survey for postop about DS life

i don't know what is all this bashing about one surgery over another. i seen those that have not had DS surgery make claims that they hold as thinking it is true and valid about certain side effects that a DSer have as everyday or common to the majority. i have ALWAYS been a person that talk about my surgery and experience ONLY.  i know there are certain side effects that happen with other bariatric surgeries but i do not hold it as it that it is a majority that suffers and know it is not common and surely i know through common sense it is not an everyday experience. i am 11 months postop and this is based on my personal experience and which i noticed those that i have been in contact with me have similar claims to mine. so let me get this out in the open and excuse me if my straight forward language offends thee. just want to say.... * i do NOT have multiple bowel movement a day. i go once a day and that is it. i am NOT constantly running to the bathroom after i eat. i do NOT have diarrhea or any loose stools when i go either.  i will admit it is soft, but it is not loose that it is watery and that it cause wetness or sweat out of my ass. * i do NOT have oily stool or leaks that stain my underwear. i do not fart all the time. there are times i do fart and it doesn't smell at all, but then there are times it does. but, you know what so does any other person who haven't had wls.  i do not smell or have any body odor. i have NEVER wore a diaper after i had my DS. so here are my questions to the postop DSers to provide feedback and be honest so anyone interested can see what is the experience like. it is based on comments i have seen around OH on various boards that posters have said about people who have DS experiences and many form opinions that it is true. i want to see those that are postop if any of these claims are factual and hold any validity to what is being said. anyone is welcome to post a comment if they have not had DS or are researching this type of bariatric surgical proecure. 1. do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool? 2. do you go 4-6 times even more a day? 3. do you pass gas all day long? 4. is your fart or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins AFTER occurence? 5. do you have body odor that is due to having DS? 6. do you suffer from pain or bloating? 7. do you have hair loss that was consider alot? 8. do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food? 9. do  you wear diapers? 10. do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having DS? 11. what is one thing you have daily to eat or drink? 12. what are things you are able to eat? 13. is there anything you are unable to eat or tolerate regarding food? 14. how much protein are you required to take? 15. what are some things you take/eat to get in your daily protein intake? 16. what vitamins and supplement do you take on a daily basis? 17. are you able to eat and drink with your meals? 18. what is a typical menu for a day or post what you ate yesterday/today? 19. has your personality or preceptions of things changed since you had surgery? 20. what are some things you can say that having DS helped you with your health and life? thanks for all to share you experience with each other and my best to all.

Well, this is the perfect wrap up after those evil ****stirrers from the RNy board.  Thank you for such an idea!   First off, a disclaimer that contrary to what some of the haters are accusing us of, I'm not lying, sugar-coating or misleading in any of this.  This is my real life and my real answers. 1. do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool? NO -- loose, more like pudding, controlled and quite satisfying 2. do you go 4-6 times even more a day? NO -- 2-3 times all between 5:30-6:30am through the week 3. do you pass gas all day long? NO -- if I steer clear of most simple carbs, I have no gas at all. 4. is your fart or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins AFTER occurence? NO -- It lingers in the bathroom for a few minutes, but not on me  5. do you have body odor that is due to having DS? NO -- and trust me, I have very blunt friends and family -- they would say something 6. do you suffer from pain or bloating? NO -- not since my hernia was repaired 7. do you have hair loss that was consider alot? NO -- I lost for a few weeks about 3 months out, and stopped losing after a few weeks. 8. do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food? NO -- dry boxed pastas give me gas -- but fresh or frozen pasta is fine 9. do  you wear diapers? NO -- not on your life 10. do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having DS? NO -- no complications at all 11. what is one thing you have daily to eat or drink? Diet coke --gotta have it in the morning 12. what are things you are able to eat? Everything!  13. is there anything you are unable to eat or tolerate regarding food? Nope 14. how much protein are you required to take? I get 80-100 g per day 15. what are some things you take/eat to get in your daily protein intake? See my profile for my favorite fillers.  Fabulous trail mix, SF custard, Ricotta Fluff stuff and flourless peanut butter cookies.  All are much tastier than any protein supplement. 16. what vitamins and supplement do you take on a daily basis? Centrum, B12, zinc, calcium citrate, Dry D, Dry A, Iron. 17. are you able to eat and drink with your meals? YES -- I wouldn't have it any other way 18. what is a typical menu for a day or post what you ate yesterday/today? B -- Ricotta fluff stuff S -- fabulous trail mix  L -- "Overachiever" soft taco from Moe's -- steak, pintos, cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole. S -- pepperoni and cheese D -- Angus bbq bacon cheeseburger and tator tots. S -- probably a KIondike 19. has your personality or preceptions of things changed since you had surgery? I'm more confident and assertive.  The ADD (Acquired Doomat Disorder) has been cured 20. what are some things you can say that having DS helped you with your health and life? I suffered for years with back and foot pain -- all gone now.  I live a more active life, really enjoying myself.  Eating to nourish myself is so much more fulfilling in my life than challenging myself to go as long as I can on as little as possible.

1. do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool? I did the first 6 weeks after surgery, I haven't had that issues since then.....except once in a while like  anormal person would (normal people do get dhr sometimes). 2. do you go 4-6 times even more a day? No...2 times back to back in the morning....I did go 6 times a day for the first couple of months post op, then it slowly started to decrease....eventually I got to my regular partern of 2 times in the morning...it's really 1 long poo if it's not TMI.  I go....get up, wipe, then have to go again...the getting up wiping sets it off...don't know why 3. do you pass gas all day long? Yes and no...i have had periods of fartiness....but I was extremely gassy preop.  I didn't know it was something that could be controlled....so I lived with it then....now I've pretty much eliminated foods that cause gasiness (sugar alcohols and sugar substitues...whey protein and milk) and take flagyl when things get out of hand. 4. is your fart or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins AFTER occurence? No ....but then again I have an exhaust fan in my bathroom. 5. do you have body odor that is due to having DS? defintely not.  I did preop though...at 500 lbs I was a sweaty mess..and by the end of the day i'd need to shower again because I smelled. 6. do you suffer from pain or bloating? no 7. do you have hair loss that was consider alot? well i was balding preop ....curse you bad genes...lol. I didn't lose much more hair.....actually I saw a relative and he asked me if my hair was regrowing...i guess smaller head...same amount of hair? i don't know...lol 8. do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food? Same as preop..some milk products, and sugar alcohol...the only thing that changed post op was after a year of eating 4 egg omletes every morning...fried eggs started to make me sick...i can eat them in very limited amounts now. 9. do  you wear diapers? Only during a marathon of smallville...I wouldn't want to miss any of the good parts...LOL.  KIDDING...never wore diapers or watched smallville... OK I ADMIT IT...I LOVE SMALLVILLE>>>>>>WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 10. do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having DS? no 11. what is one thing you have daily to eat or drink? cottage cheese and water 12. what are things you are able to eat? everything and anything 13. is there anything you are unable to eat or tolerate regarding food? see food intollerances listed above 14. how much protein are you required to take? 120-170 grams a day ...it depends if I get my butt weight training again or not. 15. what are some things you take/eat to get in your daily protein intake? cheese, cottage cheese, fish, beef, pork, nuts...i eat a very varied diet 16. what vitamins and supplement do you take on a daily basis? 2 multis, 1 A&D, 1 b complex, 4 calicium citrate, 1 dry D 17. are you able to eat and drink with your meals? yes but i wasn't able to for the first year, my stomach was to small 18. what is a typical menu for a day or post what you ate yesterday/today? it would be way to long to type....(not kidding)...i eat about 4000-5000 calories a day on average 19. has your personality or preceptions of things changed since you had surgery? yes and no .....i am more self confident...less likely to take abuse by others...and less likely to take sh*t from self righteous RNYers.....preop and even immediately post op...I would post often "lets be friends" ..yeah that works...NOT. In general though ...my perception that everything in my life that was wrong was a result of being obese, was totally off base....not every problem was because of my girth...rather my girth was an symptom of me eating away my problems.  The girth is gone, the probelms are still here, and I'm slowly facing them. 1 20. what are some things you can say that having DS helped you with your health and life? More mobile...i was about to be wheel chair bound, I no longer have sleep apnea, and I no longer am a walking time bomb for diabetes or a heart attack. Scott

1. The only times that I have had diarrhea have been when I've eaten something that has not agreed with me, and that was within the first year after surgery and I was still learning (and testing) my limits. Pre-op I had problems with fluccuating between constipation and diarrhea, so I don't necessarily blame the DS for all of this. Now I'm fine. 2.I go once in the morning at home before work and then I'm good for the rest of the day, sometimes after work if I've been noshing throughout the day. 3. I don't fart all day long, although I wish I could to get some privacy at work (ha,ha,ha!) 4. I don't think I "linger" and I live with two guys who are fascinated by bodily functons and would certainly comment if that was the case! 5. To be frank, I used to have body odor when I was obese and had fungal rashes under my pani and breasts, now I'm good! 6. Pain and bloating when I've eaten something that I know will be gassy like when I had sausage and beer at a tailgate party (ugh!) or cabbage rolls! 7. My hair loss was noticeable, especially on the temple areas, but I'm blessed with a thick head of hair and a good layered cut did the tric****il it filled in! 8. I've always had a sensitive stomach, so eating and getting sick were a trial and error routine, I've learned what to watch with the DS and it's really no worse than pre-op. 9. I do not wear diapers and don't intend to even whem I'm 105 and incontinent!!!! 10. Praise God I have been complication free!! 11. One of my daily staples is either yogurt or cheese sticks to boost my protein, I've always loved dairy! 12. I am able to eat anything I choose, understanding that some things are naturally gassy or greasy and will "clear the pipes" later! 13. Nothing I can specify that is intolerable 14.. I work toward 60-90 gm of protein daily, admittedly I've been low on the last two labs (1 point below normal but I'm over 6' tall and need to get it higher) 15. I start the day with a protein shake with carnation instant breakfast, whey protein and milk to get a 34gm jump start in the morning. 16. I'm taking 2 multi's with iron, 4 vitamin D, 2 calcium plus magnesiums and looking to recheck labs in October when I am again insured. 17. I eat and drink with my meals without problems, although when I drink a soda I tend to get fuller quicker because of the carbonation. 18. Breakfast was my protein shake, yogurt (s/f), coffee, about 10am I heated some homemade chicken soup for snack at work (yum), lunch was a whole grain turkey sandwich and diet Mt. Dew, snack later was 2 cheese sticks, dinner was 4 oz baked chicken, brown rice sauteed with mushroom and onion and steamed stringbeans with mushroom sauce. I may have another yogurt or protein shake before bed. 19. I no longer embrace a victim/helpless/hopeless mentality and I am more assertive and proactive, I feel that I am braver and willing to take risks to make things happen in my life instead of waiting for my life to just "happen" to me. 20. The DS saved my life, eliminated diabetes and visual complications, high cholesterol, reduced joint pain, increased mobility and activity. It did not cure the Lymes related neuropathy (big disappointment because I was hoping it was diabetic neuropathy) and my thyroid has still been goofy. All in all, the remaining chronic ailments are much more tolerable now that I'm not hauling around an extra 200 pounds. My depression intially lifted nicely, but then came back with a vengence after hubby got fired, m-in-law died 3 weeks later, hubby went into a serious tailspin mentally and spent almost 4 months as barely functional and I made the choice to forfeit my disability benefits and go back to work F/T to get health benefits for my family and keep our home from being lost. It was an incredibly stressful time that I do not believe I could have navigated as I was at 375 pounds, especially since going back to work would have been impossible for me to do.

1-6 is NO 7. do you have hair loss that was consider alot? At the time i thought it was a lot but nope. Cant even tell. 8. do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food? I can eat anything. 9. do  you wear diapers? Nope 10. do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having DS? No 11. what is one thing you have daily to eat or drink? Cheese 12. what are things you are able to eat? Everything. 13. is there anything you are unable to eat or tolerate regarding food? I can eat anything now. Pasta will fill me up fast though. 14. how much protein are you required to take? 80-100g 15. what are some things you take/eat to get in your daily protein intake? Cheese! Meat! Mmm... 16. what vitamins and supplement do you take on a daily basis? calcium, multi vit, vitaball bubble gum ( multi vit) 17. are you able to eat and drink with your meals? Heck yeah! 18. what is a typical menu for a day or post what you ate yesterday/today? Today: chicken rice cream of mushroom casserole, taquitos insides, chips and salsa, peanuts, salmon, cheerios, fruit roll up, and the night isnt over 19. has your personality or preceptions of things changed since you had surgery? perception of how i look has changed 20. what are some things you can say that having DS helped you with your health and life? Energy and Gratitude

1. do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool? NO

2. do you go 4-6 times even more a day?NO, just once usually.

3. do you pass gas all day long? NO, I have less gas than I did pre-op.

4. is your fart or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins AFTER occurence? NO, it actually smells less!

5. do you have body odor that is due to having DS? NO

6. do you suffer from pain or bloating? NO

7. do you have hair loss that was consider alot? NO

8. do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food? NO

9. do  you wear diapers? NO! And I haven't since I was 18 months old! (I checked with my mom)

10. do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having DS? NO, as a matter of fact, I asked Dr. S if he had actually rearranged my innards!

11. what is one thing you have daily to eat or drink? Protein, and water!

12. what are things you are able to eat? I can eat anything I could before -- I've had cake, icecream, brownies, bacon cheeseburgers, pizza, mexican, etc. with no problems.

13. is there anything you are unable to eat or tolerate regarding food? NO

14. how much protein are you required to take? 80-90 gms


15. what are some things you take/eat to get in your daily protein intake? Beef, chicken, fish, shrimp, etc, beans, sometimes a protein drink.

16. what vitamins and supplement do you take on a daily basis? 2 SourceCF multis w/ADEK, 1200 calcium, iron.

17. are you able to eat and drink with your meals? YES, all the time!

18. what is a typical menu for a day or post what you ate yesterday/today? I don't have one, a eat a wide variety of whatever I want each day.

19. has your personality or preceptions of things changed since you had surgery?  Ummm, no?

20. what are some things you can say that having DS helped you with your health and life? My blood work is all normal after only 8 weeks. My arthritis feels better. I am satisfied with a normal portion of food/treats/etc.  I am a satisfied customer, Praise the LARD! Amen and Awomen!

1. Do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool? Seldom. It depends on what I eat and other factors - onset of summer heat, if I'm upset about something, etc. These are the same causes of drh for me as they were before the surgery. 2. Do you go 4-6 times even more a day? Nope, not unless I'm sick. My bathroom habits are roughly the same as before with perhaps one more visit in the morning. 3. Do you pass gas all day long? No, not unless I've had pasta. :( 4. Is your gas/flatus or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins AFTER occurence? Has been known to happen, but usually the initial blast is the worst. However it can linger in a room for a good 10 min. 5. Do you have body odor that is due to having DS? Nope. 6. Do you suffer from pain or bloating? No, not unless I drink more than a half glass of skim milk. I'm hoping that will change. 7. Do you have hair loss that was considered "a lot"? Given how thin my hair is to begin with, I consider any loss to be worthy of sackcloth and ashes. Has there been enough loss that anyone, including my hairdresser considers it "noteworthy"? Negatory. 8. Do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food? Yes, fluid milk, especially skim milk, which was brought on by my DS. It's sad, but not insurmountable. I can still enjoy cream, ice cream, cheese, etc. Pasta and rice don't agree with me, but I can eat them in small amounts. I have a severe mold allergy which precludes any mold cheeses, but I had that since childhood. 9. Do you wear diapers? Um, no. 10. Do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having DS? No. I didn't have any prior to my surgery and don't have any now. I became allergic/hypersensitve to iron supplements a few months ago, which I'm tempted to chalk up to my surgery, but the fact is that both of my maternal grandparents had that sensitivity. I wonder how many people have issues that they now attribute to their DS, that were either present but not troublesome/noted/admitted to prior to their surgery, such as latent sensitivity to lactose. 11. What is one thing you have daily to eat or drink? Water - lots of it. And I have cottage cheese, grits and some kind of beef or poultry daily. I don't use protein drinks, so my intake has to come from protein-intense sources. 12. What are things you are able to eat? Pretty much anything I want. However, if I eat pasta or rice in any significant amount, there will be smell to pay for it. ;) 13. Is there anything you are unable to eat or tolerate regarding food? Liquid milk, rice and pasta. However, since I'm less than a year out, this may change. 14. How much protein are you required to take? I shoot for 90 grams. I don't beat myself up if I get to between 75 and 80, but 90 is the goal. 15. What are some things you take/eat to get in your daily protein intake? Cottage cheese, ground meat, chicken thighs and legs, meat soups, beans and legumes and cheese are all part of my daily menu planning. 16. What vitamins and supplement do you take on a daily basis? 1-2 Centrum Silver and 4-6 Costco Brand equivalent to Citracal with Vitamin D. 17. Are you able to eat and drink with your meals? I can, but I tend not to, as I get full very quickly. In the interest of full disclosure, my stomach was made much smaller than most people's and I'm always conscious to get the protein in first. 18. What is a typical menu for a day or post what you ate yesterday/today? I can't get to fitday.com to confirm this, but this is what I remember. 1/2 c. grits and 1 c. of cottage cheese 1/2 c. ground beef 2 eggs 1 chicken thigh and leg 2 carrots 15 peanuts 1/4 c. almonds 1/2 c. homemade applesauce (no added sugar) w/ raisins 1/2 c. assorted greens 1/4 c. chopped yellow pepper 1/4 c. chopped cucumber 19. Has your personality or perceptions of things changed since you had surgery? I don't think so, except that I've become a "gubbmagnet" (http://lessflabmorefab.blogspot.com/2007/09/gubbmagnet-thats-what-ive-been-feeling.html). 20. What are some things you can say that having DS helped you with your health and life? Greater mobility, more stamina and I don't frighten small children anymore purely on the basis of my size. I'm not even slightly exaggerating. It's wonderful.

1. do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool?  No!  Early post op I was on a FULL LIQUID DIET so- had watery stools (go figure). 2. do you go 4-6 times even more a day? Once i, n am- rarely a second time about 20 mins. after 1st time.  It is a soft, beige well formed stool that makes me the envy of all my constipated friends...I don't have to wipe myself till I am raw either (where DOES this misinfo come from?). 3. do you pass gas all day long? No! I rarely have any gas and it is TOTALLY controllable. 4. is your fart or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins AFTER occurence?  HA HA haaaa ha ah uh hmmmm.... is that a REAL question? 5. do you have body odor that is due to having DS? What? Again- where does this stuff hatch from? NO! 6. do you suffer from pain or bloating? Only while watching that YOUTUBE RNY video of the woman "dumping...."   no 7. do you have hair loss that was consider alot? I had some loss at 5 mos. and at 6 mos. it seems to have stopped dropping 8. do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food? Hard pasta gives me gas (NOT ALL DAY OK?) 9. do  you wear diapers? no; and frankly, if I would have to I'D STILL HAVE MY DS! 10. do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having DS? zero 11. what is one thing you have daily to eat or drink? water- coffee - 1 cup and yogurt 12. what are things you are able to eat? You name it !  Enjoy it all better than pre op BECAUSE I'M NOT COUNTING CALORIES or POINTS etc. ! 13. is there anything you are unable to eat or tolerate regarding food? MSG but that was pre op too 14. how much protein are you required to take? 80-100 gms. day 15. what are some things you take/eat to get in your daily protein intake? meats, cheese, yogurt, sometimes Unjury protein drinks and a regular varied diet 16. what vitamins and supplement do you take on a daily basis? Bariatric Advantage w/ ADEKS 3 x day, citrical 2 x day; biotin for hair; taking Costco collagen for skin elasticity; and liquid Iron 2 x week. 17. are you able to eat and drink with your meals? YESSSS! Hallelujah! I could NOT believe some surgeries preclude it! Not for me- but if you can tolerate dumping I guess anything is possible..... 18. what is a typical menu for a day or post what you ate yesterday/today? am- Unjury protein in coffee w/  choc. milk + yogurt snack- string cheese sticks Lunch- Organic veg bf soup + grilled chs sandwich on lo arb bread Supper- Romaine salad with all sorts of veggies topped with sirloin staek! Yummm! 19. has your personality or perceptions of things changed since you had surgery? I am happier in general- and grateful more often! Perceptions as in sense of smell enhanced for some reason and perceptions as in seeing meanness in people more easily , again for some unknown reason... 20. what are some things you can say that having DS helped you with your health and life? NO DIABETES! My arthritis is better- my skin is better my mental health and outlook is UP! What ever was going downhill is now levelling out ( even my skin is not as saggy as I thought it'd be....maybe it's the collagen?).

Hi prettydove. Here are my answers to your survey 1. do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool? No 2. do you go 4-6 times even more a day? Usually once a day, average about 6 times a week 3. do you pass gas all day long? No - I save up for the evening when I'm by myself, when I can enjoy a good fart. 4. is your fart or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins AFTER occurence?  It doesn't linger on me at all. In the room, it's nothing that a little air freshener won't take care of 5. do you have body odor that is due to having DS? No 6. do you suffer from pain or bloating? No 7. do you have hair loss that was consider alot? At the time, I thought it was a lot. I did not get any bald patches, though. It is growing back. 8. do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food? I have a hard time with chicken breast, rice and white flour products. I don't get sick, just feel uncomfortable. 9. do  you wear diapers? Not since I was 2 10. do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having DS? No 11. what is one thing you have daily to eat or drink? I have an ice cream bar for dessert most nights = 4 gms of protein 12. what are things you are able to eat? I eat most things 13. is there anything you are unable to eat or tolerate regarding food? See #8 above. I cannot tolerate liver, but that has nothing to do with the DS. I just think it is gross. 14. how much protein are you required to take? About 80 - 100. 15. what are some things you take/eat to get in your daily protein intake? Other than my meals, usually I have a protein bar daily. I do this for ease - I can grab one while I am sitting at my desk. Sometimes I will have a higher protein bar for lunch with a milk, rather than a meal, for the same reason. Sometimes I'd rather sleep in the morning than make a lunch. When I've had a particularly low protein day I'll have a protein shake. 16. what vitamins and supplement do you take on a daily basis? Multivit, calcium citrate, dry Vit D, dry Vit A&D. 17. are you able to eat and drink with your meals? Yes, and sometimes it is even a glass of wine. 18. what is a typical menu for a day or post what you ate yesterday/today? B - Thelma's salad L - salad with tuna S - ice cream cone S - nectarine D - salmon steak, avocado salad S - yogurt 19. has your personality or preceptions of things changed since you had surgery? I'm more confident in my appearance. SherryB

During months 1 through 6 postop my answers to these questions would be completely different.  It does take some time for our bodies to adjust to this big surgery and our new anatomy.  Now: 1. do you have diarrhea or loose watery stool? Only if I eat say 3 Krispy Kremes in a row. 2. do you go 4-6 times even more a day? One time a day, pretty normal consistency, first thing in the morning. 3. do you pass gas all day long? Only if I eat ALOT of carbs. 4. is your fart or bowel movement so offensive that it lingers on you 5 mins AFTER occurence? No  5. do you have body odor that is due to having DS? No 6. do you suffer from pain or bloating? Only if I eat ALOT of carbs 7. do you have hair loss that was consider alot? My hair, nails, everything are growing like weeds.  I now have to cut my finger nails and get a pedicure and hair cut every 4 weeks.  I think it is all the vitamins. 8. do you have intolerance or get sick eating any type of food? Occasionally dry meat will not feel so nice sitting in there, but who likes dry meat? 9. do  you wear diapers? Never, not even immediately postop 10. do you have any intestinal problems or other complications since having DS? I did have a blockage. 11. what is one thing you have daily to eat or drink?\ Always start off the day with a protein shake with a banana 12. what are things you are able to eat? Anything, but need to keep the carbs under about 150 grams. 13. is there anything you are unable to eat or tolerate regarding food? Brussel sprouts - but they made me puke before surgery LOL! 14. how much protein are you required to take? I get between 100 and 150 per day 15. what are some things you take/eat to get in your daily protein intake? Variety is the spice of life!!!! 16. what vitamins and supplement do you take on a daily basis? Bariatric advantage vitamins twice daily.  Extra calcium 1x per day. 17. are you able to eat and drink with your meals? Thank God!!!! YES! 18. what is a typical menu for a day or post what you ate yesterday/today? Protein Shake Banana Jimmy Johns italian sub Bag of Potatoe Chips Yogurt  Steak Stuffed mushroom caps 19. has your personality or preceptions of things changed since you had surgery? OMG yes!  I feel NORMAL 20. what are some things you can say that having DS helped you with your health and life? Incontince cured Fit in booth, airplane, anywhere (actually called a little bitty thing by paramedics after car accident) I can water ski! My hypoglycemia is cured Blood pressure 100/70, resting pulse 60 I would say I'm more fit at almost 50 than I was at 30.