Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

If You've Had Duodenal Switch Surgery Share...



Recommended Posts

I'm totally late to this party :D

But I had the DS on December 17, 2014. I started out at 297 and as of today I'm 214. I'm beyond pleased with my decision. :)

Last check up I had all of my levels were PERFECT. I just take my Vitamins, exercise, and stick with high Proteins and low carbs. I eat every 3 hours and I take my time eating as well. There are a few foods that are "off the menu" for me now. Grapes are a done deal as is any fruit with a skin on it I can't peel off. I stay away from all bread but really I don't even miss it. Although I did try a cookie a month ago and it was nasty - as hell. :D

Some down sides:

When you eat the wrong things your body lets you know pretty quick. You will either have diarrhea, awful gas, or vomit.

But overall things have been awesome. I'm really blessed to have a great family and good friends who are excited for me. Whenever we go out to eat they always say "I checked out the menu for you!" It's been really nice. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Day 5 and the gas, swelling, and pain in my tummy have gone down some. Feeling so much better today. Had a small bowel movement which helped. I did have to take a little something to help that along though. Still very tired and do take my pain meds as directed every 5 hours. I have had no problem eating or drinking small amounts either. So far so good. I'm very pleased to have turned the corner today with the pain and bloating issue. Very excited for the future.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had the Loop DS in Feb. My Surgeon was Daniel Cottam MD. I struggled with walking and still fall occasionally. I also have trouble with meat so my main source of Protein has been Protein shakes.

Edited by Jace Miller

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have you spoken with your surgeon about these issues?

I had the Loop DS in Feb. My Surgeon was Daniel Cottam MD. I struggled with walking and still fall occasionally. I also have trouble with meat so my main source of Protein has been Protein shakes.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have you spoken with your surgeon about these issues?

I had the Loop DS in Feb. My Surgeon was Daniel Cottam MD. I struggled with walking and still fall occasionally. I also have trouble with meat so my main source of Protein has been Protein shakes.

Yes, And the dietician working with the bmi. They tod me it was probably because I wasn't getting enough copper which I've increased my intake of. I just meant that it's been my biggest struggle, the falling I mean. The protein they told me would probably get better over time.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have you spoken with your surgeon about these issues?

I had the Loop DS in Feb. My Surgeon was Daniel Cottam MD. I struggled with walking and still fall occasionally. I also have trouble with meat so my main source of Protein has been Protein shakes.

Yes, And the dietician working with the bmi. They tod me it was probably because I wasn't getting enough copper which I've increased my intake of. I just meant that it's been my biggest struggle, the falling I mean. The Protein they told me would probably get better over time.

Interesting. I take a lot of copper because I need a lot of zinc (which I poop out). So the copper balances the zinc. I hope they're keeping a close watch on your copper via your blood work. Perhaps you'd consider using a cane until things go back to normal. You don't want to be falling.

As for the protein, they're probably right. I drank 1 shake per day for the first 2 years as I couldn't eat enough. Have your tried other things than meat to supplement your protein: chicken, yogurt, fish, cheese, nuts, etc.?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have you spoken with your surgeon about these issues?

I had the Loop DS in Feb. My Surgeon was Daniel Cottam MD. I struggled with walking and still fall occasionally. I also have trouble with meat so my main source of Protein has been Protein shakes.

Yes, And the dietician working with the bmi. They tod me it was probably because I wasn't getting enough copper which I've increased my intake of. I just meant that it's been my biggest struggle, the falling I mean. The protein they told me would probably get better over time.

Interesting. I take a lot of copper because I need a lot of zinc (which I poop out). So the copper balances the zinc. I hope they're keeping a close watch on your copper via your blood work. Perhaps you'd consider using a cane until things go back to normal. You don't want to be falling.

As for the protein, they're probably right. I drank 1 shake per day for the first 2 years as I couldn't eat enough. Have your tried other things than meat to supplement your protein: chicken, yogurt, fish, cheese, nuts, etc.?

Actually I drink two Protein Shakes and snack on nuts daily, I did try fish and chicken, chicken when I eat it more often then once in a while leaves me feeling very bloated even in small amounts. fish just made me nauseous. I had a black bean burger the other day which went fine. cheese if I eat more then a thin slice causes some problems. Any suggestions for recipes?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry, I'm the plainest eater you'll find. Plain steak, chicken and burgers (with catsup). I've always been this way.

Regarding the cheese, perhaps lactose intolerance has kicked in. It's not uncommon (esp. for the first year). You might want to use lactaid OTC pills or try lactaid milk, cheese, etc.

If you want recipes, I'll send you a PM as to where you might find them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

One more thing I forgot. Walking issues can be blood pressure issues. It's not uncommon to have to grab onto a wall for a while with dizziness or lightheadness. I did.

Edited by Postop

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×