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on 6/30/23 8:34 am - Ballwin, MO
My Journey with Obesity: My Duodenal Switch Surgery Experience
Many people may not know this about me, but I have struggled with obesity for most of my life. At my heaviest, I weighed over 650 pounds and knew that I needed to take action to improve my health and wellbeing. This led me to consider weight loss surgery, and after consulting with my doctor and doing extensive research, I decided to undergo a duodenal switch surgery.
I underwent a four-hour surgery that felt like getting run over by a Mack truck. The recovery process was tough, but I had an incredible team of nurses who helped me manage my pain and keep track of my vitals. I spent two to three days in the hospital before being sent home to continue my recovery.
In the first 24 hours after my surgery, I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything, which was difficult but manageable because I was still dealing with some pain. However, the hardest part of the recovery process has been the need to start walking around to aid in the healing process.
Despite the challenges I have faced, I am thrilled to report that I have lost close to 300 pounds since my surgery. The only downside is the excess skin that remains, but I feel happier and healthier than I have in years.
If you are struggling with obesity like I was, know that you are not alone and that there are options available to help. Weight loss surgery may not be the right choice for everyone, but it has been a game-changer for me. I encourage you to speak with your doctor about your options and take the steps necessary to improve your health and wellbeing
Just searching online I see several states with special bone clinics/ Osteo only Dr's. So far in my area tx., I've only found Dr.s who treat several endo conditions. There are two I noticed listed this condition as an area of interest. One worked in the VA specifically studying osteoporosis. I'm going to start with those two and go from there. One Dr does have a bone care team under Gareatic care. I might call also ask if they can assist. I'm not sure age is a requirement. I'm guessing a busy morning of phone calls!
I did read, after I saw your original post, that rheumatologists deal with osteoporosis, too, so you should be fine (although yes - endos deal with diabetes and thyroid issues, too. Mine works in the "osteoporosis clinic" at my health network, so that is her specialty, but I think she deals with those other things as well)
RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)
HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163
small is OK. Any amount of weight will help. I had one of the trainers in my gym (a year or two ago) show me a sample weights routine and he was having me do things like squats while holding a fair amount of weight on my shoulders. Another trainer, a couple of weeks later who was familiar with osteoporosis, told me no - that was way too much weight for my spine. She had me cut way back and said it'd still be of benefit. So a long way of saying, it doesn't have to be anything heavy - your bones will still get some pressure even with lighter weights (although again, I haven't done them in awhile (as in..months). I always have a hard time getting back into them if I'm away for even a couple of weeks (probably because I don't like them!!))
RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)
HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163
It sounds like it's working great for you. I've had to switch to walking in the mornings, Tx heat is rough. I walk in my neighborhood. I can certainly try to add strength/weights to my activities. I need to review form and how to videos and start small.
Thank you again for the info. The more I know going in to my appointment the better. I'm guessing I would not tolerate pill form either. Can't risk any issues with the lining of my stomach. Of all the info online it's been tough trying to find an endo, I've read way to many reviews. Using my ins as a guide most concentrate on diabetes and thyroid. I have found a few to make calls to tomorrow. I'm ready to get started on a plan but know it can't happen over night .
I was never big on weight training either. I started by walking a block or so, then jog a 100 feet, then walking a little more. I then started lifting with 3-pound weights in each hand. It took 4 years to get to a simple basic workout mostly because I focus more on consistency but not weight amounts. After about 6 years I started a little more advanced workout but nothing special. My goal is to get in simple steps each day plus 20 min of arm and shoulder exercises plus the gut. Everything is pretty basic and can be done at home. I go to the gym just for a change of scene.
Reclast was the only drug I've had so far because my endocrinologist didn't want to give me an oral drug (like Fosamax) because of my RNY. It's been awhile since I've had it (Reclast), but I think I may have had flu-like symptoms for a day or two after the infusion, but that's it. It stabilized my bones (i.e., no loss since), but the endo wants to try to build them up. I'm 63 now and she wants me to enter my final decades with my bones as strong as possible. Evidently Forteo is a little stronger - or else just better at building them. Plus she told me to do a lot of walking as that strengthens them too (and weight training, like the person below said - but weight training is one of those things I have to force myself to do since I'm not a fan!!)
btw - I was diagnosed at age 58. Since we never did a baseline before my RNY, I'm not sure if it was the malabsorption from the RNY, or just genetic - osteoporosis runs rampant in my family. I think every female relative - on both sides - dealt (or deals) with it. But that's neither here nor there, I suppose. At any rate, they supposedly have some really good bone-building drugs out now. Haven't heard of Evenity, but then, I haven't done a lot of research on all the options in awhile...
RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)
HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163
Thanks for the advice. I've never been a big weight/strength person, should have! I do walk and have over the last 10 years. I'll try to start this obviously low at first. I need to see if I can find info on line on where to start. Again thanks!
