sjules

66 pounds lost after wls is awesome! That's 66 pounds you didn't gain, with more to come.
If you find it difficult to conform to the eating habits of the sleeve, do you think you can conform to the requirements if the ds? I'm talking about committing to life long vites, getting labs, and eating high Protein. Although you'll malabsorb protein and fat, you WILL absorb simple and complex carbs.
Give your all to the tool you currently have. Use it and if after 18 months you are still dissatisfied, consider part 2. I wish you the best of luck.

Stop counting calories! You malabsorb fat so when you don't get enough, you get constipated. You need to lube the machine.

I am a newbie from the ds surgery and started have my 5th week post op. I have had quite a few people say "I can tell you have lost weight in the face and from behind you can really tell". I just yes, my back shelf has definitely gotten smaller and laugh. It does make me feel good that people have noticed at work. I was not secretive about the surgery and did not have a second thought about doing this once I made the decision. It did take me 4 yrs to decide to do the surgery and lots of research before I made the decision. I have a great support group of friends and family that are behind me and cheer me on. Good luck to everyone

I had my scheduling appt yesterday and was scheduled for SIPS procedure on June 17th. Well got a call from my surgeon's office today telling me that they had an opening for June 8th and wanted to know if I wanted it. YESSSS!! Lol
So it looks like I will be SIPPED in exactly 10 days! Super excited but nervous too...talk about an emotional roller coaster!! Lol

Question 1: While on the liquid diet, would this be a good Vitamin choice: http://www.amazon.co...entrum chewable
Looks good. I only had to chew a Flintstone’s child Vitamin for the first month or so, but ever since then I’ve been on 2 Centrums (non-chewable) a day. So if your surgeon wants you to start with that then I’d do it.
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 powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury the way to go or will I need more than that initially?
I never cared for Unjury, but definitely try it b/c many people do. I drank a shake for the first 2 years, postop, as I just couldn’t eat enough. I liked the Myoplex and Muscle Milk shakes. I bought them premade in four packs. That way I never dealt with powders or a blender. I’d buy several different types (flavors) to see what you like. The odd thing is my tastes didn’t really change, postop. I know many people’s tastes do change, though.
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)
I was never give a number (like 200%), just that I needed to take 2 multis per day.
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?)
I took Iron, calcium citrate and ADEK for the first year. After that first year, ADEK wasn’t enough, so I now take my vitamins separately. Many people don’t even start with ADEK but just go straight to separate vitamins. With the ADEK, you need to watch and see if you’re getting enough, esp. Vit. D.
Most DSers I know don’t do the sublingual B12 as that’s more a RNYer thing. I don’t and never did. However, I wouldn’t fight my surgeon. I do, however, supplement with this. I do it b/c I began to have recall/memory issues a few years out and my team agreed there is anecdotal evidence that Vit. B might help. It has.
I eat a ton of protein each day. My team wanted 80-120mg/day. They thought I should probably be around 100mg/day but I eat a lot more than then, usually. (I eat every couple of hours, generally). Initially, I couldn’t. As I said, I had to drink a shake for the first year b/c I just couldn’t eat enough. In addition, I couldn't follow the 30/60/90 rule. I didn’t get to 50 grams till about 6 months out. We’re all so individual so you just do what you can and supplement till you can eat enough.
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.
I know my surgeons prefer you eat your protein as soon as you can. Is there any way you can eat more chicken, fish, eggs and just have some meat? But definitely supplement w/shakes if necessary. You don’t want to get low on protein.
Best of luck.

Marie, what are you doing eating Pasta, bread and chips? Those are definite no nos especially this early out. I'm surprised that your system tolerates that and sugar with no issues.

Marie, what are you doing eating Pasta, bread and chips? Those are definite no nos especially this early out. I'm surprised that your system tolerates that and sugar with no issues.

I think depression is a natural and adaptive reaction to surgery as major as WLS. Unlike other surgery, this one brings up from the depths all of our "stuff" about being obese. In my case, I knew I needed this surgery, having been fat since age 3 (64 now), and that all the hundreds of attempts to do this on my own were going to be over. Honestly, I got depressed just contemplating my journey in this area, and was reacting to the huge changes coming. I am now 3 weeks post surgery, no depression, and am looking forward. Good luck!

Hi Dee1402,
I am also from South Africa. I really wish we had support like this closer to home.
I had the BPD-DS procedure on the 23rd February at the Waterfall City Hospital under the supervision of Prof Tess Van der Merwe. I am not sure where you are having your op bumpiness was very successful and I have not looked back.
I understand how you are feeling right now. It is a major operation and unfortunately it carries some risks, but follow all your doctor's instructions and everything will go well.
I had some bad days leading up to the surgery. I was scared of being under for so long and more than that, that I would not come out of the surgery. it was a silly thought because I have had many procedures and never experienced any complications. I am 53 and I had convinced myself at a point that I was to old for this.
My advise is that you should rather be over prepared so that when everything goes according to plan you can relax with the knowledge that you "did it" !
The night before you might feel like backing out, I did feel that way but with the support of my family I persevered and I am so glad and so proud of myself. Just short of 3 months post op and I am down 20kgs, and no longer need any chronic meds for diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure. I have not felt this well in years,
You hang in there and do this one for you, you will not be sorry. I am here if you have any questions.
Rose (live in Joburg)

There are many here that talk about DS surgery, I'm sure some will share their experiences....
As far as loosing too much weight...the goal is to loose body fat.....and maintain muscle and other important stuff.
This can vary from person to person....one person can be very muscular, and according to BMI's they would be classified as overweight or borderline obese...but their body fat % is very low and they would be very healthy with a high BMI....the opposite is true...one can loose weight, have a "Normal" BMI, and still be very unhealthy and have associated health risks as someone who is obese because their weight is comprised of too much fat.
People throw around #'s in pounds only....setting goals at certain weights....I want to weigh this much, etc, etc.,....and that, in itself, is wrong. The goal should be to rid the body of fat and not make weight the primary target.
According to BMI's I am still 20 lbs over weight....but my body fat % is low...very low in the "Athletic" range....if I was to loose that additional 20 lbs, or any more weight for that matter, it would be very unhealthy....it would not be fat I'm loosing. THAT would be true starvation....
It is important to get the required Protein every day, and to exercise regularly to maintain body muscle....and concentrate on getting rid of the fat...let the weight fall where it will.....

As anyone who has ever been overweight can tell you, heat and skin friction is a constant battle. Luckily last year I found "Gold Bond Friction Defense". It has been the best think since sliced bread. It has worked with no recurrence of that nasty friction rash we all get. Anyway, this weekend I noticed that I no longer needed this. I can now free myself of this burden. My point is this, we need to not only Celebrate the fact that our numbers are decreasing, but we need to also Celebrate the small victories that make our life better. So Gold Bond Friction Defense stuff you have been great to me and helped me in so many ways, but now it is time to say adios.

I just think it is those little things that make us more uncomfortable than the weight sometimes.

LOL! If they did, you would have some very saggy cheeks now!
This is just my opinion but I think people are not sure how to respond when they see someone who looks very different. Most people simply want to be encouraging and so the first thing out of their mouth usually relates to how different our faces look. I know when I look in the mirror, it shocks me.
On 2 occasions now, I have had people not recognize me at all. The only reason they knew it was me was because I was with my husband.
Then of course, they are scared to ask how for fear it might be some horrible disease like cancer causing my extreme weight loss. In these two cases, they actually asked my husband about my weight loss. I am very open about how and why I had WLS so he will simply tell them how proud of my weight loss he is and that it is intended. Then they will usually compliment me and ask questions.
I have a fantastic relationship with my dermatologist, he actually saved my life a few years ago in the hospital. Of course I was at my heaviest at the time. I see him every 8 weeks for an injection. Every time I see him he stares at me and then tells me how pretty I look. All because I don't have 3 chins anymore and my face looks younger. Of course this is always a positive compliment.
Anyway, sometimes people just don't know how to even bring it up without offending you.

I appreciate all the compliments I receive BUT after losing nearly 100 lbs....I am tired of hearing "I can tell by your face you have lost "some" weight" I know darn well my cheeks didn't weigh 50 lbs. apiece!!

Well, I had my surgery on 4/21/2015. The DS went well, but once I received a lovenox shot my clotting factor vanished. Turns out I have Von Millebrand Disease which is a type of hemophilia. Never knew I had it even though it is hereditary. I ended up being in the hospital for a week, and lost only .5 lbs due to the massive amounts of fluids administered. After all was said and done I received 6 units of blood, 4 units of plasma, and DDAVP. During this whole time I questioned my decision to even have surgery. Now that I am home I can look at it with a clearer head, and I know that the my health is worth all of the issues I encountered. Plus it was a blessing because it uncovered an issue I didn't know I had. Don't let the issues of the moment override your mission. If anything I made me a stronger person.

Hi Shell, you're doing great -- I think post-op blues are very common. All the hype of preparing for surgery and getting through it is over, and there can be a let-down afterward. You have two little ones -- I'm exhausted just thinking about those ages. So cute and I miss it so (all grown up now) but oh my god. I'd be exhausted even without the surgery! You are going to be able to enjoy everything so much more now that you are choosing yourself and your healthy future first. Every one else will benefit, but YOU are first right now. Pat yourself on the back and let yourself know how amazing you are. Your body is changing and adjusting. Isn't it great having the appetite monster off your back? Everything will balance out in time. I'm a bander and know nothing about your surgery but I often can't really do a Protein Shake either. And I don't believe in starvation mode, etc. -- I have been saving up for the famine and my body knows what to do now. It will all work out -- it's only been a month. Here's to spring and new beginnings!

Believe it or not, I'm kinds in a similar spot, and I'm almost 5 months out. In a stall, for the last 2 weeks, lacking proper energy, not finding anything appetizing because I'm just tired of it all, right now. I will prevail, just a little setback. I know I have done too many carbs the last couple of days, I really think the coffee 2 days in a row sent me into a tizzy about hunger. And carbs ALWAYS make me sleepy, less energetic, and they tend to feed off each other. Now I have to pull myself back off that track, onto my better path. Not easy, not at all.
Just know you're not facing this stuff alone, it will always come and go with us, it seems. But having all the encouragement and support of these folks really helps, REALLY, it DOES! Let us hang tight together!

I remember being disappointed that I was still so tired at 4 weeks out. But as mentioned above, this is major surgery and the body is adjusting and healing a lot!! Try to be nice to yourself and get extra rest as much as you can. You will feel a little stronger every week and the energy that you are hoping for is just a few more weeks away.
Good luck!

I have to remind you that you did just have major surgery. You need to be a little easier on yourself.
In terms of the weight loss, you body is likely in starvation mode fighting the weight loss. I promise if you stick to the plan it will work itself out and the pounds will start to drop off again.
You are not doing too bad on Water and Protein but if you could get some more in, it would give you more of the energy that you are looking for.
I also think that going back to work might just be what you need to get past the afternoon sleepy time. I remember going through that and You just have to build your stamina up again. but it will be very important for you to focus on your liquids and Protein while at work.
I wish you the best of luck!

Snacking and grazing is the downfall of WLS. Plan your meals and Snacks ahead of time and limit yourself to those times. Might try a "pouch test" which for Sleevers is really just a back to basics to get that restriction back in their tummy.

Hi ladies,
I had the DS on 9/22/2014 at Barker. Dr. Hodges did my surgery as well. My starting weight was 405, my highest was 415, on day of surgery my weight was 385. I am now down to 299 and it's been just over 4 months. I'm currently at a steady stall, but I'm not focusing on that. From what I've read, you have your first rapid weight loss during the first 3 months, then may taper off between 3 and 6 months, then may see more weight loss around months 6-9.. but of course everyone is different and if you add exercise you lose more. I had my fair share of complications, but not from the surgery itself, but from how my body reacted. I'm on the mend now and doing better.

I met a man a couple of weeks ago at one of the monthly discussion groups and he said Dr. Webb did a DS on him and so far he has lost 170 lbs. when I go for my pre op on the 23rd I will make sure all my paper work is right and I'm having the procedure that I wanted. I will keep you up to date with my progress.

My op. is set for the 31st. I am frightened and excited as well. So glad to find this for support, my Hubby seems to think this will be a quick fix. So I really need the been there doing that support.!

GOOD LUCK today mama. U have been in my thoughts n prayers. Hope ur surgery went well!!!!!

Research and find another surgeon that does the DS. My first surgeon told me to stay home and have the sleeve. Naw! Wasn't an option. Find someone else. He probably has never done the DS before.