DS Questions...
NoMore B.
on 9/24/12 11:44 pm, edited 9/24/12 11:44 pm
on 9/24/12 11:44 pm, edited 9/24/12 11:44 pm
Here is a link to an article discussing Bariatric Centers of Excellence
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/27/fewer-complications -at-busiest-bariatric-centers/
Here is a quote from the article:
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/27/fewer-complications -at-busiest-bariatric-centers/
Here is a quote from the article:
One surprising study finding was that so-called bariatric "centers of excellence" did not necessarily have lower complication rates, and in some cases, actually had higher rates.
"It's important for patients to understand that hospitals that have Center of Excellence designation have met minimum standards for safety," Birkmeyer said, "but they're not necessarily the hospitals with the best outcomes."
There are also many other studies that show that liquid diets ahead of time DO NOT make a difference. So your informal survey, while interesting to you, is not statistically relevent at all. I know probably 10+X times as many DS'er than you do in real life that didnt do a liquid diet and had no complications. But I wouldnt call that a statistic, either.
So yeah, I guess you are entited to post what you want, and I hope that the people *****ad these boards discern those who know what they're talking about (and provide facts) from those who are clueless.
Actually, it takes several months to truly reduce the size of your liver. The one virtue of a 2-3 week pre-op diet is to deplete the glycogen stores in the liver, making it less slippery, and therefore easier to handle. There's no 'magic' to an all-liquid diet---the 'magic' is in drastically cutting back on CARBS. You could eat steak for every meal, as long as you didn't also have a roll and a baked potato. (*grin*)
I had no pre-op diet. I did clear liquids the day before surgery, but that was it. I was 45, and huge---and I had zero complications.
I had no pre-op diet. I did clear liquids the day before surgery, but that was it. I was 45, and huge---and I had zero complications.
On September 23, 2012 at 11:43 AM Pacific Time, ButterflyHope wrote:
We are all different. This forum is great! Wonderful informative people! I look here daily for inspiration! I have been inspired by many people on this board!I am a newbie only 7.5 weeks out. I have lost 60lbs. I have also been in the hospital more than once after the original surgery with complications due to the surgery.
The weight loss is nice, we'll see how I feel later on. Everyone says to give it more time.
At this point in time, I would not do this over again. I'm probably the only one on here that will say that. (Please ~no one shoot me~)....
I have not given up hope yet that maybe one day my body will like this. I would make sure your Dr is part of the Bariatric Center of Excellence. I would also make sure he follows the protocol of the Hess method (measuring the CC). I would also make sure he has you go on a 2 week liquid diet before surgery. This last one could have possibly saved me from the complications I've had. Plus, it will tell the surgeon if your body can tolerate a "High Protein" diet. Yes, there are enzymes they can give. My surgeon only will give those as a last resort. I would also make sure of the bedside manor of the surgeon. My sister and friends did not like the coldness of mine. Nor the aftercare...try to find one with an aftercare program....
I would have someone at home with you and not work for the first 2-3 weeks. Only hydrate walk and whatever protein you can get in. I would not drive or work. My surgeon said I could go back to work after a week (because I have a sit down job). It made my life much worse and the complications harder on me. My surgeon is like "do anything after 10 days: drive, work etc". I've been driving since 10 days. I think everything was too soon. My GI Dr's think so as well.
At this point in time, I'm walking daily. I have no energy (unless I do a lot of B12). I do continue to add regular food (try new foods) daily. I'm still not getting in all of what I should be at this point in time without protein shakes. If I don't get in at least 9-10 hrs of sleep a day, I cannot function at work. On my days off, I literally sleep, walk and get in as much protein as possible. The surgeon's office told me to bump it up this week to 100 grams of protein. I'm having a very rough time getting that much in.
Your taste buds go away after surgery for a bit (some longer than other's). Whether you are hungry or not, you have to get the protein in! I tried nearly every protein on the market before surgery. What I liked before surgery, I don't care for now. A friend of mine sai to try the Unjury (http://www.unjury.com)... I love the Vanilla & Chocolate Splendor! I would get some sample packs to try after surgery to see if you like it after.
Dipping.... One thing is that in the class they say to cover everything you eat with fat (sour cream, cream cheese, mayo). I'm a mustard person for meats. I still have not gotten used to this.
I'm going to try the "fluffy" recipe Julie suggested.
Best of Luck to you with your surgery!
1) COE is BS. Insurance BS at that. It has nothing to do with the surgeon or the hospital. It means they have jumped through the INSURANCE hoops. Nothing else.
2) I did not go on the liquid diet prior and neither did my mother. Sorry. No complications for either of us. There have been people who have had complications even though they have been on the liquid diet prior to this operation. Complications can happen with any surgery. Any one! Not just the DS.
3) Bedside manner of the surgeon is nothing. You aren't hiring him to hold your hand. You are hiring him to cut you open. I would rather he be a dick and know what he is doing than have someone who is wonderful and has a history of screwing up the procedure.
4) My surgeon's aftercare program was nonexistent. Even if he had one what difference would it make. The general DS surgeon doesn't have clue one about the vitamin requirements that we need. I went out and found what I needed and it's not that difficult. There is still some really good advice here. Not as much as there used to be though. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
5) Having someone with you is nice but not necessary. I did it on my own. Easy? No but very doable. However, I turned around and was there for my mother.
6) Driving is something you should do when you feel up to it. Don't feel like you can handle it then don't do it. I didn't do it for 3 weeks but I worked with all men and they each came by and made sure I had what I needed including taking me to the store if I needed to go.
Elizabeth
Back in the U.S.A.
"I have lost the lumbering hulk that I once was. I don't hide behind my clothes or behind my door. I am part of life's rich tapestry not an observer." Kirmy
Especially with someone with a higher BMI, the DS is the most effective surgery. This isn't just speculation or anecdote, it's solid research behind. As others have so wisely suggested, you are going to want to go on DS facts.com and READ, READ, READ. The more you know going into this, the fewer surprises you are going to have afterwards. Dramatic physical changes will occur, and some of them require making minor accomodations and adjustments in your schdule. At six years out, however, it's just part of everyday life for me.
Some of the downsides? You will have to take a lot of vitamins, and have a protein forward. It's not optional. You're going to poop more, and it smells different. You will need to get up a bit earlier every morning, because most of have two or three good sized bowel movements then, and it's nice to get them all done and over with before heading off to work. You are going to have to be careful what you eat, mostly in regard wheat products, because they will give you gas, particularly later in the day. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've eaten like an idiot during the day, only to have to sneak out of an event early because I'm just too gassy. It DOES get better with time though. I can handle a much greater variety of foods than in the earlier years. Our farts have a tremendous "hang time." They seem to cling to the air, LOL. My husband thinks I should try to make money by harnessing their power. He things I could use them for hostage negotiations.
So the upside? I have been wearing the same pants for five seasons now. I am small, and healthy. I am 51 and can do anything and go anywere and feel confident and comfortable. I can eat pretty much what I want. I do watch my carbs - but pretty modestly. I love my post-DS life!
Again, I'm going to stress to READ READ READ. Don't expect anyone to spoon feed information or data to you. Of course, most of us are aways more than eager to answer questions and clarify issues. We love bragging about our new lives and providing moral support. Good luck to you!
Some of the downsides? You will have to take a lot of vitamins, and have a protein forward. It's not optional. You're going to poop more, and it smells different. You will need to get up a bit earlier every morning, because most of have two or three good sized bowel movements then, and it's nice to get them all done and over with before heading off to work. You are going to have to be careful what you eat, mostly in regard wheat products, because they will give you gas, particularly later in the day. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've eaten like an idiot during the day, only to have to sneak out of an event early because I'm just too gassy. It DOES get better with time though. I can handle a much greater variety of foods than in the earlier years. Our farts have a tremendous "hang time." They seem to cling to the air, LOL. My husband thinks I should try to make money by harnessing their power. He things I could use them for hostage negotiations.
So the upside? I have been wearing the same pants for five seasons now. I am small, and healthy. I am 51 and can do anything and go anywere and feel confident and comfortable. I can eat pretty much what I want. I do watch my carbs - but pretty modestly. I love my post-DS life!
Again, I'm going to stress to READ READ READ. Don't expect anyone to spoon feed information or data to you. Of course, most of us are aways more than eager to answer questions and clarify issues. We love bragging about our new lives and providing moral support. Good luck to you!
Julie R - Ludington, Michigan
Duodenal Switch 08/09/06 - Dr. Paul Kemmeter, Grand Rapids, Michigan
HW: 282 - 5'4"
SW: 268
GW: 135
CW: 125
Duodenal Switch 08/09/06 - Dr. Paul Kemmeter, Grand Rapids, Michigan
HW: 282 - 5'4"
SW: 268
GW: 135
CW: 125
Thank you all so much for your input and ideas! You have no idea how much it means to me to have a group of ladies that have been where I am and are either where I will be, or are taking this journey with me. I have never had this much support and guidance from others before, it is a nice change. I have done so much reserch and have listened to all your wonderful adgice I feel 100% that the DS is the right choise for me. Thank you all very much and would love to hear any more advice or tips that might help this process go more smothly!
You are braver than you think, stronger than you believe, and more beautiful than you could ever imagine! 
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