Elisabethsew

For the sleeve I had to do the psych eval, a pulmonary consult, and medical clearance. I was self-pay for the DS and only needed blood work pre-op.

Switcher, I would follow the advice of your nutritionist. After surgery, getting in adequate Protein and staying hydrated are very important. As you heal and experience the results of the DS, the nutritionist can help you with your individual needs. Merry Christmas!

Many of the members posting in this DS forum belong to other sites. When a false quote is posted on another forum, it's important to address the truth. Earlier in this thread I posted that I can live on 3 meals a day. This illustrates the differences people have with eating after the DS procedure. Many "light weights" do need to supplement with Protein shakes and frequent meals. This holds true for many "heavy" weights as well and I did need Protein Shakes the first 18 months post surgery. People who have the DS in one surgery often lose weight faster and have been outcomes in terms of weight loss. I was 445 pounds and had a revision to DS. I lost a large amount of weight over 18 months and still struggle with getting to a healthier weight. For me, 3 meals a days and Snacks on cheese or another protein/fat is fine (as evidenced by my lab tests). Never did I state this was fine for everyone and no place did I advise others should limit themselves to 3 meals a day as I was accused of saying and reported on another site. Age, gender, metabolism, past surgeries, co-morbidities, intestinal length, common channel length, sleeve size, and many other variables all play a role in weight loss. I would never offer "all or none" advice to anyone and I would never dispense medical advice. Sharing and supporting others is my goal. I value the opinions of those who are considering surgery, who are freshly out of surgery, as well as those from experienced DS'ers. Thank you.

Welcome, Protein, I certainly welcome your experiences and comments and hope you feel free and safe to express your opinions. It is absolutely necessary to be informed about any surgery, the surgeon, the outcomes, and the consequences. One of my consequences of DS surgery is the need to get IV Iron infusions once or twice a year. This site is new and all are welcome. Bullying will not be tolerated and those who are walking the line are known and will be dealt with if necessary. My style is not to police but rest assured, if I need to take action I have no problem doing so. Liz

No, I do not post on other boards. I work 2 jobs and host here. Thank you.

Elizabethsew, do I read correctly that you are an RN? If so, I am very confused about your statement that Type 2 Diabetics still need insulin until they reach a "healthy weight". This is simply not true. Most do not need insulin any longer IN THE HOSPITAL. Yes, you do read correctly but perhaps you misread what I wrote. I did not specify when I said diabetics. Type 1 diabetics can significantly decrease their dosages of Insulin. Type 2 diabetics may be cured and no longer require PO (by mouth) or insulin. Each person is unique so I could never make an all or none claim. Second, I think that your initial opening statement leads newbies to think that it's routine and acceptable to perform the Duodenal Switch in two parts, that is, two separate surgeries. It is not desirable. The best metabolic advantage to the Duodenal Switch is attained when it is done in one operation all at once. Again, I think you are reading into what I type. I am a proponent of having the DS in ONE surgery. Had I known about it before I had the sleeve, it would have been my first choice and I think my outcome would have been better. Also, the DS is not rare or selectively done only on patients with a higher Body Mass Index, or BMI. It is frequently done on much smaller obese people and has been for several years now. When compared with other weight loss surgeries, the DS procedure remains the least performed. This is a skilled surgery that many band and sleeve surgeons do not perform. All surgeries, regardless of BMI, must be discussed in relation to co-morbidities and a host of other factors before the "right" weigh loss procedure is selected. I advise several MD consults. I would visit as many sites as possible if I were researching weight loss surgery today. You are correct. This is a new site where all people are encouraged to share. As it grows, I am sure we'll have many "vets" like yourself to offer their opinions and experiences. Thank you.

I started at 445 pounds, had the sleeve first, and then had the rest of the DS procedure about a year later at 375 pounds. I am currently at 245 pounds and the lowest I got to was 199 pounds. The final phase of my surgery was in 2009 so I'm a little over 4 years out.

I think it depends on the person. I can live with 3 meals a day... just do Protein first, fats second, and then carbs if there is room. LOL

Good points, Sheanie. For patients who are diabetic and obese, DS can be the best choice. Many diabetics no longer need insulin when they reach a healthy weight.

I know quite a few people who get constipated. Like you, they increase the fat intake and Water and Fiber to "fix" the issue. I still need to consciously stay away from the carbs or I'll regain.

Congratulations on your success, Sheanie. I love that you don't own a scale. Do you ever have difficulty with weight gain?

I have heard of Dr. McCullough and I'm sure you'll be in good hands with his partner. Hopefully, more surgeons will develop expertise in the DS procedure. Not a lot do this surgery.

Welcome and congratulations on making the decision to get DS. You have lost a phenomenal amount of weight already. What surgeon did you select to do your procedure?

Many people are under the assumption that every time you eat after the DS procedure, you run to the bathroom. This is a huge misconception. The majority of people "go" once or twice a day. The key to weight loss with DS is watching the carb intake and resisting eating in between meals. The reduced size of your stomach keeps you from eating a lot and the intestinal manipulation keeps you from absorbing all the calories you take in. What are other peoples' experiences with eating with the DS? Liz

Hi Tater, DS is the newest, most involved, and least "popular" of the weight loss surgeries. Hopefully, it will get it's own headline soon. I too was a self pay but revised to DS after the sleeve did not give me the results I needed. Going to a sunny climate to have the surgery in the dead of winter sounds great to me. Welcome! Liz

DS is a dual surgery where you have restriction (the sleeve part of the surgery) and malabsorption (the rerouting part of the surgery). The shortened part of the intestine prevents the absorption of about 70% of the fat calories. Like all surgeries, carbohydrates are still mostly all absorbed (carb absorption begins in the mouth). Some people have the surgery in one phase and others have it in 2 phases about 6 months apart. You need a skilled surgeon and it's a surgery that is usually reserved for the most obese patients. It is associated with the best outcomes in terms of weight loss. Liz

Could it be that there are no people who had DS or are considering here on this forum?

Who has had DS surgery? Who was your surgeon? Did you go through insurance or were you a self pay?

Who is doing your surgery?

While most people are familiar with lapband surgery and gastric bypass surgery, there are two other surgeries that are "gaining" popularity. One is the vertical sleeve. The other is DS surgery which is the most complex and is usually reserved for the most obese population. Some people have DS surgery in 2 parts (the first being the vertical sleeve) while others have it in one surgery. Some have an open surgery and some have a lap. approach. So, to those who have had DS surgery and to those who are considering it, let's get this forum up and running! Liz

Statistics can be reported out of context or interpreted incorrectly. One also needs to take into consideration the number of participants, methodology, data collection procedures, reliability, generalizability, etc. Since you seem to be directing your distain towards "fellow RNs", it's important to note that even RNs can post inaccurate information... knowingly or not. As an RN, I appreciate it when I am called on something I was mistaken about so I can grow and learn.

Sharing good and bad experiences is what people come here for. Debate is encouraged. Of course, you're free to have an opinion which I see is not in agreement with others posting on this thread. Have a good day.

amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And to you too.

You're doing VERY well so take pride in your accomplishments. Any weight loss takes work. With the sleeve, you have a MUCH smaller stomach and the hunger hormone is severely reduced. However, if you don't stick to 3 healthy meals a day and an occasional snack but rather graze on food all day, you won't lose. Congratulations on your loss.