Postop

Hey, glad to hear it.

Hi Nancy, I'm a virgin DSer so I can't answer your question; however, I just wanted to welcome you to the Dark Side.

I didn't suffer from it that much, but it does get better as time goes on.

I took Lactaid OTC pills, drank Lactaid milk & ate the cheese for the first year postop to combat the lactose intolerance issues. There were no problems with Vitamin absorption.

Good for you. Sounds as if you really enjoyed it. I ate some bread, chips, etc., during the real losing phase. I just kept my carbs low (<50 gr/day), but do recall having a sandwich (or half) most days for lunch.

Definitely give your surgeon a call. He/she needs to know. Even if it's nothing.

Sorry to hear how rough it's been. I remember the contrast and having the test. It was kind of gross. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Response deleted.

They tried to pp me. I cried so they didn't.

I gained over 30lbs. from the initial appt. to the date of surgery. Needless to say they weren't thrilled w/me. But I got it together and have worked hard these last 9 years. I believe you can, too.

The first few weeks after surgery we crushed them & put them in unsweetened applesauce. We also tried plain yogurt.

Done.

My DS nutrit. states that as well. No food, drink (Water is OK), or pills for 1 hour before and after. That's how I've been doing it for 9 years+.

I went in 2006 & 2007. It was a great time.

DS Facts lists 3 in MI.

I eat all of those (except almonds but that's b/c I'm afraid for my teeth). I also like pumpkin seeds.

Looking forward to reading about the changes you experience.

I always eat thick crust. Only one piece, spread over a few hours. I can't do more. However, this past weekend I had thin crust for the first time since WLS (9 years ago). I was able to eat almost the entire piece and then a few hours later another. I still prefer thick crust.

I sometimes miss the fact that I was able to have more distance from people. Today, they can get up really close; whereas before it wasn't possible.

Welcome. Glad you're here. When I began researching WLS (about 10 years ago), I called the large hospitals in my area with bariatric programs. They had evening seminars. I went to three of them and was able to learn about the different types of WLS and then schedule appts. with surgeons for consults.

Only walking till April of 2012. I didn't need to. So that was about 7 years out. Then I realized my muscles were doing nothing and I started having osteo. issues. I began lifting weights in April of 2012 and I love it. In fact, I'm recovering from wrist surgery and can't do it again till the surgeon says to and I really miss it.

That's a tough one. With a high BMI a DS is quite effective. You have 75% of the stomach removed & then the innards are rearranged so you malabsorb. This helps to keep the weight off. However, there's also a ton of vits/minerals required (I take 40+ pills per day); 100-125 grams of protein/day; blood tests every 6 or 12 months (depending on your bariatric team); probably a yearly Dexa bone scan, etc. So you need to factor in the costs (esp. the vits/minerals as you'll be doing them for life) and whether you're compulsive enough to stay on top of it. To be honest, though, after about 6 mos. it becomes rote. If I didn't take my vits/minerals I'd feel weird. As a matter of fact, in 2008 when I was in the hospital for gb surgery they wouldn't let me take them and I felt as if I was in withdrawal. There are great things about the DS, but also some difficult things. You need to definitely do the research to see what you can live with and what is a deal-breaker. I wasn't the person who had WLS and said, "Greatest thing I ever did." I'd say it took 2.5 years postop till I realized this had been the right choice for me. I needed to figure out my stomach, bathroom, etc. It's a very personal decision to have WLS and then to decide which one. All have positive points and negative points. Start here: DS Facts. I can also give you some forums where you'll find us DSers hanging out.

Most like to give gb meds postop.

I have no problems eating out. I just order Protein & take home the leftovers.

Yes. Even thought they gave me Urso after my WLS. Three years later; horrid pain and the gallbladder had to come out.