Down & Dirty of DS?
newyork***** I never said I was fully recovered. As a newbie I'm entitled to give my opinion of my experience with the ds thus far. I stated how far out I am (and this particular member has been in contact with me privately so she knows how new I am). She wanted the down and dirty--in fact, she said this specifically, "Any vet or new DS'er out there I would like your input any one willing to share the down side of the ds it would be so appreciated."
Therefore, my experience thus far is valuable to her. When I was about to get my surgery all I heard about was how horrible the recovery was and that I'd have diarrhea and bad gas for weeks, months, possibly forever. I was told to bring a pillow with me to the hospital for the ride home to help with the bumps on the road that will almost certainly hurt my new stomach. I was told that I should rent a recliner so that I could sleep comfortably. I had only one person tell me that it could be different. I wanted Donna to see that it varies from person to person. My experience with the immediate recovery was amazing. I feel like I won the lottery especially because I have a lot of responsibilities at home with two small children and feeling better faster was gift. Of course things will change. It's inevitable that they'll change based on my diet expanding, based on whether or not I meet the nutritional requirements for protein, vites, water, etc. But thus far, I've had great luck and nothing seems to bother me. This was all I was trying to say.
You are one of the people I've watched here on OH for the past 6 months. I've always respected your opinion and even taken note that you describe a DSr who is 2 years out as still being new. I totally get that and appreciate that the farther out you are, the more information you'll have about yourself and about how good/bad/ or ugly the DS experience will be. I learned that from YOU. So please don't misconstrue my answer to Donna's question as though I thought I was someone experienced or all knowing about the DS. I was merly trying to give her a taste of what the DS has been for me in my 5 weeks of recovery. No appetite, slow bowels, eating is difficult and uncomfortable at times, and I forgot to mention that I still have fatigue sometimes. I also forgot to mention that up until about 2 or so weeks ago I was having one bowel movement each morning--then it slowed (which was typical for me to have slow bowels presurgery). Yes, it'll all change, but this is what I know so far. And I hope Donna appreciated the information.
As always, I appreciate your advice as well. Thanks for keeping it real.
Sheri
Therefore, my experience thus far is valuable to her. When I was about to get my surgery all I heard about was how horrible the recovery was and that I'd have diarrhea and bad gas for weeks, months, possibly forever. I was told to bring a pillow with me to the hospital for the ride home to help with the bumps on the road that will almost certainly hurt my new stomach. I was told that I should rent a recliner so that I could sleep comfortably. I had only one person tell me that it could be different. I wanted Donna to see that it varies from person to person. My experience with the immediate recovery was amazing. I feel like I won the lottery especially because I have a lot of responsibilities at home with two small children and feeling better faster was gift. Of course things will change. It's inevitable that they'll change based on my diet expanding, based on whether or not I meet the nutritional requirements for protein, vites, water, etc. But thus far, I've had great luck and nothing seems to bother me. This was all I was trying to say.
You are one of the people I've watched here on OH for the past 6 months. I've always respected your opinion and even taken note that you describe a DSr who is 2 years out as still being new. I totally get that and appreciate that the farther out you are, the more information you'll have about yourself and about how good/bad/ or ugly the DS experience will be. I learned that from YOU. So please don't misconstrue my answer to Donna's question as though I thought I was someone experienced or all knowing about the DS. I was merly trying to give her a taste of what the DS has been for me in my 5 weeks of recovery. No appetite, slow bowels, eating is difficult and uncomfortable at times, and I forgot to mention that I still have fatigue sometimes. I also forgot to mention that up until about 2 or so weeks ago I was having one bowel movement each morning--then it slowed (which was typical for me to have slow bowels presurgery). Yes, it'll all change, but this is what I know so far. And I hope Donna appreciated the information.
As always, I appreciate your advice as well. Thanks for keeping it real.
Sheri
Sher--the bear mama
Con
Vitamins – This is really a not an issue because it is second nature now. However, it was pain at first.
Extra Skin – I don’t like looking like a melted candle, but it sure beats looking like a beached whale. I am looking into PS now.
Gas – If you chose to have non-DS friendly foods, you will pay a price. My best advice is to save those foods for when you are in the privacy of your own home or places you are free to pass gas. There are meds /supplements to help alleviate the smell.
You will have to be your own advocate. Don’t be afraid to educate your doctor. You will be amazed how many medical professionals know nothing about the DS.
Pro
Being NORMAL – I LOVE not being the biggest person in the room, family, etc. I love hearing people describe ME instead of “that big lady or heavy-set lady.”
I LOVE LIFE. I LOVE MY DS
I went into this surgery well aware of the side effects. Luckily, most of the side effects are controlled by me.
A baby DS is different. The first 6 months, I would go to the bathroom 3-5 times a day. Almost 4 years removed now, I am lucky if I poo once a day. I stay on the constipated side like I did preop. It is a learning experience, but I do HIGHLY recommend you stick to the rules the first 18 months.06/07/12 - Dr. Sauceda LBL, BL/BA, Arm Lift, Fat Transfer and Neck Lift
Here is my story,
I am 5 years out almost... the good the bad and the ugly.
First off, my surgery went well, but on day three i developed a leak and ended up back in surgery to repair and i stopped breathing on my own, i almost died 39 years old at the time, i woke up nearly 2 days after my second surgery with tubes down my throat and on a breathing machine, totally scary.
Then two weeks post op, i had my staples removed, i de-dehissed (opened up)Pics on my profile. i had a huge gaping hole for three months and fought off infection for three months, i became dependent on narcotics for pain and still to this day need sleeping pills at night.
Constipation, Huge issue for me, unlike the normal ds'rs i don't go to the bathroom daily, i have to use suppositories to go, i am lucky to go once a week.
Weight loss, it took me almost three years to lose 100 pounds i started at 305 and i am 5'5, now i have re-gained 65 pounds this last year.
I have iron issues and low b12.
I am often depressed, i did this most radial thing called weight loss surgery and i nearly died for and now i have gained more than half my weight back.
I don't malabsorb
I have huge restriction
I eat three bites of food and i am full, but the feeling of full and wonderful is gone, if i eat one more bite i feel like i am going to throw up.
The only good thing really that came out of my ds is that i did lose some weight and i met some amazing people because of it.
I don't know if i would do it again.
Good luck
I am 5 years out almost... the good the bad and the ugly.
First off, my surgery went well, but on day three i developed a leak and ended up back in surgery to repair and i stopped breathing on my own, i almost died 39 years old at the time, i woke up nearly 2 days after my second surgery with tubes down my throat and on a breathing machine, totally scary.
Then two weeks post op, i had my staples removed, i de-dehissed (opened up)Pics on my profile. i had a huge gaping hole for three months and fought off infection for three months, i became dependent on narcotics for pain and still to this day need sleeping pills at night.
Constipation, Huge issue for me, unlike the normal ds'rs i don't go to the bathroom daily, i have to use suppositories to go, i am lucky to go once a week.
Weight loss, it took me almost three years to lose 100 pounds i started at 305 and i am 5'5, now i have re-gained 65 pounds this last year.
I have iron issues and low b12.
I am often depressed, i did this most radial thing called weight loss surgery and i nearly died for and now i have gained more than half my weight back.
I don't malabsorb
I have huge restriction
I eat three bites of food and i am full, but the feeling of full and wonderful is gone, if i eat one more bite i feel like i am going to throw up.
The only good thing really that came out of my ds is that i did lose some weight and i met some amazing people because of it.
I don't know if i would do it again.
Good luck
Hi Donna!, I.m almost 5 (?!) years out. I LOVE MY Ds ! The Bad: Sometimes I have horrible painful bloating. The gas gets to my family too~ . Its mostly fun, windows rolled down, spray, .matches laughter, we just roll like that. I also have struggled with anemia. My # are coming back a bit.. with iron pills., but I hate taking them.. I take stool softner with it to counteract the constipation.That the worst. sometimes my dignity has been a bit off for public bathroom issues. I still would not take \y DS back..My Blood pressure normal now I am more comfortable. physically now, even with the the down side stuff I live with. I totally recommend this surgery, The benifits have FAR outweighed the negative in my case. Gwyn
Down 165 lbs. as of May 21.
Hi Donna
I am just 6 months out so still very new at this. I thought I was well prepared for the surgery before-hand but living the experience is nothing like reading about it.
My family and most friends have been supportive.... but to a point. I am starting to get tired of their fart and smell jokes. I have only been remarried for less than 2 years during which I never even dared to fart in front of my husband... well that is all changed now...and I am still trying to get used to it.
Another aspects I get frustrated with is trying to explain to health care providers that I did not get the RNY so please stop telling me it is the same surgery!!!!! It is frustrating to have to fight for my labs and convince the dietician that I am supposed to eat so much protein while avoiding carbs.
Last, but not least, get angry when I keep hearing I took the easy way out. I cheated my way into weight loss. Although my journey so far has been very good, it is not easy. I have had to change how I eat and what food is for me. I think the hardest thing for me since my surgery is that I am unable to run to food for comfort when I am facing crisis. I have learned to control that urge and now I turn to exercise.
With all that said.. this is a life changing journey and I would it all over again!!
God Bless!!
Lynn
I am just 6 months out so still very new at this. I thought I was well prepared for the surgery before-hand but living the experience is nothing like reading about it.
My family and most friends have been supportive.... but to a point. I am starting to get tired of their fart and smell jokes. I have only been remarried for less than 2 years during which I never even dared to fart in front of my husband... well that is all changed now...and I am still trying to get used to it.
Another aspects I get frustrated with is trying to explain to health care providers that I did not get the RNY so please stop telling me it is the same surgery!!!!! It is frustrating to have to fight for my labs and convince the dietician that I am supposed to eat so much protein while avoiding carbs.
Last, but not least, get angry when I keep hearing I took the easy way out. I cheated my way into weight loss. Although my journey so far has been very good, it is not easy. I have had to change how I eat and what food is for me. I think the hardest thing for me since my surgery is that I am unable to run to food for comfort when I am facing crisis. I have learned to control that urge and now I turn to exercise.
With all that said.. this is a life changing journey and I would it all over again!!
God Bless!!
Lynn
HW 175 KG (385 lbs) - then banded in 2008 - DS journey HW 146 KG (322 lbs)
CW 81 KG (179 lbs) - GW 79.5 KG (175 lbs)
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