Here comes the *****here comes the ***** (attention-***** that is) X-post

Before I had my duodenal switch (DS) surgery nearly 2.5 years ago, these "look at how far I've come" posts were some of my favorites. I still enjoy reading them. (And, as a post-op, doing these fulfill my attention-***** needs!)

My hubby and I went to a dear friend's (95-degree PLUS humidity outdoor) wedding yesterday. I barely broke a sweat while everyone around me sweltered, including my hubby. Pre-DS, I would have been grinning and bearing it for the sake of my friend but I would have been purely miserable in my own aching, sweaty body. Instead of focusing on MY discomfort, I truly got to be present and enjoy my friend's beautiful day. THAT is living!

BEFORE
Here I am a few days before I flew to San Francisco to have the amazing Dr. John Rabkin save my life via the DS (www.paclap.com). I am 344 pounds, wear a size 30/32, have Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea: 





AFTER
Here I am today, at about 150 pounds. Same hairdo, but very different lady! My Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea are long GONE. This dress is a size 8. I take my vites, get in my protein, have no bowel or gas issues whatsoever and love, love, love my DS! I am 3 weeks out from my tummy tuck and brachioplasty. Life is sweet!

B**** the wedding, I ate about EIGHT of the world's best appetizers (brie and raspberry preserves wrapped in phyllo dough), a filet mignion steak, mashed potatoes, zucchini, wine and 2 pieces of wedding cake. Have I said I love my DS?




If you are considering weight loss surgery, I encourage you to do your own INDEPENDENT research on the types available today. (Unless your surgeon actually performs all four of the WLS, he/she may not be the best person to guide you on this choice--they likely will tell you the one they actually know how to do is the one you should have and badmouth the others.).

Pick the surgery you want FIRST based on what you honestly know about you as a person. Now is not the time to give into wishful thinking about the "future" you, about how you will become a calorie-counting, exercising machine:

--Do you have any conditions that are contra-indicated for a particular type of WLS (i.e. you cannot take NSAIDs for arthritis if you have the RNY)?
--Are you good at maintaining a low-calorie diet? (probably not)
--Are you likely to be compliant and take vitamins?
--Do you have Type 2 diabetes (the DS resolves over 98% of cases)
 
Think hard about the quality of life you would like to live afterwards. This is a forever decision. THINK TWICE, CUT ONCE--revisions suck.

Once you decided which surgery fits YOU best, THEN pick the surgeon. You may have to travel to get the one you want but YOU are worth it. My DS surgeon actually comes to Chicago for most of our monthly support group meetings, since he has so many patients here.

If you would like to learn more about the DS, I urge you to visit www.dsfacts.com. Feel free to PM me, as well.

All the best,

Nicolle

Nicolle you look great.

Thanks for all the info on the DS.

LISA

Thanks, Lisa! You never know where a newbie is going to visit, so I like to include info.

Congrats on the "normal" BMI! What an accomplishment!

Nicolle

 You look great!  I hope to be joining you on the street corner soon!  BTW what is the going rate these days I NEED SOME MONEY FOR NEW CLOTHES!

Well, some of us do it for fun, not money, so I can't help ya there! LOL

So, why aren't you posting on the DS forum? (Or maybe I've just missed your many posts?)

Nicolle

 I do occasionally post on the DS boards but I was so fortunate and my DS was very uneventful. I was out of the hospital the next day, had zero complications, never puked or had diarrhea, and have been losing like crazy! Im so friggin happy I dont know what to do with myself.

Nicolle,
You look AMAZING!! It looks like you have picked the perfect WLS for you! Thanks for the extra info, never know who might be reading!
The brie and raspberry preserves sounded absolutely yummy!!
Hugs~
Robin

Thanks! Yep, with as much weight as I needed to lose (and keep off), the lifestyle I wanted to lead, and my comorbidities, the DS was the way to go.

The wedding was held at Monetfiore in Lemont, IL, if anyone on this thread is interested. Good food, lovely venue! I highly recommend it.

Nicolle

You look wonderful Nicole!

thank you for posting

hugs
Cathy