DITTO Sandy

Hi Ruth Have you checked out the over 50 forum ? I go to quite a few forums. I will be 53 in October. Sept 28 is my one year "ReBirthday". I am down almost 100 lbs and feel good. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner... Sandy

The only docs that are going to give you "more down things about the DS than good", are the ones that want to make their easy bucks off of the RNY and lap band procedures. The DS requires a higher degree of skill, and takes more OR time than the previous surgeries, so the profit margin is not as high with this surgery. Remember....although we ideally like to think of our surgeons as primarily humanitarians, they are businessmen. Some docs would prefer to churn out ten lap bands a day or six RNYs a day, rather than two DS's a day. My surgeon offers all three. I was a "lightweight" going in, not a MOST EXTREME CASE, and my surgeon never once tried to talk me into one over the other. When I told him I wanted the DS, he told me "You are actually the ideal DS patient ...you are young, healthy, intelligent and EDUCATED." If one does the research, even goes so simply as far as take a jaunt over to the DS board, one will find positive testimonial after positive testimonial about the DS. THe National Institute of Health states that the DS offers patients the highest weight loss over the longest period of time, and with the lowest chance of regain. After gaining and losing the same 100 pounds over and over again, there was no way I was going to put myself through ANY surgery without some type of guarantee that Id be able to maintain. As for having to take supplements the rest of my life? Its like this - Id rather be thin and have to take vitamins three times a day, than fat and have to take 1) insulin shots three times a day 2)blood pressure meds 3)sleep with a cpap machine, etc. etc. I think that every body needs to be comfortable with whatever decision they make. I have never once gone on a board and knocked someone else's surgery, especially when I have not done the requisite research to offer an informed, accurate opinion. Julie

I totally agree with you Don Diva. Those who speak negatively don't mention their personal responsibility in this process. Yes just as we are not perfect neither are doctor's. But just because we are not losing doesn't also mean that the doc failed to do his/her job. My doc would have been all over me if I was losing and not 2 years out. It also amazes me when I see what people eat. I have a family member that is 5 months out and was eating as much as I do at 2.5 years just weeks after surgery. And now I could never eat the amounts they do. Same doc/same surgery, different heads, different genetics, and a difference in commitment. I wish you all the best and Don Diva, don't be so hard on yourself. Just take it one day at a time and try to get back on track, you can do it!

Renee, it does get better. I promise. It takes a few months to really feel like yourself again. Don't feel down slep when you need to and just make sure you are following your doctor's instructions. I'm sorry but carbs are not the answer. Besure you are getting in your protein, water and vitamins as you are told. You are going to feel like a million bucks sooner than you know. For know just relax and heal!