Thinking about surgery

Hi guys,

 

I am new here and I am considering getting DS WLS. I have gone to a few appointments but my insurance doesnt require classes so I havent had alot of them so I feel im not informed enough to make a decision. I am lost as to what the diet and vitamin intake will be long term post op. I know early on you have to take alot of iron supplements and calcium to maintain yourself but will that be forever or long term will the amount of vitamins needed lessen a bit? and as far as diet goes post op I know it starts with clear liquids and goe son to pastes and such, but I want a realistic idea of how long after surgery to return to solid foods. Any info is greatly appreciated I am really trying to get informed so I can make a good decision, I am 21 years old and in excess of 460 lbs and need a change!

There is great information on the dsfacts website.  You can also google duodenal switch nutrition guidelines and it will bring up a few resources that you can look at.  The vets will tell you it needs to be tweaked and each surgeon seems to have a bit of a different plan for their patients but you will get a sense of what post DS life is about.   Personally, I can tell you I was on clear liquids for two days after surgery, then pured food for about a week and then I moved to soft foods.  Again each person's experience is different.  I am not going to comment on the vitamin portion of your question because I am only 10 weeks out and quite frankly I don't have a good handle on it myself.   I am sure some of the vets will be able to chime in on the specifics.  I can tell you that the vitamin part scared me a lot before surgery but now that I have gotten used to the routine, it's not that bad a all.  I love my DS already and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Good luck on your journey.

 

Renee

In my opinion the DS is the best option out there and this is someone who tried the lap band as it was less invasive and lost 16 pounds which I gained back.  They have a saying cut one think twice or something like that and I wish I had known about this surgery prior and I am a nurse so one would think I would have known but unless you are looking for the information it will not find you.  I liked the idea that the DS has been around for so many years.  Plus the fact it does not have a failure rate as other WLS such as the lap band.  The down and dirty.....................  First 6 months my stomach was sensitive past that and my stomach feels like normal.  Taste buds change a lot at first have no idea why but when you read about it you think it will not happen to you but it did.  Vits change depending upon your labs.  However you have to commit to take the vit as it is a lot and I am still not use to taking so many.  I take them when I am eating so I do not get ill from them but that is just me.  I had to order another iron which someone suggested on here at the vitalady iron smell made it impossible to take other then that I use vitalday regime.  I lost some hair about 6 to 7 months out but I had a full head of hair so it was not an issue.  My skin in very dry and I am trying to adjust it by adding some fat to my diet as we only absorb a small amount and putting lotion on right after my shower.  Pooping is an adjustment as it some times is paste like and it takes several wipes to get clean.  Honestly I think it is a work in progress and always will be tweaking things just a bit to get the right results.  I am considered a light wt as on my surgical date I was 207 and I am now 156.  I am taking in to many carbs and it is the reason for a recent stall for several months and I am currently adjusting my diet to get off my last 20.  My surgical date was 2/14/12 and I do not regret it.  I love having this site as you can always learn hope this helps to some degree.  Donna

 

Welcome! Definitely check out www.DSFacts.com. There's a list of reputable surgeons there and all kinds of info from veterans.

--gina

 

I would suggest talking to a dietician who has experience with WLS patients. They can help you with many of your questions.

I had my surgery on 10/29/12 and so far I feel I made the right decision. A year ago I wasn't sure surgery was the right option, but after meeting a few times with a dietician and endocrinologist, I decided on surgery. I had my surgery/appointments all done through the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The team approach at Mayo is wonderful. You could try the Mayo website for more information.

Mayo requires a 12-week behavior modification course (it took me 5 months due to some of my hang-ups with food) but it helped A LOT!
I would definitely suggest some kind of behavior modification plan before surgery - this will help you work through any issues you may have with relationships and food - and increases your success long-term.

~Helen

At your age and weight, of the WLS, this is the best option for you.  I will be real, it's not a quick fix or an easy fix.  It is a hard path to follow and cannot look at it in any way as "the easy way out".  It is a lifelong committment.  You must take your Vitamins, you must have your labs done, you must get in your protein. 

I do think it would help you if you go through a counseling program and a dietary training (specific to the DS) for at least 6 months or even a year.  Question everything don't be afraid to!!

There is a lot of behavorial modification that has to be done.  A mindset. 

Good luck!!!

 

The DS is the best chance to get you closest to a normal weight.  Statistically, it yields the highest percentage of weight loss and lowest of regain in the long term.  The vitamins are an important part of your life forever, and finding a medical professional who truly understands what a DS needs along the lines of food and vitamins is slim to none.  There are a few who take the time to know the difference, but the majority of nutritionists and dietitians have you on a low fat diet without enough protein and taking vitamins required for RNY.  They lump all wls into one regime, which can leave you malnourished and constipated.  From their lack of attention, there is much that has been shared between us long-timers that give you the best idea on how to live.  Definitely take the time to read more on dsfacts.com.  You'll even see some articles from me out there.  Ask all the questions you want, too.   For solid foods, I was eating soft foods in the hospital before I even came home.  Other docs are more conservative in progressing the food, but I had no problems at all.

I was on pureed foods for two weeks, then 'soft' food for another two. Starting with week 5, I could eat anything that I chose to. (And boy, did that salad taste great!)

Vitamins---see Vitalady's website.