The Common Channel

I just went in for my 3 month appointment, and asked about the length of my CC.  The surgeon diagrams each patient's surgery and was able to print mine out for me.  I started out with 20 feet.  9 feet were bypassed, with 11 feet used for food, and 5 feet of that (150 cm) is for the common channel.  Basically, they bypassed 43% of my intestines.  It all creeps me out a bit!!

My surgeon said the standard is going to be 150 cm, but there are variations based on many factors such as height, degree of obesity/BMI, length to begin with, etc.  Could they have gone shorter?  Yeah, I'm sure.  But whether that is best in the long run is a decision I pay them the BIG BUCKS to make.  I wish I were losing faster for sure, but I also want the best chance of getting it off and more importantly keeping it off.  I lost 71 pounds pretty darn quickly - within about 9 weeks, then I've been staying there for the last 3 weeks.  As a matter of fact, I gained two pounds.  I understand being upset.  It's hard not to compare yourself to others, but everyone's journey is personal.  What works for one might not work for another.  But those who went before us can offer the best advice.  And they all seem to be darn successful, so I tend to listen - especially when they all say the same things.  Up the protein, up the fats, up the water, limit carbs, and stop worrying about how much you eat or how many calories you are getting.

Personally I stay away from the protein bars. They carry to many carbs, it isn't worth it. Also it looks like your eating a lot of veggies and fruit which I can see why your carbs are high. I mean I am in maintenance basically and I only have 100g of carbs. Ditch the protein bars, ditch the fruit till your further out and moderate your veggies. At your point I was never over 50g carbs. You should only have room for protein and maybe a bit more of something else. Also make sure your getting in a lot of fat, I eat roughly 100g a day. At your time out I don't remember what i averaged but when I ate a lot of it. The poo came out and the weight loss continued! The carb monster is hard, I know it isn't easy :) this is a new way of life for you. Everyone is different. :) I would stay here and continue your support :) it sounds like you need some love and direction.

csky-

Apparently, you did not understand the quote I PM'd you from DS Facts.  Here it is again with  the most important information at the bottom of the quote in bold letters -

You will often hear Duodenal Switch procedure patients using the term "Hess Method" [1] when discussing common channel length. Dr. Douglas Hess calculated the length of the alimentary limb by multiplying the total small bowel length by 40%. The remaining 60% of intestine carries the digestive juices through the biliopancreatic limb. The length of the common channel is approximately 10% of the total length of the small bowel. "Hess Method" refers to following Dr. Hess's calculation for determining the limb lengths and common channel length but often other factors are taken into consideration; like the patient's age, weight, BMI and goals. Each patient has a different length of common channel and alimentary loop designed to achieve the best results.

Not all surgeons use the "Hess Method". Some surgeon's instead use a standard measure for the common channel, 100 cm and 150 cm are often used.

Ask your surgeon how he/she determines common channel length.

My common channel is 75cm (centimeters)

The bougie my surgeon used was a 40 French, much smaller (larger?) than many I've seen in this post.

The DS is truly a custom individualized bariatric surgery.  The mechanics of doing the surgery are the same, but each and every DSer has an intestinal configuration that is uniquely their own, or at least should be.  Some surgeons use the same cc length for everyone, and IMHO, that is just  plain *wrong* !  The standard I was referring to is variable between 75cm and 150cm, and that all depends on how your small intestine  measure out. The absorption rates of 20% fat, 50-60% protein and complex carbs, and 100% simple carbs and sugars are averages,  The only way to determine your specific absorption rates is to have your doctor order a fecal analysis.

I truly did not mean to upset you with this information, and if I did, I'm sorry, but it is factual information from a very reliable source, DS Facts.