Down & Dirty of DS?

Your response is more appreciated then I know how to put in words.  I was looking for the blunt facts and I would not have dreamed to ask about the character of the stool and you were able to explain it so well it reminds me of the rare instances when a situation has happened like that and you can never seem to get clean.  So plenty of wipes.............. I would not have even thought of it.  Thank you for knowing what I did not even think to ask.  Sincerely your time & response  is so greatly appreciated.  Donna

 I am 5.5 years out.   I maintain easily, if I don't go completely butt wild on the carbs.    I am amazed at how "normal" my eating lifestyle is.   If I am craving a treat, I have it.      I am active, energetic and love to buy clothes.     I still take time every day of my life to pause in gratitude for this marvelous surgery.    

This surgery comes with tremendous responsibility.    You MUST be compliant with your vitamins.   Even if you are, you can still have problems with deficiencies that are difficult to alleviate.   I have osteoporosis now, due to underprescription of supplements as a post-op by my surgeon.    This is still quite common with surgeons, and you are wise to follow the advice of those on these boards.

You can have embarassing moments if you choose to eat like an idiot.     I have quite very aware of what my "limitations" are in regard to my carb consumption, and sometimes it's been the hard way.  If I'm planning to go out in the evening, spend the night at someone's house or travel on an airplane, I"ve learned to be VERY careful about eating flour or sugar!    I am considerably more tolerant of foods now than I was even two years ago.

Thanks this is helpful as I wondered what to do if  one has plans for the weekend.  Good to know in time I can avoid moments by avoiding the foods which may cause and issue.  Question on your vit I am planning on following vitalady are you currently doing this?  I hope to avoid loss of calcium as the chance of osteoporosis is high for me regardless if I do the ds or not.  Thanks again.   Donna

 LOL I take twice as much as Vitalady recommends and I still have issues.   Just some of us fall on the far side of the spectrum that way.    I have been doing better lately, after making sure I take 200 mg (total) of Vitamin K 1 and K 2 and more copper.  That seems to be helping.   

I'm 6 yrs post op and find the DS to be very "liveable". Yes, I can get some noxious gas and bm's from certain foods, while others render me quite normal as far as odor goes. Being as far out as I am, I'm pretty knowledgeable of what those problem foods are, so I know when it's "safe" to enjoy them. I was a corporate trainer for many years post-ds, and when I traveled or had a day of teaching ahead of me, I would just mind what I eat and I never had any embarrassing moment. If I'm living recklessly, it's with those who love me unconditionally.

That's about as nitty gritty as my life gets with the DS. The rest is taking vitamins and making sure I eat yogurt every day (keeps the stinkage down naturally, for me)

I have my one-year experience post link in my signature (the first link).  That describes where I was then.  It also has a link to my 6-month post.  Both of those describe the side effects and struggles I had.  Hope these help.