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dsdesigna

Duodenal Switch Patients
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Everything posted by dsdesigna

  1. This is my opinion: The traditional DS has been around for 30+ years. It’s went through some modification but it’s been through real life testing for a long time. That is comforting for me. The Loop or Single Anastomoses Duodenal Switch is new, less than 10 years old it is basically an experimental procedure that most insurance will not cover. It’s a challenge to find any statistics on it. That makes me nervous. There’s no way to tell for certain if long term success is similar to the Traditional. I personally wouldn’t want to be a test subject. As far as what you will look like in the end, that’s a bunch of nonsense. I have a whole support group here. Many who are 5 years out or more and no one looks gaunt or “old”. It’s not a good excuse for pushing a new procedure on to you.
  2. The short answer is yes but you will want to consider a few things. First anal introduces air into your colon which could create trouble with the second connection to your lower intestine. Second although there are ways to minimize it you will be producing flatulance that is typically fairly noxious. You might also have some trouble with loose stools but again this can be handled. So yes but it’s likely going to be a different experience. Cheers.
  3. dsdesigna

    Excessive Skin/Overhang etc.

    There are literally hundreds of brands of body shapers. I have a full body shaper meaning it is similar to a tight bathing suit but is flesh toned. There are many options. Spanx is one of the most widely known brands but you can get cheaper at Walmart or Target. They all work. You will have to try a few to find what works for you.
  4. dsdesigna

    Scared senseless.... pre-op

    I would be more concerned if you weren’t scared. It is a big deal. But you got this. And you are not alone. Try to focus on the after care. Make sure you have what you need when you get home. Stay busy, get your mind off it. Go see a movie. Go out with friends, spend time with family. Start journaling. Get the thoughts out of your head. Congrats on choosing to dramatically change your life!
  5. You will likely find eggs difficult to eat for the first three to six months at least. Some people can’t eat them at all after surgery. Just a heads up.
  6. Try different protein drinks. Powder and premixed. It took me a few tries to get one that my stomach could tolerate. Try different temperatures as well. Warmed might be better than cold. Solid protein takes a bit to get used to. You have to over chew. Like seriously, chew until it’s a paste in your mouth. Medium rare steak well chewed will be easier than ground beef. I don’t know why but trust me. Chicken might take a while. My local grocery store has a yummy chicken salad. Lots of mayo!! Btw 90 grams of protein is a minimum for DS. You can’t get too much. Stay hydrated, include plenty of fat and don’t skimp on the protein. I love Avocados!
  7. dsdesigna

    Is this my new normal?

    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
  8. dsdesigna

    Excessive Skin/Overhang etc.

    Unfortunately there is not much you can do. Body shapers will help minimize the downward pull on the skin. Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E will help with dryness. The only real remedy is surgery. It's not a big deal most of the time but it depends on how your weight is currently dispersed on your body. If you have a large belly you will likely need a tummy tuck due to rashes and sores from sweat and movement. Legs and arms are really hard to deal with weight lifting might help.
  9. dsdesigna

    Eating is a chore

    Some surgeons feel like it takes a few weeks for the new stomach to heal and the extra time with simple foods allows for better healing and less chance of complications.
  10. dsdesigna

    DS and Absorbing Zoloft

    You will need to have your SSRI adjusted probably a few times as your absorption will be so much different you may consider liquid instead of pills for any medication you take now. You'll have better absorption.
  11. dsdesigna

    Eating is a chore

    It's perfectly normal to feel like you do. Hang in there. Don't stress. Your goal is to try to develop good eating habits but that's a long term goal. Focus on staying hydrated. Sip sip sip. And get out of the house. Find somewhere you can walk. Park, museum, mall. Etc. find a hobby. You've done an amazing thing for yourself. It's going to get better.
  12. dsdesigna

    Got my date

    Right after surgery the majority of your pain will be from trapped gas. The gas inside your intestines will be easy to deal with. Don't be afraid to fart. The inter abdominal has is more difficult to rid and the Only thing that helps is WALKING, I'm not kidding. Make yourself a promise that you will walk as soon as you can and as often as you can tolerate. Pain meds will do nothing to help. Remember to sip water slowly, I was given a medicine cup to drink from. Try to wean off of pain meds as soon as possible as the cause constipation. Don't be afraid of healthy fats, do not eat a low fat diet. It won't be good for you. When you get to soft food stage try very ripe avocado. Your system will thank you. Gas is common, it will have a strong odor especially if you eat lots of sugar or veggies. If you aren't already find a support group in your town. Do not expect your friends or family to understand what you are going through or be as supportive as you will need. Buy a belt. You will lose weight faster than you can buy new clothes. Wait 4 or 5 months and try thrift stores or second hand stores.
  13. dsdesigna

    Route 66 in Texas

    I'm in Lubbock. We have a large support group for DS here. We have two FB groups. LADS and 806 DSers. If you don't live in Lubbock the LADS administrators won't accept you but the 806 DSers are open to any DSERS.
  14. Actually men have estrogen too and it's stored in the fat. He is likely to be just as moody and irritable as any female. I have friends who had WLS at the same time and had that experience.
  15. You both will be fine. You'll be sore and tired for about two weeks. Be aware He will lose faster than you. It's just how men's bodies work. But you both will hit goal. You might need counseling at some point. WLS changes you completely body and mind. Unfortunately divorce is high among patients. Doing it together is great. Be careful not to be competitive, stay supportive, not critical, stay complimentary. Use words of encouragement and admiration. Avoid saying things like "should you be eating/drinking that?" No one can truly prepare you for the impact WLS has on you mentally. Initially as you melt fat your body will flood with the estrogen that has been stored there. Both of you will be moody and impatient and frustrated. Your changing body will seem like it's changing slowly but will drive you nuts as your clothes start to hang. And your pants fall down. Lol get a nice belt.
  16. dsdesigna

    Ds vs. bypass

    I am part of a support group for DS people and none of us counts calories. Protein for sure and carbs I keep an eye on but as for keeping food logs and the like I haven't done that since January of 2015. I've lost 125 lbs and not a single pound regained. I hope you find a way to get to this point. I know I didn't have the DS so that I would have to be watching what I eat. At the beginning it's important so that good habits about food choices and portions are established. I'm three years out and loving my DS.
  17. dsdesigna

    Ds vs. bypass

    Yes. My surgery was July 8, 2014. Surgery weight 371 Current Weight 258 the majority of my weight loss happened by January 2015. I was down to 270 by then.
  18. dsdesigna

    Ds vs. bypass

    The lack of regain is from The malabsorption. On average we only absorb about 20% of the Fat we eat, 40% of the Protein we eat and 40-60% of the Carbs we eat. For the DS we don't count calories we only count protein grams and make sure to get plenty of good fat to prevent constipation. The chance of any regain is less than 5% over 10 years. With Bypass it's 30%. The DS is serious business not to be taken on lightly. You are completely changing how your body processes food. You will Have to take multiple doses of vitamins each day to remain healthy. Dehydration following surgery is nearly guaranteed but treatable. I recommend the Sleeve to most of the people I talk to just because it is such a drastic lifestyle change. And it's easily converted to the DS if needed in the future.
  19. dsdesigna

    Ds vs. bypass

    Actually the DS is the same in complexity as Bypass, it's just different. DS is actually older than Bypass but the current iteration of the DS is different. The surgeons have learned from past mistakes and made adjustments. The complications from surgery are minimal. Statistics show the number one cause of post WLS complications is patients non compliance with dietary restrictions.
  20. dsdesigna

    Ds vs. bypass

    The big difference is dumping syndrome. With Bypass the pyloric valve is not usable. So whatever food you eat drains straight into the small intestine through a created connection to the stomach. The small intestine cannot handle sugars. And reacts badly to exposure. With th the DS the pyloric valve is left intact and functions normally. This prevents dumping syndrome and produces a much more pleasant experience with sugar, for sugar addiction this can be bad but the Malabsorption caused by the DS mitigates. Keep in mind refined sugar causes the infamous gas and loose stool. I consider that motivation enough to stay away.
  21. dsdesigna

    Ds vs. bypass

    The gas/diarrhea issue with the traditional DS is a myth. As long as I stick to the plan I have no issues at all. Too many carbs will cause issues for all WLS.
  22. dsdesigna

    Ds vs. bypass

    I have four family members who had Bypass and have all gained back a good amount of their weight. I had the DS three years ago and have had no regain at all. Also I only watch my diet, I do not exercise.
  23. dsdesigna

    Weak and shakey....still

    In my DS support group we had several try the Vitamin Patches and all of them had bad lab reports for blood work. A better option is liquid or Bariatric chewables. Vitamin Patches do not give you everything you need.
  24. I've had a good experience. The only complications I had were related to my preexisting PCOS and my gallbladder, which is a common issue. I eat rather normally now with extra protein and fat. I take my vitamins regularly. I stay active. Overall I'm great.
  25. That's because it's such a new procedure. It has the potential for complications vastly more than the traditional DS. I had the Traditional DS three years ago. It's a procedure that's been around for a long time and doesn't have the complications that it used to. IMO the SADS is just a lazy procedure that puts the patient at risk. The procedure creates a loop in your bowel that the food you eat will have to defy gravity to travel through the digestive track.

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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