Recent Posts
Topic: RE: AZ Roll Call.....
Hello everyone, I'm still in the beginning stages....I have 4 more months of doctor monitored weight loss left....I just was diagnosed with sleep apnea and that was truly depressing....I really felt that I didn't have it.....so it was a let down for me personally. I have to get my labs done in November, give them to my doctor for his clearence in December....attend a class and wait for my insurance approval......I was praying (I spend time with God daily) thanking him for everything and was talking about my weight loss surgery (kinda thanking him in advance) and the date December 21st poped into my head........not sure but just have this feeling that this is my day.....My christmas present to myself....Well thanks for listening to me ramble......and I wish the best for all of you wherever you are in the process of becoming healthier happier people..........blessings
Topic: RE: SO FREAKING MAD! SOMEONE HELP!
I'm going to mexico and getting the sleeve instead of the band. But thanks for trying to help! 
"The sun shines not on us, but in us." --John Muir
Includes 13.5 lbs lost pre-op.
Includes 13.5 lbs lost pre-op.
Topic: RE: Dumping - reactive hypoglycemia
I have this happen to me quite frequently. I was told that I was hypoglycemic but it had nothing to do with dumping. I have to carry glucose tabs with me also. I keep shelled sunflower seeds in my car and consider that my snack, I eat them on the way home from work. At wor****ep a bag of beef jerky and an ounce usually keeps me going until lunch. Hope this helps.
Topic: RE: SO FREAKING MAD! SOMEONE HELP!
Not sure if you still need help with this but if Banner Gateway is a center of excellence now i would 100% recommend dr podkameni, he picked my case up after my rny surgeon (villares) was fired from Banner. My dad had his surgery at St Lukes with fang and i was so unimpressed with the staff at bridges all the way up until his surgery. Dr fang himself seemed ok, however you can totally expect to be waiting in the room to see him for at least 1hr at an appt.
Topic: RE: Has anyone had a vertical sleeve gastrecomy (VSG)?
You said:
I had the sleeve just over 2 years ago. My BMI was a bit lower than yours just over 51. I weighed 263 and am only 5ft tall. I lost 135 lbs in the first 10 mos and have easily maintained that loss since.
Some insurance companies do cover the sleeve and some do not. Some insurance companies cover the DS that Joyce suggested some do not. You would need to check with your company and find out the specifics.
In considering the VSG over the DS you need to consider the long term issues with both.
For me I was unwilling to have a surgery that involved malabsorbtion like with the DS. I was unwilling to be wedded to having to take mulitple doses of vitamins and supplements throughout the day or risk major health complications. Vitamins are recommended for all WLS options. It's true that those with high malabsorption need to take more. As for risking major health complications? The DS is actually proven to be a cure for Diabetes through European stats & coming on board with stats in the U.S.. Co-Moribidies across the board are reduced if not eliminated with the massive weight loss afforded the majority of DS post-ops! I was unwilling to risk having issues such as bloating or other side effects from certain foods that could occur with the DS. With ANY post-op plan, the "white" carbs are on the no no list. Bloating can definitely happen with a DS if people resort to stuffing themselves with white bread, sugar, etc. Other than that, a DS'er has far more food options available to them than most post-ops of other procedures. They absorb very little fat so a DS'er can have the satisfying foods that have high fat that others can't have who have to remain on a calorie counting based food plan. They can have protein of every source; whether it's bacon with fat or high fat ribs. Their meal size is larger too; more like a kids meal than a toddler meal because the malabsorption balances the intake. The thousands on the DS forum are elated with their DS lifestyle!!! I was unwilling to have my insides re-routed like with the DS. True that the DS insides are rerouted. But, they still have a stomach and can still take NSAIDS or medications of any type! They have benefit of the grehlin hormone reducing food cravings and hunger. They have benefit of retaining their piloric valve the same as a sleeve. I was unwilling to have the more complicated surgery like with the DS. It's only complicated if the surgeon you select is inexperienced with the DS. The majority whiz through it without any issues. Mine was a revision from a revision from a proximal Rny and was still a piece of cake since my surgeon had the expertise needed. True that a DS recover probably takes a couple of weeks longer.
That is not to say there is anything inherently wrong with the DS, folks that have it are happy it with it and and it works for them. That's the point I guess that I hope others really see. Those who actually HAVE A DS are happy!!!! They are thrilled with their weight loss. They are thrilled that the stats give them promise of actually keeping their weight off!!! I am just explaining why it was not an option for me and why I chose the sleeve since that is the surgery you were asking about in the first place. Point taken and kudos to you for doing so well with your sleeve. It is definitely a great tool for many!!!
I chose the sleeve because it allows me eat most like a normal person. I do not have to follow a low calorie or low fat diet to be successful. The stats suggest that low calorie and low fat will be very important for long term success. I do have to be mindful of carbs but I would have to do that with any of the procedures. I take a multivitamin daily and was taking calcium daily but with the recent articles about the pros and cons of calcium I am debating about continuing its use. The nice thing is that since I do not deal with malabsorbtion I have the luxury of not having to worry that much since my body can absorb things from the food I eat.
I can and do eat regular cheeses and full fat mayo and butter. I can and do eat well marbled steaks, pork and dark meat chicken (I do not like white meat chicken or turkey). I can do do eat the skin off rotisserie chicken. Ditto with the DS:)
I can do eat fruit regularly. I occassionally eat cake and candy with no problems with my stomach or stools or gas afterwards.
There is really nothing I can't eat or any food that gives me problems. I break out in extra pounds if I eat EVERYThING I want. LOL! That's awesome you can eat anything!
My surgery and recovery were uneventful. I had surgery in Mexico on a Friday, was out of the hospital on Sunday and home on Monday. I returned to work the following Tuesday cause that Monday was a holiday. I had no problems physically and was not really fatigued. I got up and down the stairs in my house easily.
Hope this helps
Not meant as an argument just hoping for some clarification for any reading that wonder about DS as an option. I understand the op was intersted primarily in the sleeve. www.dsfacts.com
On August 9, 2010 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time, JRinAZ wrote:
For those who are researching the various procedures...I feel it's important to share DS facts. I realize your feelings are valid and they guided you in making your decision to have a sleeve (a very good surgery) but perhaps others should know there are different experiences and information with the DS than is represented in your post. You said:
I had the sleeve just over 2 years ago. My BMI was a bit lower than yours just over 51. I weighed 263 and am only 5ft tall. I lost 135 lbs in the first 10 mos and have easily maintained that loss since.
Some insurance companies do cover the sleeve and some do not. Some insurance companies cover the DS that Joyce suggested some do not. You would need to check with your company and find out the specifics.
In considering the VSG over the DS you need to consider the long term issues with both.
For me I was unwilling to have a surgery that involved malabsorbtion like with the DS. I was unwilling to be wedded to having to take mulitple doses of vitamins and supplements throughout the day or risk major health complications. Vitamins are recommended for all WLS options. It's true that those with high malabsorption need to take more. As for risking major health complications? The DS is actually proven to be a cure for Diabetes through European stats & coming on board with stats in the U.S.. Co-Moribidies across the board are reduced if not eliminated with the massive weight loss afforded the majority of DS post-ops! I was unwilling to risk having issues such as bloating or other side effects from certain foods that could occur with the DS. With ANY post-op plan, the "white" carbs are on the no no list. Bloating can definitely happen with a DS if people resort to stuffing themselves with white bread, sugar, etc. Other than that, a DS'er has far more food options available to them than most post-ops of other procedures. They absorb very little fat so a DS'er can have the satisfying foods that have high fat that others can't have who have to remain on a calorie counting based food plan. They can have protein of every source; whether it's bacon with fat or high fat ribs. Their meal size is larger too; more like a kids meal than a toddler meal because the malabsorption balances the intake. The thousands on the DS forum are elated with their DS lifestyle!!! I was unwilling to have my insides re-routed like with the DS. True that the DS insides are rerouted. But, they still have a stomach and can still take NSAIDS or medications of any type! They have benefit of the grehlin hormone reducing food cravings and hunger. They have benefit of retaining their piloric valve the same as a sleeve. I was unwilling to have the more complicated surgery like with the DS. It's only complicated if the surgeon you select is inexperienced with the DS. The majority whiz through it without any issues. Mine was a revision from a revision from a proximal Rny and was still a piece of cake since my surgeon had the expertise needed. True that a DS recover probably takes a couple of weeks longer.
That is not to say there is anything inherently wrong with the DS, folks that have it are happy it with it and and it works for them. That's the point I guess that I hope others really see. Those who actually HAVE A DS are happy!!!! They are thrilled with their weight loss. They are thrilled that the stats give them promise of actually keeping their weight off!!! I am just explaining why it was not an option for me and why I chose the sleeve since that is the surgery you were asking about in the first place. Point taken and kudos to you for doing so well with your sleeve. It is definitely a great tool for many!!!
I chose the sleeve because it allows me eat most like a normal person. I do not have to follow a low calorie or low fat diet to be successful. The stats suggest that low calorie and low fat will be very important for long term success. I do have to be mindful of carbs but I would have to do that with any of the procedures. I take a multivitamin daily and was taking calcium daily but with the recent articles about the pros and cons of calcium I am debating about continuing its use. The nice thing is that since I do not deal with malabsorbtion I have the luxury of not having to worry that much since my body can absorb things from the food I eat.
I can and do eat regular cheeses and full fat mayo and butter. I can and do eat well marbled steaks, pork and dark meat chicken (I do not like white meat chicken or turkey). I can do do eat the skin off rotisserie chicken. Ditto with the DS:)
I can do eat fruit regularly. I occassionally eat cake and candy with no problems with my stomach or stools or gas afterwards.
There is really nothing I can't eat or any food that gives me problems. I break out in extra pounds if I eat EVERYThING I want. LOL! That's awesome you can eat anything!
My surgery and recovery were uneventful. I had surgery in Mexico on a Friday, was out of the hospital on Sunday and home on Monday. I returned to work the following Tuesday cause that Monday was a holiday. I had no problems physically and was not really fatigued. I got up and down the stairs in my house easily.
Hope this helps
Not meant as an argument just hoping for some clarification for any reading that wonder about DS as an option. I understand the op was intersted primarily in the sleeve. www.dsfacts.com
I am hard pressed to believe you did not want to argue since you highlighted specific points and indeeded argued your point, which is fine. The original poster was NOT asking about the DS she was asking about the sleeve and so I answered about the sleeve.
I also never said I could eat EVERYTHING I said that no food gives me problems. I read on the DS board regularly of folks that have problems with certain foods particularly carby foods.
I did not say that folks with DS do not have a functioning stomach I said I did not want my insides re-routed. Not sure what part of that need clarification.
As for health complications I thought I was pretty clear I was referring to health complications related to not taking vitamins and supplements I am sorry you misunderstood.
I disagree that DS is not a more complicated surgery than the sleeve regardless of what surgeon does it. The bottom line is it is more complicated, requires more time under anesthesia, longer recovery etc. I was not dissing the DS and tried to make that clear in my post.
I disagree that following low fat or low calorie will be required for long term success and wonder how if I continue to do what I have been doing my "success" will suddenly change since I have been maintaining the same weight for over a year. Additionally I do not eat a toddler sized meal, I am not sure where you got that idea from my post. I eat "normal" sized portions generally around 4 oz of protein at a meal, some fruit, maybe some veggies (not a big fan of veggies).
I will say again I was not dissing the DS. I was not starting an argument. I was simply explaining why I chose the surgery I did. I will end with my usual ending in these situations
You can argue with my but you cant argue with my results
Whatever you do is it truthful, necessary and kind?
Topic: RE: Has anyone had a vertical sleeve gastrecomy (VSG)?
For those who are researching the various procedures...I feel it's important to share DS facts. I realize your feelings are valid and they guided you in making your decision to have a sleeve (a very good surgery) but perhaps others should know there are different experiences and information with the DS than is represented in your post.
You said:
I had the sleeve just over 2 years ago. My BMI was a bit lower than yours just over 51. I weighed 263 and am only 5ft tall. I lost 135 lbs in the first 10 mos and have easily maintained that loss since.
Some insurance companies do cover the sleeve and some do not. Some insurance companies cover the DS that Joyce suggested some do not. You would need to check with your company and find out the specifics.
In considering the VSG over the DS you need to consider the long term issues with both.
For me I was unwilling to have a surgery that involved malabsorbtion like with the DS. I was unwilling to be wedded to having to take mulitple doses of vitamins and supplements throughout the day or risk major health complications. Vitamins are recommended for all WLS options. It's true that those with high malabsorption need to take more. As for risking major health complications? The DS is actually proven to be a cure for Diabetes through European stats & coming on board with stats in the U.S.. Co-Moribidies across the board are reduced if not eliminated with the massive weight loss afforded the majority of DS post-ops! I was unwilling to risk having issues such as bloating or other side effects from certain foods that could occur with the DS. With ANY post-op plan, the "white" carbs are on the no no list. Bloating can definitely happen with a DS if people resort to stuffing themselves with white bread, sugar, etc. Other than that, a DS'er has far more food options available to them than most post-ops of other procedures. They absorb very little fat so a DS'er can have the satisfying foods that have high fat that others can't have who have to remain on a calorie counting based food plan. They can have protein of every source; whether it's bacon with fat or high fat ribs. Their meal size is larger too; more like a kids meal than a toddler meal because the malabsorption balances the intake. The thousands on the DS forum are elated with their DS lifestyle!!! I was unwilling to have my insides re-routed like with the DS. True that the DS insides are rerouted. But, they still have a stomach and can still take NSAIDS or medications of any type! They have benefit of the grehlin hormone reducing food cravings and hunger. They have benefit of retaining their piloric valve the same as a sleeve. I was unwilling to have the more complicated surgery like with the DS. It's only complicated if the surgeon you select is inexperienced with the DS. The majority whiz through it without any issues. Mine was a revision from a revision from a proximal Rny and was still a piece of cake since my surgeon had the expertise needed. True that a DS recover probably takes a couple of weeks longer.
That is not to say there is anything inherently wrong with the DS, folks that have it are happy it with it and and it works for them. That's the point I guess that I hope others really see. Those who actually HAVE A DS are happy!!!! They are thrilled with their weight loss. They are thrilled that the stats give them promise of actually keeping their weight off!!! I am just explaining why it was not an option for me and why I chose the sleeve since that is the surgery you were asking about in the first place. Point taken and kudos to you for doing so well with your sleeve. It is definitely a great tool for many!!!
I chose the sleeve because it allows me eat most like a normal person. I do not have to follow a low calorie or low fat diet to be successful. The stats suggest that low calorie and low fat will be very important for long term success. I do have to be mindful of carbs but I would have to do that with any of the procedures. I take a multivitamin daily and was taking calcium daily but with the recent articles about the pros and cons of calcium I am debating about continuing its use. The nice thing is that since I do not deal with malabsorbtion I have the luxury of not having to worry that much since my body can absorb things from the food I eat.
I can and do eat regular cheeses and full fat mayo and butter. I can and do eat well marbled steaks, pork and dark meat chicken (I do not like white meat chicken or turkey). I can do do eat the skin off rotisserie chicken. Ditto with the DS:)
I can do eat fruit regularly. I occassionally eat cake and candy with no problems with my stomach or stools or gas afterwards.
There is really nothing I can't eat or any food that gives me problems. I break out in extra pounds if I eat EVERYThING I want. LOL! That's awesome you can eat anything!
My surgery and recovery were uneventful. I had surgery in Mexico on a Friday, was out of the hospital on Sunday and home on Monday. I returned to work the following Tuesday cause that Monday was a holiday. I had no problems physically and was not really fatigued. I got up and down the stairs in my house easily.
Hope this helps
Not meant as an argument just hoping for some clarification for any reading that wonder about DS as an option. I understand the op was intersted primarily in the sleeve. www.dsfacts.com
You said:
I had the sleeve just over 2 years ago. My BMI was a bit lower than yours just over 51. I weighed 263 and am only 5ft tall. I lost 135 lbs in the first 10 mos and have easily maintained that loss since.
Some insurance companies do cover the sleeve and some do not. Some insurance companies cover the DS that Joyce suggested some do not. You would need to check with your company and find out the specifics.
In considering the VSG over the DS you need to consider the long term issues with both.
For me I was unwilling to have a surgery that involved malabsorbtion like with the DS. I was unwilling to be wedded to having to take mulitple doses of vitamins and supplements throughout the day or risk major health complications. Vitamins are recommended for all WLS options. It's true that those with high malabsorption need to take more. As for risking major health complications? The DS is actually proven to be a cure for Diabetes through European stats & coming on board with stats in the U.S.. Co-Moribidies across the board are reduced if not eliminated with the massive weight loss afforded the majority of DS post-ops! I was unwilling to risk having issues such as bloating or other side effects from certain foods that could occur with the DS. With ANY post-op plan, the "white" carbs are on the no no list. Bloating can definitely happen with a DS if people resort to stuffing themselves with white bread, sugar, etc. Other than that, a DS'er has far more food options available to them than most post-ops of other procedures. They absorb very little fat so a DS'er can have the satisfying foods that have high fat that others can't have who have to remain on a calorie counting based food plan. They can have protein of every source; whether it's bacon with fat or high fat ribs. Their meal size is larger too; more like a kids meal than a toddler meal because the malabsorption balances the intake. The thousands on the DS forum are elated with their DS lifestyle!!! I was unwilling to have my insides re-routed like with the DS. True that the DS insides are rerouted. But, they still have a stomach and can still take NSAIDS or medications of any type! They have benefit of the grehlin hormone reducing food cravings and hunger. They have benefit of retaining their piloric valve the same as a sleeve. I was unwilling to have the more complicated surgery like with the DS. It's only complicated if the surgeon you select is inexperienced with the DS. The majority whiz through it without any issues. Mine was a revision from a revision from a proximal Rny and was still a piece of cake since my surgeon had the expertise needed. True that a DS recover probably takes a couple of weeks longer.
That is not to say there is anything inherently wrong with the DS, folks that have it are happy it with it and and it works for them. That's the point I guess that I hope others really see. Those who actually HAVE A DS are happy!!!! They are thrilled with their weight loss. They are thrilled that the stats give them promise of actually keeping their weight off!!! I am just explaining why it was not an option for me and why I chose the sleeve since that is the surgery you were asking about in the first place. Point taken and kudos to you for doing so well with your sleeve. It is definitely a great tool for many!!!
I chose the sleeve because it allows me eat most like a normal person. I do not have to follow a low calorie or low fat diet to be successful. The stats suggest that low calorie and low fat will be very important for long term success. I do have to be mindful of carbs but I would have to do that with any of the procedures. I take a multivitamin daily and was taking calcium daily but with the recent articles about the pros and cons of calcium I am debating about continuing its use. The nice thing is that since I do not deal with malabsorbtion I have the luxury of not having to worry that much since my body can absorb things from the food I eat.
I can and do eat regular cheeses and full fat mayo and butter. I can and do eat well marbled steaks, pork and dark meat chicken (I do not like white meat chicken or turkey). I can do do eat the skin off rotisserie chicken. Ditto with the DS:)
I can do eat fruit regularly. I occassionally eat cake and candy with no problems with my stomach or stools or gas afterwards.
There is really nothing I can't eat or any food that gives me problems. I break out in extra pounds if I eat EVERYThING I want. LOL! That's awesome you can eat anything!
My surgery and recovery were uneventful. I had surgery in Mexico on a Friday, was out of the hospital on Sunday and home on Monday. I returned to work the following Tuesday cause that Monday was a holiday. I had no problems physically and was not really fatigued. I got up and down the stairs in my house easily.
Hope this helps
Not meant as an argument just hoping for some clarification for any reading that wonder about DS as an option. I understand the op was intersted primarily in the sleeve. www.dsfacts.com
Topic: RE: AZ Roll Call.....
Joyce
Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
Oh Nicole I am soooo glad you checked in! I have wondered about you and missed all of your helpful and fun posts!
Congratulations on your marriage! .... I hope the injections work so you can continue to enjoy life and expand your family!!!!
If you ever get to the point that you want info on Revison options then shoot me a note and I can direct you towards some research and the surgeons that perform the various procedures.
Tell Katie hello!!! ...... Hard to believe it's been 4 years for you!!!
Hugggzzz to you friend!
Congratulations on your marriage! .... I hope the injections work so you can continue to enjoy life and expand your family!!!!
If you ever get to the point that you want info on Revison options then shoot me a note and I can direct you towards some research and the surgeons that perform the various procedures.
Tell Katie hello!!! ...... Hard to believe it's been 4 years for you!!!
Hugggzzz to you friend!
Joyce Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
Topic: RE: AZ Roll Call.....
I am still around... just don't have time for the computer much anymore, or actually making it a habit to be off of it at home since I am on one at work all day long!
I will be 4 years post-op come October. I never reached by goal weight and I have actually gained 30lbs from my lowest 2 years ago. I think it is a combo of enjoying life and getting away from the essentials.
Last summer I started having some B-12 issues and was doing injections weekly, I was losing hair and had major fatique, after tests, it was extremely low. Now, I am only twice a month. Getting my butt into the gym soon, once my back flare up calms down with my series of injections.
Got married 3 months ago to my best friend... preparing to hopefully get pregnant this winter because I am getting old LOL... but I gotta get my body fixed and b-12 under control before carrying a baby. Maybe after a baby I will think about having my stoma fixed, as I think it may have been stretched after 4 strictures! I keep in touch with Katie, who had surgery a few days after me with Dr. Blackstone, she was at my wedding and looks wonderful!
Hope everyone is well!
I will be 4 years post-op come October. I never reached by goal weight and I have actually gained 30lbs from my lowest 2 years ago. I think it is a combo of enjoying life and getting away from the essentials.
Last summer I started having some B-12 issues and was doing injections weekly, I was losing hair and had major fatique, after tests, it was extremely low. Now, I am only twice a month. Getting my butt into the gym soon, once my back flare up calms down with my series of injections.
Got married 3 months ago to my best friend... preparing to hopefully get pregnant this winter because I am getting old LOL... but I gotta get my body fixed and b-12 under control before carrying a baby. Maybe after a baby I will think about having my stoma fixed, as I think it may have been stretched after 4 strictures! I keep in touch with Katie, who had surgery a few days after me with Dr. Blackstone, she was at my wedding and looks wonderful!
Hope everyone is well!
Topic: RE: Has anyone had a vertical sleeve gastrecomy (VSG)?
Feel free to email me and ask any questions. If AHCCCS says no you may need to appeal and explain why MEDICALLY the lapband or RNY would not be the best procedure for you and your MD would be the best person to help you with that. Some reasons for NOT getting RNY is if you have to take NSAIDS like Motrin cause you cannot take them with RNY. Your BMI might be a contra-indicator for the sleeve I am not sure what the criteria is for the BMI.
As I said I know the sleeve was the right choice for me. I know malabsorbtion was NOT a choice for me. I am happy to help if I can
As I said I know the sleeve was the right choice for me. I know malabsorbtion was NOT a choice for me. I am happy to help if I can
Whatever you do is it truthful, necessary and kind?
Topic: RE: Has anyone had a vertical sleeve gastrecomy (VSG)?
Thank you for sharing about your journey, it was very helpful. The more research I do the more I believe that the sleeve is for me. I believe that my insurance will be the biggest obstacle. I have AHCCCS and I have confirmed with them that they cover the lap band and RNY, but I did not ask them specifically about the sleeve. I hope they will cover it. I think that I will be successful with the sleeve because my problem has always been with hunger and portion control. What's sad is that I have been dieting on and off for almost 17 years, that's over half my life and all I've done is gotten fatter. But, I am on a new journey to became healthy again. thanks again for sharing your experience.
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