Postop

Congratulations 🎈

I remember they found a ton of ulcers when they did the endoscopy. It was a complete surprise to me. That set things back until they were treated. Once I was cleared, I then learned my surgeon was going away the day after my surgery and he wanted to reschedule. I was very upset and cried on the phone. Several phone calls later, I was able to convince him I was fine with his partner doing the postop work (especially since both were actually going to be in the operating theater). When in doubt; 😢, lol

OK . I'll resend it.

Sent you a PM.

I was just looking back at my weight chart I kept & found it. It took 8 months till I got to the 150s. (I never had a target weight). I kept losing and got to the 120s at 16 months. I also suggest you look at the Ayoola practice in Denton if you're considering the DS. He does the full DS and has been doing it for a long time. I'm sending you a PM as well.

I'm almost 14 years out from the traditional DS and don't have chronic diarrhea. I'll get diarrhea if I eat too much junk and/or sometimes from antibiotics. A round of Flagyl is helpful for that. You learn what to eat when to forestall problems. For instance, I'll eat ice cream but I'll do it at home. But what I love about the DS is I eat every hour or so. Salami, McDonald's, nuts, cheese, etc., Just tons of protein. Reflux can be an issue with the sleeve. Talk with your surgeon.

To add to dsdesigna's post: Take your vitamins and minerals everyday. You're making a lifetime commitment to this Get your bloods taken when and how often your team says you should Keep a copy of your surgical report Get your pre-op blood report and all post-op ones (You never know when they will help if you are having an issue) Get a pre-op Dexa bone scan so you have a basis for comparison

4 to 6.

@Glamgirl I'm sure you'll clean out OK .

@GlamGirl1967 I've had a couple. The main thing I've found is it takes longer to get cleaned out than a normie so starting earlier is a good idea . I did the pills the first time but was told no on the second. I think it had to do with possible kidney side effects. I sent you a PM as well.

@vjsI've had similar issues which have, thankfully, quieted down in the last few years. How much D3 and calcium citrate are you taking? What is your PTH? Do you have osteo issues?

Not unless and until your blood results say you need additional supplementation. I take 2 Multis a day. But I also take 35-40 other vitamins and minerals as my blood work shows I’m malabsorbing them and need to supplement.

You only have to take them separately when you supplement them along with multis. Multis are ok. I’m just referring to when you have to additionally supplement . You can take them with other vitamins (at the same time) but they can’t come in one pill (eg a combo Vit A and D pill)

There are loads of these things you learn over 13 years. 😀 I sent you a PM.

We just don't absorb them well. I know people who've tried vitamin patches. It's a no go. The DS is such a delicate balance to get things that work fo us . For instance, did you know that when/if you supplement Vit A it must be palmitol, retinol or acetate? No beta carotene. We don't absorb it well. Also, the Vit A must be by itself . By that I mean no combo Vit A and Vit D pills. They often come that way.

If you're having the traditional DS, I'm afraid patches don't work. You might look into returning them and purchasing tablets or capsules (not gel caps as we don't absorb the oil).

I've never told anyone other than my immediate family (and medical professionals, of course). Remember you can't unring the bell. Plus you can always tell later on.

I know DSERS who have used half and half or cream with their cereal. It's fine.

As DSERS our Bs are quite often high without supplements.

@erinlyle if you had the traditional DS, I don't really know anyone who fasts. What we do is eat. More protein and more liquid. I agree with lowering the carbs. That will definitely help with the weight loss. But having the DS was a way to stay away from things like fasting and dieting. Also, you need to keep the protein going for energy and to keep your gastric system eliminating waste.

If you had the traditional DS and are eating pureed or solid food then eat protein. It's hard to fathom as it's a new mindset but you can eat protein when you're hungry and it's OK.

Speak to your team. I didn't have one before I left the hospital but did have one the first week I was home.

This is correct advice. Vitamins, minerals and protein are less important than hydration in the beginning. For example, I didn't begin iron till the 4th week out (on an empty stomach always). I can't speak to other surgeries but patches are not nearly enough for DSers. Also, my scheduled hospital stay was 4 days. I had a slight fever so it was 5.

If you had the traditional DS it isn't uncommon in the beginning. However, if it continues you probably should speak with your team. Thankfully, constipation isn't often a problem with us .

@DanielWallaceAlso remember hydration is much more important than protein right now. That's what you should be concentrating the most on right now.