3 weeks post DS
I don't post on this board that often as I find the DS board moves a lot quicker, but I do come by and read some. Anyhow, I will be 3 weeks post-op on Thursday. (Had my DS on 11/12/09) I had my 3 week MD visit on Monday. I am healing well and am down 26 pounds in just under 3 weeks.
This whole process has been much much easier than I expected. I had very little pain and have not needed pain meds since coming home from the hospital. I'm able to move around really well. I have had very little nausea and vomited once (last night), but that may have been due to a combination of a very long day and Taco Bell. I am taking my vits and can usually get in a protein drink a day (20 - 40g depending on the drink). I have not been the best about hitting 64 ounces of liquids each day, but I usually get close if I don't make it. I do get tired easily and am planning on taking a nap after this post.
For those in VA who are researching surgery options, make sure you speak with a surgeon who does all 4 major types of WLS. That would be the band, RNY, VSG and DS. I say this because I feel everyone should know all of their options before making a decision that they have to live with for the rest of their lives. If you speak to a surgeon who only does the band and RNY you are likely to get inaccurate information on the VSG and DS. Dr. Elariny in northern VA does all types and Dr. Sudan at Duke does as well. I went to Duke and it is about 3 hours each way from the Hampton Roads area. It's only about 2 hours from the Richmond area, so not that far at all.
For me, I chose the DS because I wanted to retain a fully functional stomach. This means I can drink with meals, I can use a straw, I can take NSAIDs, there is no dumping, etc. Another important aspect for me was that the DS has higher stats with regards to amount of excess weight lost and lower stats with regards to regain. The trade off is that I must be sure to eat lots of protein and fats (but I like protein and fat!). I also love that I am to eat full fat foods where as other procedures often need to eat low fat. I need to watch sugars and carbs. They can cause weight gain and for some with the DS gas. Many people don't have issues with gas, but those that do either abstain from white flour carbs or have them in the evenings when they won't be out in public. I also need to be vigilant about taking my vits and having lab work done. Of course, everyone having WLS needs to take vits and eat lots of protein and low carb. I just need different vits than others.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
This whole process has been much much easier than I expected. I had very little pain and have not needed pain meds since coming home from the hospital. I'm able to move around really well. I have had very little nausea and vomited once (last night), but that may have been due to a combination of a very long day and Taco Bell. I am taking my vits and can usually get in a protein drink a day (20 - 40g depending on the drink). I have not been the best about hitting 64 ounces of liquids each day, but I usually get close if I don't make it. I do get tired easily and am planning on taking a nap after this post.
For those in VA who are researching surgery options, make sure you speak with a surgeon who does all 4 major types of WLS. That would be the band, RNY, VSG and DS. I say this because I feel everyone should know all of their options before making a decision that they have to live with for the rest of their lives. If you speak to a surgeon who only does the band and RNY you are likely to get inaccurate information on the VSG and DS. Dr. Elariny in northern VA does all types and Dr. Sudan at Duke does as well. I went to Duke and it is about 3 hours each way from the Hampton Roads area. It's only about 2 hours from the Richmond area, so not that far at all.
For me, I chose the DS because I wanted to retain a fully functional stomach. This means I can drink with meals, I can use a straw, I can take NSAIDs, there is no dumping, etc. Another important aspect for me was that the DS has higher stats with regards to amount of excess weight lost and lower stats with regards to regain. The trade off is that I must be sure to eat lots of protein and fats (but I like protein and fat!). I also love that I am to eat full fat foods where as other procedures often need to eat low fat. I need to watch sugars and carbs. They can cause weight gain and for some with the DS gas. Many people don't have issues with gas, but those that do either abstain from white flour carbs or have them in the evenings when they won't be out in public. I also need to be vigilant about taking my vits and having lab work done. Of course, everyone having WLS needs to take vits and eat lots of protein and low carb. I just need different vits than others.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
I had surgery a few days before you and I am happy to hear you are doing well.
As you know choosing surgery is a very personal thing. As a newbie I was well aware of all other proceedures but I chose RNY because it actually went along with my life style. I loved eating the South Beach way and I am not a sweets person at all. My only issues have been portion size. Didnt want to do the lap band because I have an auto immune skin disease and didnt want a foreign object in my body that I very likely could reject. Also my first cousin had the DS done, he was extremely big and acutally died twice on the table while they were doing the surgery. He had a very rough recovery but 4 years later he is doing great and lost half his body weight. Again personal choices, I am glad you are happy with your DS and I sure am glad that I am happy with my RNY. Keep us posted on your progress!
As you know choosing surgery is a very personal thing. As a newbie I was well aware of all other proceedures but I chose RNY because it actually went along with my life style. I loved eating the South Beach way and I am not a sweets person at all. My only issues have been portion size. Didnt want to do the lap band because I have an auto immune skin disease and didnt want a foreign object in my body that I very likely could reject. Also my first cousin had the DS done, he was extremely big and acutally died twice on the table while they were doing the surgery. He had a very rough recovery but 4 years later he is doing great and lost half his body weight. Again personal choices, I am glad you are happy with your DS and I sure am glad that I am happy with my RNY. Keep us posted on your progress!
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10
Tessy,
Thank you SOO much for posting your story on here. I am so glad you are doing well. It is sad we do not have many surgeon's here in VA that perform the DS surgery. As it is a wonderful procedure with fabulous results. I always wanted more DSers to post here to share their story and knowledge of this procedure with people looking into WLS to give them options. Congrats!! I look forward to following your journey.
Thank you SOO much for posting your story on here. I am so glad you are doing well. It is sad we do not have many surgeon's here in VA that perform the DS surgery. As it is a wonderful procedure with fabulous results. I always wanted more DSers to post here to share their story and knowledge of this procedure with people looking into WLS to give them options. Congrats!! I look forward to following your journey.
415/375/180/175
highest/surgery day/current/ goal
So glad you are doing well. So true how important we do our research and be well informed about what we are getting into. I chose VSG and was very lucky that my insurance paid for it. I liked the idea of not having as many issues with malabsorbtion. I have no issues dumping and I too can take NSAID (although I choose not for other reasons). My weightloss will not be as great as yours I suspect.
No matter what surgery we all need support each other.. I hope will become a regular in the Virginia forum.
Keep in touch
Caroline
No matter what surgery we all need support each other.. I hope will become a regular in the Virginia forum.
Keep in touch
Caroline
lost 140 lbs
Extended TT 12/072009 Plastic Surgeon Mitchell Krieger
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