Answers needed from you post-ops

Ok, I admit it....I've been lurking for several weeks I've been researching WLS on and off for the last couple of years, and have finally made the decision that this is what I want...more importantly, what I NEED! I've already started working with a doctor and they have submitted the pre-determination to my insurance, and so I wait. I have been assured that approval "should" be easy to get. Anyway, I have not told but a couple of people of my plans - at least until I know for sure that the insurance will cover this. I did share this with my boss, who is supportive, but very concerned. Here come the questions. My boss tells me her mother-in-law had WLS 2 years ago, gained all her weight back, has had horrible diarreah ever since the surgery, horrible gas pains, and extreme embaressment whenever she uses the bathroom due to the horrible odor of her bowels. Any comments??? I tried to research the positive and negative aspects of WLS, but I had not seen this before. My research shows 75% of people keep 75% of their loss off for 10 years...I think that sounds like pretty darn good odds! I look forward to getting to know all of you regulars....I promise not to hide in the background anymore!

Welcome Cherie I would like to hear the answers to those questions myself.. I am pre-op with a surgery date of Sept 15, very excited and happy about this upcoming journey... have also researched it alot and felt very confident till reading your statement about your Boss's mother.. h m m m m but will admit this is the first time I have heard of any such a thing. What kind of WLS did this mother have? So many different forms of this nowadays. Good luck to you and you are in good hands with this board.. these folks have helped me alot. Best wishes on getting your approval. Again, Welcome aboard. Fran

Glad you've decided to come out of the shadows!!! WELCOME!!! As far as the whole diarreah and unliveable bowels goes...I have bouts of it on occasion,I truely hate to have to live with myself when it happens. BUT, it's because I've eaten too many carbs and just plain did it to myself. I too wonder what procedure she had and what she was eating???? You CAN gain all your weight back with the RNY if you don't use it correctly and graze or eat high calorie, high carb foods or drink high calorie liquids. Keep asking questions and we'll see what we can do. BIG HUGS

Welcome Cherie!! Gas pains and horrible diarrhea..hmmm well lets see, I am 28 and 1/2 months post op and if I eat alot of SF candy, I get horrible gas!!! BUT, I did that preop so that doesn't count I guess. Early post op I got horrible gas pains from milk products...don't need milk...so I cut it out...feel much better =). I rarely have diarrhea, once every 3 months maybe, I'm as regular as clockwork. I make sure to eat 60 grams of protein a day, I keep my carbs under 50-75 and I drink 80-100 ounces of water a day. I also drink an incredible amount of coffee..real stuff..fully leaded..lol. I have lost over 145 pounds, I've maintained that loss with little difficulty. I walk 2-4 miles 7 days a week and I go to a water exercise class 2-3 days a week (should hit the gym..maybe in the winter). I still lose weight, I mostly go by how my clothes feel. The "window" of weight loss opportunity is a myth, you can still lose 2, even 3 years out =). Hope this info helps! (((hugs)))) and smiles =))) My best advice to preops...will always be..."Don't touch a carb until you reach goal!"

I heard that the DS will cause horrible gas and foul stools. I have not heard of the long term effects of DS. Because it leaves such a large portion of the stomach intact, I would have to wonder myself if it woudn't be easy to over eat and gain back.