Disappointed!!!!

I had my last pre-op appt Thursday. I pre-registered at the hospital and received my post surgery diet and instructions. I have heard very good things about Dr. Crookes as a surgeon, but I am very disappointed in his nutritionist's after surgery nutritional advice. The packet sounded a lot like they took a RNY nutrition packet and stapled a DS title page on. The instructions are low fat, sugar-free, low carbs, low calorie, high protein, and the vitamins are cray-cray (crazy). The expectation is to take two multi vitamins, calcium citrate plus D3 (ideally w/magnesium) until the first labs in the second month. Then all others will be added in such as iron and the fat soluble vitamins. 

I feel this is inadequate. Shouldn't I be taking my vitamins earlier, isn't it okay to have full fat foods since I will only absorb 20% of my fat intake? Also, the guidelines only specify that women get 70-80g of protein in. I thought that DS'ers should aim for over 100 g because of the malabsorption. When Dr. Crookes and I discussed me getting the DS he stated all the troubles he has seen with his patients and I judged these people as non-compliant, but the truth of the matter is that they received poor information about how to nurture their bodies. So yes I am disappointed that no one has taken the time to study what works for DS patients such as diet. But I'm really disappointed in the misinformation because the nutritionist only went through the packet to change a few words and sentences to cater to DS but left the whole RNY ideals. Sorry for the rant, btw I will be doing what I have found is best for DS'ers and as everyone says.... I'll be my own advocate. If anyone has some tips feel free to let me know because clearly I will need all the help I can get.

Most of us are sorely disappointed in the info we get from our surgeons...that's why having the vets on places like this is SO vital.

Just do what you know you NEED to do, and when seeing the nut, just smile and nod!

My plan IS to do what I know is best for me! Because I want to be healthy!

You start your vitamins, preferably according to Vitalady's plan, as soon as you're comfortable and start them slowly. Same with fat. Early out, your system will likely be sensitive to too much fat but you can slowly start adding it so your skin doesn't flake away. Protein, yes we usually need 120+ grams of protein a day and from a good bio-available source such as whey protein isolate, eggs, Greek yogurt, 1/2 & 1/2 or whole milk or even heavy whipping cream, and meat. Drinking your protein kills 2 birds with 1 stone and you can certainly continue with protein shakes as long as you want. Keep your carbs under 50 grams a day and you'll be seeing the weight come off but maintaining your good health at the same time. You won't look like a grey ghost like many bariatric patients look following their NUT's directions. You can do this the smart way or their way.

--gina

ROTFLMAO!!! Grey Ghost, that is so true for some! I do want to be healthy and take real good care if myself. And honestly, you just reaffirmed my current knowledge of how to stay he althy after surgery. Thank you so much for supporting us newbies because the bariactric community will seriously damage a DS' ers health! And that's scary truth!

Yes, it's sad and disappointing, but all too common. Fortunately, you have already figured out that the advice you were given was not adequate and that you will need to be your own advocate, so you should do well.

 

Best of luck with your upcoming surgery!

 

Larra

I just figured that since this surgery has been around for a long time that they would know the differences. I am going to do my best and ask for help on things I don't understand!

Yes - my surgeon's practice hands out the standard RNY Gastric Bypass booklet at the first appointment. However, they did have the good graces to tell me that it was written with the RNY in mind.  The post-op diet they want me to follow is the same as the RNY diet, which isn't really a problem because I know the first four weeks or so are really  about letting the stomach heal.

The nutritionist and dietician that i went to both talked about how the DS is different and went over the basic vitamin requirements. Not a lot on long-term DS diet though, with the exception of making sure I always eat my protein first.

I'm so thankful for all the DS vets here and on other forums that I learn so much from every day!

I just figured as far as foods go I will follow the plan at first because I know it really won't matter too much. However, I will be making some adjustments such as 120g+ of protein and trying to get in ALL my vitamins. My plan doesn't advance to soft foods until my 6th week post op, so that is okay. I will just have to do what is best for me and my health is all.

Get used to it...my program counsels DSers just like RNY's...and the instruction binder is nearly identical, except the DS pages are PINK..the RNY pages are YELLOW.

You will definitely need to be a strong advocate for yourself in terms of post-op health care, because as good as it is, the DS is not widely performed in the US. 

What you got is most definitely the RNY protein requirement.  90-100g is correct for DSers.  You also need to make sure you supplement the ADEK vitamins, as DSer's are most at risk for deficeincies of those.  This is in addition to your multivitamins and calcium citrate, B12 and B1.  Those are bare minimums for supplements, according to my hospital's program.  I personally take 13-15 different  single supplements every single day, depending on what day it is (some are every - other -day dosing, adjusted for most recent lab results).

I also still use protein shakes to supplement my protein intake, as I cannot eat enough solid food to get all my protein in.

I have accepted all this maintenance as the trade-off for having a body that no longer weighs over 400 pounds.

Is it worth it?  You betcha!