CMDD71

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!

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.

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!

You should check with your doctor as I was told no lifting for 6 weeks. Even though the incisions on the outside are minimal, there is a large incision on your stomach that needs to heal.

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!

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.< /p>
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.

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.