CMDD71

You are probably right. That does make sense, having said that, based on the the limited sample size of people I interact with on a regular basis. The three people I know who have had the DS have not had issues while several of the sleeve patients I know have had embarrassing cases of gastric emptying. I guess it also depends on what you eat. Since the DS folks I know eat a lot healthier, while the sleeve folks continue to eat the junk food just less of it.

I had the DS on June 11th 2016. I am a huge proponent of the surgery. I started at 427lbs, now 215lbs. I have never felt better. Dr Spiegel, in Houston Texas, is a DS specialist and has done more DS surgeries than any other weight loss doctor out there (his claim). He also teaches other Doctor's how to perform the surgery. His claim is that the sleeve will get you 75-85% of your weight loss and 15% of patients put some weight back on. He calls the DS the Cadillac of WLS. Losing 95% of weight loss with very little weight regain. I have had no issues absorbing the needed fats and Vitamins I need. But I do get tested every three months to make sure that remains that way. One of the benefits of the DS over the sleeve is that you do not run the risk of having an unexpected bowel movement. While I would say the DS is a great choice, I would say make sure you have the correct doctor. If a doctor says you can do this surgery as an outpatient, that is not the correct doctor. Also keep in mind, with the DS you will need a second (minor - with the right doctor) surgery to remove your gall bladder. What ever surgery you choose to go with it wish you great success and a smooth recovery. Good luck on your journey.

To clarify, 13 of those pounds were due to the pre-op liquid diet, which the doctor shortened up to 2 weeks by moving up my surgery. Originally wanted me to be on the pre-op for 5 weeks, but then he scheduled a vacation. Moved me up so he would be around for the critical 2 weeks post op in case of complications. There were none. I have heard from a lot of people that you can eat as you like (just much smaller quantities) with the DS,but until I get to my goal I plan to be, and have been very strict with sticking to the diet given by doctor. Basically no sugar, low fat and minimal carbs.

I am in the same boat. 43 years old, started at 427lbs. Feared the social impact of having to change my drinking and eating habits. Had surgery on 6/11. Have had many situations since where I have had to not participate like I used to, and make up excuses for those who noticed. Those times have been tough and do have a large element of regret. But you have to focus on social aspect that do not revolve around food and drink. I may have moments of WTF did I do, but 3 months in and 94lbs down help me quickly get over it. I put off the DS for years with the same doubts, but it has been a life saver and I only wish I had done it back in my 30s. Good luck!

CC, They are not stupid questions. I had the DS on 6/11 (down 92lbs, started at 427). I was meant to be on the pro-op liquid diet for 6 weeks, but surgeon moved up surgery bt 10 days. I lost around 27 lbs before surgery. My doctor was never concerned about not being able to do the surgery, but due to the size of my liver did hold off on removing my gall bladder. I have that surgery to look forward to in December. Right after surgery a lot of people report nausea, but they should give you medication to prevent that, along with a strong anti-aging medication. But the nausea phase should not last long. I was lucky and did not have to take any of the medication. The only time I have ever got close to throwing up was when I ate too much, too fast. Your doctor should provide you with good written documentation on what and when you can eat things post surgery, but there are also a lot of good books out there. I even thought Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies was very helpful. Each doctor seems to have a different approach. My post op was 2 weeks liquid diet, two weeks mush (pureed),two weeks soft,regular diet. During that period I was off coffee, I was told to limit caffeine going forward as well. But with Doctor and weight loss dietician approval I do have one cup of regular coffee a day. I had the same feelings of being overwhelmed. But it has been much easier than I expected, the cravings are still there but the weight loss makes them bearable. Don't be surprised if you put on weight in the hospital, I think I regained 14 lbs. Just focus on drinking your liquids and walking as often as possible, to help get rid of the gas built up in your system. I am extremely glad I chose to have the DS. I hope everything goes smoothly with you surgery and recovery. Like you, i kept my surgery secret from most family and friends, it makes it tougher. But you are not alone, the people on this site are great and full of valued information. Good Luck!

Postop - when you say a good window, approximately how long did you find it easy to lose weight for? I know everyone's body type/metabolism/eating habits are different and will impact that window, but as you are one success stories, I would be very interested in your response. Postop - when you say a good window, approximately how long did you find it easy to lose weight for? I know everyone's body type/metabolism/eating habits are different and will impact that window, but as you are one success stories, I would be very interested in your response.

I am too new to give much advice, but the DS has been a life saver. Had my surgery on 6/11 and as of 8/2 I am down 70 lbs. Just focus on recovery for the first month. I am positive this will be the surgery that will lead you to weight loss succesd. Good luck on Wednesday!

I was back at work a week later. But I was getting up to stretch/walk a little each hour. I hate to say it but the worst part of the second week was the drive to and from work. I found it to be really uncomfortable. After the second week driving my truck was not an issue. But each trip was no more than an hour. Congratulations on making the decision to get the surgery. I am now 5 weeks post-op and it has already made a big difference to the way I feel and live. Goodluck! Talk to your doctor about what you can do, while being stuck driving all day. Wish you the best!

I think you are very wise to request the 2nd day. My doctor booked me for three. He nearly released me at the end of day two, but wanted me passing gas from both ends before I went home. Instead of just burping. Of course I started dating 15 minutes after his visit. But through day two it was nice to have nurses to help bring drinks, ice chips and help adjust the bed. Also I do not think my blood pressure returned to normal until well into the second day. And I had a catheter that they removed early day two. Good luck next week!

Everyone's experience seems to be different. My stomach stay rock hard from gas and swelling for 4 to 5 days. I had no issues swallowing anything. I was lucky and had no nausea, they sent me home with anti-nausea pills but I never had to use them. Today marks one month since surgery, I am down 57lbs. Admittedly I started at 427, so I have a lot to lose. Energy was low while I was on liquid diet, but has picked up since. Went through a week of being very iratable. Feel great now. I am worried about the Sharpei look as well. Doctor just gave me ok to start working out. Maybe that will help? I am a male so I can say that I am praying for the "girls" to disappear Just drink your fluids and try to take a lot of short walks - it really helps with the discomfort from the post op gas. Go in with a positive attitude, you are making a brave choice and it will change your life in great ways. Goodluck!

Just wanted to ask if anyone else is having any mood issues since surgery. I have found that I can be very iratable in the mornings. I have to be really aware of my reactions from about 6:30 until 9:30am. I assume it has to do with low energy (no Protein intake during the night). If anyone else has similar issues, how do you, did you handle it? Prior to surgery I was nearly always in a good mood.

I gave up all caffeine a month before surgery knowing that withdrawal symptoms would be an added challenge I did not need post surgery.

Thanks for the responses. I will keep the low blood sugar level in mind, but hopefully as I move into solid foods this issue will improve. I meet with a nutrionist on Saturday, hopefully she can give me some added pointers. Will share if she does.

I think it depends on your definition of fully recovered. My gas was gone in 7-10 days, greatly diminished by day 4. The incisions were healed by two weeks (still with scabs). Started eating regular soft food by end of week 3 (not pureed). I was back at work after a week (including the 3 days in the hospital ), wish I had taken an extra couple of days, just based on exhaustion by end of work day. About 10-12 days out the drive to work no longer bothered me. Currently in the 4th week and able to walk a mile and a half with no issues. Obviously the time frame will differ by person and the eating schedule differs by doctor. Feeling good, and as of this morning I am down 54lbs.

I just started drinking Isopure, they are fruit flavored drinks (like a vitamin water) but not very sweet. Just had my first one. They come in 8oz and 20oz bottles. 15 and 40 grams of protein. They are a nice alternative to the protein shakes. Another good product for getting your protein in is the Oykos Triple zero yogurt, 15 grams, four flavors - all smooth with no bits in them.

Good luck! I started my pre-op diet on 6/6, the doctor then moved my DS op up to 6/11. 427lbs, down to 400, then gained 14 in the hospital. Now 6/29 and down to 377. Definitely seems like it was worth it to this point.

Also, as to the drainage tube, I am sure she means the one from the stomach. Mine was not an issue, while it was in, but the nurses at the hospital said that it can be an irritation depending on the length they make it. Although I do have to say, the removal of the drainage tube was one of the most painful things I have experienced. It felt like they were pulling my spine out through the front of my belly. But it was a shirt lived pain.

One week should not be a problem, depending on what you do. I had operation on 11th and was back at work the following Thursday. I was in hospital for three days, by the following Tuesday I was back to sleeping in my bed instead of a recliner. Thursday and Friday were a challenge, hit the energy wall around 3pm, but I got up to walk each hour and had no pain. I work as a financial analyst, so mainly sitting in front of computers or in meetings. My doctor's office stated I would only need a week, and although an extra couple of days would have been nice, they were right. If you can work from home, do so. I found the worst part the drive to and from work.

No SIPS but I had the full DS on 6/11. Heading into second week of post op right now. From my experience and others I have talked to in person...just get your fluids in, including your Protein drinks (my doc had me drinking 4 oz every hour I was awake) and walking every hour (short walks - really helped the body get rid of built up gasses). It has been smooth sailing for me so far, and with a starting weight of 427lbs, I was a good candidate for complications. Including 7 day pre-op diet, I am already down to 389lbs. That included gaining 14lbs while in the hospital. So stay positive, I would really like to hear how your journey with SIPS differs from mine (with the DS ) as our journeys progress. Good luck! Christian.

I just had my DS surgery on June 11th. My doctor teamed with a nutritionalist and developed their own protein shakes. They all have 15 grams of protein per 8oz, are much thinner than most protein drinks, and are designed not to cause gas. I believe they sell them online, just look up Dr Felix Spiegel. I have has no issues consuming 30 grams of protein a day on these shakes. Some of them are so thin they are more like juices. Very easy on the digestive system.