ago. Since that time, I have lost 80 pounds. Besides there being a whole lot less of me, yes, I am happy and would do it again. I can eat pretty much what I want and have maintained my weight loss due to the malabsorption component of my surgery. You will find that many sleevers have regain issues. As far as the bathroom goes, no one's poop smells good. I have more gas in the evening and looser stool than I used to, but this is a small side effect and not a deal breaker to me. I went from a size 2x to a medium top. A size 18 pant to a size 8. No one eating next to me would know I had weight loss surgery because I can eat a normal portion. Protein first, veggies next. Drinking lots of Water. My joints and feet don't hurt like they used to either. I wouldn't let a little more gas deter you from considering the DS. It's a good, solid, data-proven weight loss intervention. Out of all of the weight loss surgeries, the DS has the best proven track record for keeping the weight off, even over bypass surgery. Ask your surgeon.
My short answer: Yes, I'm happy.

I discovered several websites that focus on "Bariathletes," WLS patients who compete in athletic/endurance events. The challenges are unique: how to eat like an athlete with a pouch that only holds an ounce, how to get the quick energy without risking dumping from carb loading, etc. I think the websites will be very helpful. A sports medicine dietitian is actually one of the recommendations.
Yes, I have a training schedule. None of the single events are that big, but doing them all in a short period of time is where I am failing miserably with insufficient caloric intake. For example, today I walked 5K which was fine. I ate some Breakfast and then did a 400 m swim and felt awful for hours - just totally depleted. This tells me I need to be getting more calories to make sure I can go on to the next event. I am going to try a Premier Protein prior to my next session and see how that goes. I think I could also use orange and banana slices during an actual session, with the hopes that the sugars will go directly to the muscles and not result in dumping. I will give it a try this week.
This is definitely a new challenge, but one I need to learn how to work with if I am going to meet other goals I have in mind.

I am 7 month post bypass and have been at GW for several weeks. Was feeling great and on top of the world. I have exercised since day one and felt good/strong enough to be challenged by ladies triathlon in a month. (1/4 mile swim, 14 mile bike, 3 mile walk/run.) So I have started training. The power walk is not an issue - I walk that far every day anyway, but I have been working on speeding it up. I started swimming this week, and it is HARD after not having swum in quite a while, but I am doing it. My bike comes next week and I will add that in. My problem is that doing the walk and swim every day has wiped me out. I feel calorie depleted, but cannot eat more than 800- 1,000 max per day.I am keeping up with hydration just fine - that is not a problem. I normally fast in the mornings, but I see I cannot do this and exercise hard in the mornings as well. My tummy is not liking anything fatty anymore. cheese, meat, Peanut Butter, nuts, etc are making me feel sick. All that feels good is tea, Protein Shakes, yogurt, cooked squash. I am maintaining my weight (not losing any pounds, which is fine), but I feel like I am getting thinner.
How can I maintain a training schedule and compete in this event, and eat what I need in order to do this? Anyone out there who is really upping their exercise and still feeling good? How are you doing it? What are you eating before, during, and after events???? I need some help here. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak right now. I am feeling a bit down and discouraged.

vanilla w/ Water enhancers are really good
Add ice and blend...
Orange creamsicle, strawberry shortcake, rootbeer float, dreamy watermelon lime, pina colada, etc... The list goes on and on.
chocolate with a tiny bit of chocolate Jello powder and ice makes a more milk shake consistency.
Caramel in Decaf coffee as Creamer is spot on
Peaches and cream in decaf tea (hot or iced) is amazing
💜Good Luck💜

The best one is the one that you will use - it's no good buying the "ideal" product that you can't tolerate and will only sit on your shelf unused. That said, whey isolate is the preferred as it is the most absorbable, with the whey "blends" and "concentrates" being a notch or two lower, but will still work. Experiment now, try sample packs from different vendors, aim for isolates if you can but go with what you prefer, don't stock up too much as your tastes may change post-op (and they may not...) so if you have a few different ones on hand that are OK with you, you should be fine for a while.

I used the Premier Protein ready made stuff. If you have a costco, they sell the vanilla & chocolate by the case.
IF you're a coffee drinker & IF you're allowed to have it - I've done a lot of Starbucks "hacks" to get me through. Two shots of espresso in a venti iced cup with ice. Then pour a premier Protein Shake on top & mix it up. Delicious. I've also added a tablespoon of Torani sugar free Syrup to play with flavors & sweetness. Starbucks does have a couple sugar free syrup options as well.

There's a powdered Peanut Butter that is not terrible. If you get a little bullet type blender & add a scoop & your Protein shake & blend, that's a decent option.

The powdered Proteins are reallll trial & error. Both by brands & then just experimenting with them & how they'll dissolve for you. Look on YouTube too for videos about this! I found I was attempting to mix the powdered protein into my coffee all wrong. It would just curdle & was disgusting. If you put it in a shaker cup & add 2oz of milk and then shake it first, then add the coffee & shake again - much better.

There are also some Premier Protein clear drinks you can try & I really like Protein20 waters. One important thing - what tastes good to you during pre-op might not taste so good after. So try to buy just enough to test out & have on hand for after. I didn't mind the clear Premier Protein before surgery. Now it's just kinda ick. I can dilute it way down but, heh. I'd rather just drink Water & get that protein & calories elsewhere.

@HopeFaithI know of Dr. K’s:
Link
But that’s really far for you. Have you checked local hospitals?

@shazza I lost 19lbs my first mo. Some might say that wasn't so much. Not me. I'd never lost that much so quickly and the bonus was I wasn't gaining like I would've been w/o the DS.

Hi, I recently relocated to Southern California (Laguna Niguel area) from Dallas TX. Dr Ayoola was my surgeon in Texas. I have been looking for a support group in the Laguna Niguel area. Does anyone know of any Bariatric support groups in the area? I had the DS, but support group doesn’t need to be surgery specific.

Yes, it is normal as others have said. I had no desire for food and to add insult to my misery...I can no longer do ANY TYPE of artificial sugar after DS surgery. Protein shakes/water ran thru me like a freight train so I had to force feed myself to get my protein in. I started watching the Food Network and similar channels to make myself desire food again and it worked (very small amounts at a time). My DS (gallbladder removal too) surgery was 06/28/17 I’ve lost 126 pounds. Today, I can only get in about seven bites each time I eat so my protein/fat intake must be first. Don’t get me wrong some days I can eat thru a grocery store. You sound like you’re where I was; couple of bites and no appetite. Good luck!

It’s rarely a problem.

Usually the fact that as you shrink you need fewer calories just to be alive takes care of it.

If not, low volume dense calorie foods can be added... a few more nuts, nut butter, full fat dairy, avocados, olive oil on your veggies, etc. It doesn’t take much.

Public service announcement: if you don’t like talking about bowel movements, please don’t read any further. So 6 months after my DS I had to have my gallbladder removed laparoscopically. Well I thought all my problems were solved. Not! . So I’m right at 10 months post op DS and I am was us to have 4-5 five soft brown bowel movements daily. Post gallbladder movement especially within the last 3 months I have noticed I’m having 6-7 dark green pain bowel movement that wake me up at night at least 3 times and they are loose and grainy. Well I have increased my Fiber. Added Imodium to try to at least get through the night. Took pepto, gas x, nexium, and zofran for nausea. Finally, I decided to speak with a GI health care professionals that first I should never be getup that many times at night and if it’s loose and green I’m leaking bile salts from my gallbladder being missing and since my small intestines aren’t able to absorb my colon is going haywire basically. So long story short it’s medication for this. Wechol, Colestid, or Questran. Speak with your health care provider. Your don’t have to suffer the squirts unnecessarily.

I had my DS this past June and love it! No regrets. I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you look at the stats, very few have regain with the DS. In fact, I have't read any posts on this site where a DS patient complains about regain. Not one.

I had the sleeve in 2015 only lost about 60 pounds. My surgeon wanted me to have the DS originally but I didn't want to. I had the revised DS that allows less malabsorption in March 2017. I am now down a total of 120 pounds. I loose about 15-20 pounds and then I stall for at least a month or more and them I start losing again. I have no regrets. i have gone from a size 4x to 1X so far. Be patient with your weight loss it will happen.

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Today I went for my three week postop visit with my surgeon. He is very pleased with my recovery and says I’m perfectly on target, as well as my 25 pound weight loss since 9/14!
I have now been cleared to advance to the purée stage which includes eggs, cottage cheese and other yummy things. I’m very excited. But most exciting is that since I’m getting all my Water in easily, I have permission to drink up to 2 cups of coffee each day!! Oh, how I have missed coffee!

To Meow999 - just so you know it is very easy to regain weight with the sleeve. You have to stay away from carbs forever.... It is only a tool and if your mind isn't truly into the program, you will regain. Good luck

No runs for me but you would think there is a drumbeat contest in my belly at times with no regard for time of the day. I was so embarrassed in a meeting recently when the chairperson was talking and my stomach was competing on who gets loudest. I just kept a straight face and the stomach noise became the elephant in the room. Nobody said a thing but I am sure everyone heard it loud and clear. I am about 9 weeks post op.

I am over a year out and I definitely have the rumblies in my stomach all the time. Doesn't matter what I eat. It's just that things aren't digesting fully so there's a lot more gas than usual. Also, I would get wet wipes for the bathroom. There's a lot of pooping going on and those help to calm down a little bit.

You won't know what is normal for you until 1 year post-op at least.

Nothing that is happening to your body right now will be a new normal for you. It may have some similarities.

You maywant ant to steer clear of dairy for a few weeks. Loose stool is not uncommon but won't be a daily happening.
Rumbling stomachs are totally normal. I named my stomach George of the Jungle. It gets better. Hang in there

I would also suggest witch hazel pads for the sensitive bum