DS Surgery

Datrace,

I don't think I answered your question on the DS board, I get behind sometimes, sorry I missed you.  PLEASE ignore the poster that said that 94% of DSers have DIARRHEA MOST of the time.  How effing, incredibly, uniformed she is.  Listen, everyone else has already said the things I would like to say, but I have one more to add.  If DSers had uncontrollable diarrhea all of the time, do you think that I would open my home (with only 3 toilets) to 60 post op DSers for the party we had on July 11th this year?  I mean seriously, that would just be N A S T Y!!!!  Okay, of the 60 people here, only 35 were DSers, but you know what I mean.  We were all together from Noon until many people after midnight.  I've had this party two years in a row, and last year I only had 2 restrooms at our old house.  I mean seriously, the RNYer who gave you this info has been ill informed!!!!!

I have had intestinal issues to work out with the DS, I won't lie to you.  My DS is an overachiever and if I'm not careful I can be in the bathroom too much. NOT with diarrhea, only with more frequent BM's.  I am much more in the minority in this area of the DS, many people go #2 once or twice a day or are constipated. I have worked with a GI doc and have managed to go over my diet with a fine tooth comb, I've added metamucill to the mix, and I'm in a much better place now.  I usually go 2-3 times each morning, early, and occasionally one more time at night.  Well worth the trade off, trust me!  I'm sure things will only get better as my intestines absorb more over time. 


Good luck, and see you on the DS board!

Lori

Thanks for responding to my post.

I am very excited, and cant want until my consultation. I just hope my insurance will pay for the procedure.

Tracy

Well, I am a DSer, had my surgery nine years ago this December and I live in Illinois.

I have ZERO issues with diarrhea or vitamin deficiencies. I live on the DS forum, not the state board. Please make sure you know what you are talking about before offering advise to others. It's dangerous to everyone's health.

I hope you have great success with your choice.

Jillian

ROFLMAO.....severe diarreha...well suffice to say I KNOW severe diarreha first hand FROM IBS....almost 16 years of it...14 months out from my DS and I have NO severe diarreha....I have an extra bowel movement if I eat white flour or pure sugar items SOMETIMES the next day...but severe diarreha is NOT a concern for me.

I would no more state that MOST or even ALL RNY patients throw up when they eat sweets as a miss information statement about your surgery so PLEASE do NOT be spreading the blasted lies about the DS.  

I TOO researched all forms of WLS and decided the BEST way to get REAL information is not from the surgeons who do the surgery's for the real living with the surgery of choice but from those who LIVE with it!  

Check out the DS forum and ask questions and more questions...do internet research and attend support meetings and TALK TALK TALK....best way to find out the TRUTH about any surgery  is to get the info from the horses mouth...those who live with it daily!  

Good luck & Bless you for searching for the RIGHT surgery for YOU!

Datrace,

I'm an IL DSer and I lurked for years on OH boards before getting the DS and haven't found anyone who said they regret it.  The IL board frankly just doesn't seem as interesting or relevant as the DS board so I don't much time here.

I had my DS at U of C where you're looking but mine was with Dr. Prachand. 

On OH - another user you might contact "YeahOKbye" is an IL DSer that Dr. Alverdy switched earlier this year.  She (Alex) may be able to answer any questions you have about Alverdy specifically.


Any negatives have been minor and well worth it when you think in the long term and where I was headed.  The following

>As many have posted - no diarhea issues (it is normal during 1st month post-op so that would not be an "issue").  Otherwise BMs are similar to pre-op - a little more frequent and can sometimes be more urgent.

>I now take a lot of vitamins - I used to take a lot of blood pressure meds.  No big change there.

>I'll have to get blood drawn once a year (long term).  I weighed over 400 lbs and was in to see the doctor at least once a year to get blood pressure script renewed, so again - no big change.

>I can eat anything, but things with a substantial white flour content can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms (painful gas).  Whole wheat and whole grain foods are OK. 

>I often don't have room for non-protein foods, which can be a little annoying to an emotional eater/binger like me.  I cannot really binge any more.  If I eat too much it causes substantial pain and may come back up - usually within just a couple of minutes.  The body does give warnings so I only made a binge eating mistake once.

>I've had to buy a lot of newer clothes - it can get expensive.  I get most of mine from Salvation Army or Goodwill to save on $.  I got ten shirts in 2XL for $20 from Goodwill yesterday (there was a sale).  Pre-op I could only wear 5X or 6X shirts (btw - they don't carry any or many shirts beyond 3x at those thrift stores).

>I'm running out of excuses not to exercise.  I feel better and it's geting easier to do.  I've been walking 15-20 minutes or more at least once a day almost every day since my surgery.

I had 2 complications post-op, but since they can happen to anyone with any surgery I cannot blame the specific surgery I had for them.  So far the positive aspects FAR outweigh the negative.  I'm almost halfway to goal already and will just hit 5 months post-op next thursday.

Good Luck whatever you choose!

Thanks Bill for sharing your experiences with me. I didnt see this post prior to me asking about your other post.

I have talked to one other person on OH, and they said they are waiting to get an appointment at UCM...I consider myself blessed!. I hear appointments are out until next year.

At anyrate, I meet with Tricia last Saturday at UCM, and she seem to be a really nice person. The hospital seems to be really busy, which kinda frightens me.

I am hoping Dr. Alverdy or Dr. P., is okay with me getting th DS. How long did it take for them to tell you that you were accepted into the program?

I enjoy the TN board a lot for general support.  We get together for lunchs & dinners, support and fun.  I've met some great people IRL from the TN board.  For social events and local advice, it can't be beat.  For DS issues, I rely on the DS forum.  I have learned so much from the vets there.  It's so nice to have so many options here. 

Best wishes, Datrace.  You've got a great source of sound advice and support in Nicole.  Don't worry about returning the favor to her.  Just thank her and pass it on to those you will meet that ask you about the DS. 

Please check my early blog entries for time frames.  I'll look at the earliest ones today make sure they give you the info that  you're asking for.

Hi I am from Illinois and  I had the DS on July 22 and so far so good.  I had dhr the first couple of days but other than that things are fine.  I get all my water in and eat well. I have lost 25 pounds in two weeks which I just loved hearing that at my surgeons office.  I had no complications and am pretty much pain free now.  I have went shopping three times since surgery.  Other than being a little tires everything is fine.  I would do it over again if I had to.  Hope this helps a little if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

Hi, Jazzy! I have been wondering how you have been doing. Sooo glad SleepyJules is your angel--she is a lovely person.

Keep up the good "work!"

Nicolle