DS Horror Stories

I have been doing a lot of research into the various types of surgeries. So far, the DS seems to be the one I think would most work with my lifestyle and my BMI, etc. But one thing I have noticed is that I haven't seen many horror stories with the DS. About the worst things I come across are stinky poop/gas things (really, who doesn't have stinky poop, DS or not??) or low levels on some labs. On the other hand, I read all kinds of stories about RNY and Band people having all sorts of trouble. You know what I mean. So I guess what I am wondering is, are there any DS horror stories out there? All the docs' sites list possible side effects, but I would really like to hear/read some real life stories.  If you had a particularly hard time with something or other either during DS surgery or afterwards, what was it? I really want to go into this with my eyes wide open. I know there are two sides to everything and I want to make sure I completely understand the possible risks before I take the leap. Thanks in advance and feel free to PM me if you are not comfortable posting for all to see. 

I will take having a little stinkier poop and being able to eat the DS way any day! I hear more horror stories about strictures then about poop heh. I had open DS surgery with no complications. At 2 months out I am enjoying steak and raw veggies. Yep my poop is a bit smellier but doesn't bother me at all. Nothing a spray can of deodorizor can't fix. I am glad you are doing your research and asking questions. It is important to get the facts. Good luck in your surgery journey. ~ Bev

Personally, I didn't have any issues.  You don't hear many DS horror stories mostly because they are few and far between.  However, almost every story (especially months out from surgery) are because the post-op was neglectful in taking care of their own health! I've said it before -- you are changing one medical issuse (obesity) for another (malabsorption).  You have to be proactive!  You have to take your supplements... get in your protein... get your lab work done... etc... If there was a single issue for me, it would be the poop smell.  But seriously, poop stinks... and I take either a probiotic or Flagyl (currently I'm on a small dose of Flagyl 3 x a week) and have almost no smell.  It's a minor thing and blown way out of proportion. Pre-op I was chronically constipated, now I'm happy I get to poop every day -- sometimes twice a day!

Are you talking about complications from the surgery?  Like possible blood clots, leaks, nausea etc.   .  The only problem I had was a blood clot 1 week after surgery  I spent the next few weeks in the hospital for pain control and therapy. Thanfully I had an IVC filter placed before surgery so it traveling to my brain or lungs was handled. Now that I am 9.5 months post op I do get floaty poops/ gas if I eat alot of carbs. No big deal for the trade off of weight loss and being able to eat like a reg. person. I love my DS

Thanks for your input so far. I was talking more about things like people not being able to stop their weight loss, reactive hypoglecemia, or other DS caused or related health problems. The reason I ask is that I am in good health (in spite of my obesity) now and I fear having surgery will cause health problems that I don't currently struggle with.  On the other hand, I know that being MO will definitely lead to other health problems sometime down the road, so I am trying to weight the risks.  Hope that makes more sense.  

Having the DS did not cause any extra health problems Well the fact that I can now walk 10 miles and not pass out (but that's a plus) I no longer am a diabetic, don't have high blood pressure my norm now is 100 /60, Normal cholesterol levels actually registered low at a total of 120  - 61 for HDL and LDL at 59

I am 7 weeks out and i have stinky poop too!and they say some of us have nothing in common! Hahahahahaha,  I have had some issues that i cant seem to hurdle but i know they are my own doing!Cant get my protien in and finally i seem to be able to drink alittle bit more than 30 ozs a day of liquids!   But I thought to myself,When am i going to love my DS? well 47 pounds ago i would have thought oh no it wasnt for me,But now,Oh Yeah I am Lovin My Ds! Slow and steady i am going!Research all you can sweety,and ask the people on this site anything,They helped me too!Best of luck,Hugs Trish

Good luck on your research!!!

This is one of the main reasons why I have chosen the DS!  I have not seen any major complications from the DS, unless it was an RNY to DS revision.  I am so comfortable in the choice of surgery that I am persuing.  The DS is sooooo wonderful, words cannot describe.  And I am nowhere near to a surgery date yet!...lol!!!!

I've seen a couple of horror stories, but they were surgical issues more than being significant to the DS.  One was a gal who contacted MRSA, and we lost her after 6 months of trying to fight off the infection.  Another went through issues with leaks and pulled through, and finally is now enjoying her DS.   One gal came out here all in a panic because she had gained 20 lbs and is now (gasp) a size 8.  She was looking into a revision to make her stomach even smaller.    We told her to put the simple carbs down and didn't take her very seriously.   Complications of the surgery itself are going to happen within the first couple of weeks if they're going to happen.  From there on, the word is PREVENTION.  Malnourishment is completely preventable.  Even stinky gas is preventable.  Learn what you need to do to keep yourself nourished.  There are no excuses for "I don't feel like it / I'm not hungry / it's hard / Its inconvenient.  I don't want to hear it, and neither does your body.  No doc is going to hold your hand the whole way, because we're learning faster than they are on that front what exactly we need.  Keep connected here and on duodenalswitch.com so you always know the best ways to keep yourself healthy.  Those of us out here are staying two steps ahead of the game, are real with each other, help each other, scold each other,  and our success shows it.