Questions about revision...

Hi Everyone!

I posted a while back.... but I have a few more questions.

My surgeon has suggested that I look into the DS and do some research before I see him in the new year. He'd be doing a revision from RNY to DS.

1) Is it possible to do this lap or only open? I know surgeons switch to open if it's too complicated once they see what they're dealing with..  but is lap a possibility?

2) I have read the board here and dsfacts, but I'm still not sure about the eating style. I know that I'd need to focus on protein first, and limit carbs... but can anyone give me ideas? I know veggies and fruits have carbs, but are they the "good kind"? I see some people eating chili... is that full of carbs (the beans...etc)? I love chili and want to try and plan what I can eat afterwards. I'm very used to the RNY lifestyle, and the DS would be a massive change for me.

3) I'm already very diligent about my vitamins/suppliments (I carry around the pill containers.. my friends call them the "old lady pill containers".. makes me giggle..

 

Can anyone give me any advice? Maybe things you wish you'd known before the surgery or going into the DS lifestyle?

I already know not to trust a fart.. lol I've seen that before..and almost experienced it..

I'm really sorry in advance if I ask a lot of questions, I really want to be sure that this change is the best for me, and that I can commit to the lifestyle, I know it's very different...

Thank you all for your help and inupt!!!

I'm not really sure but I think the RNY to DS can be done laparoscopically if the surgeon has got the skills to do it and you aren't too messed up on the inside. Perhaps a couple of our revision folks will chime in on that.

The only really difference in the RNY diet and the DS that I can tell is that we don't avoid oils and fat in our diets. We malabsorb much of it and our bodies really do need it in spite of what some dietitians will tell you. We're different in how much we can tolerate or need so once you're healed and eating more normally, you can slowly start having them and adjust as your systems lets you if you're over doing it or not. The only good carbs are complex carbs and some of them can give us fits too. Avoid grains and fruits in your losing phase and add them back a tiny bit once you get to maintenance. Green veggies are fine. Chili is high in carbs so you do have to plan for it. Luckily for most of us the restriction of the sleeve will help you control the portions you can eat. Check out the Bites & Vites thread to get some ideas and ask questions there if you'd like.  : )

Vitamins are definitely not something you can compromise on. You might want to check out Vitalady's site and look for the DS vitamin plans to get an idea of the increases in types of vites and doses. Many of us need mega doses to get our labs up and keep them up.

--gina

 

Thank you Gina, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

 

I check out the bites thread daily to see what kinds of things I'd be eating.

Another thing that would worry me is the quantity, I know that I'd be able to eat more with a sleeve than a pouch.. is that a myth?

I've been limiting quantities, fats and calories my entire life.. this would be new for me.

 

 

Yes, you can eat more with the sleeve than the pouch.

 

The RNY to DS can be done lap, but the preferred way is open.  This is BY FAR the most complicated surgery, so please make sure you have a surgeon who is VERY, VERY experienced in these RNY to DS revisions.

Always focus on protein first, you will need to supplement with shakes early on to get in your protein requirements.  But remember, your tastes do change after surgery, so my suggestion is to look up Vitalady's website & order samples.  That way, you are not stuck with a whole ton of protein powder that you no longer like.

This is the one I use.  45 minutes a month to stock, no fuss.  I take out the day, or if I travel, I throw them in my purse/suitcase.  CONVIENT by far!!!

I had my RNY in 2002, and so I am used to the vitamin regimine.  The DS does have different requirements, but this organizer has truely helped me save a butt-laod of time daily!!!!

 

Totally agree with Gina (major mom) and Jamie.

Thank you all. My surgeon is dr. Dennis hong at st.joes in Hamilton. He was trained and mentored by dr. Michel gagner, who he still refers his most complicated cases to.

Hope you don't mind but I will have more questions I'm sure...

It's good to know that Dr. Hong is doing this revision. How many has he done?