Thinking about DS

I am on my second lap band and it has to go. The doctor thinks I will be the happiest with the DS. I need to know the good, the bad and the ugly. My husband is worried about nutritional deficiencies. I'm worried about diarrea and gas problems. Please help me make an informed decision.

All concerns are workable.

We share a LOT of information about nutritional supplements, labs, etc.  Start paying attention for there is much to learn --much more than most surgeons offices know (or are willing to embrace).  If you keep on top of things, you'll likely suffer no serious deficiencies.  Gas and diarrhea are also very controllable by what you eat.  Everyone's a little different about what affects them, so there is a little trial and error. Once you learn your common trigger foods, you avoid them, and don't try anything new in mixed company, lol.  Stool consistency is forever looser, but not by any means uncontrollable.  The odor is a little different and stronger, however a daily probiotic helps immensely, be it from a pill or a daily cup of yogurt, take your pick.  I have a giant poo first thing in the morning and I'm usually done for the day.  As a corporate trainer, I can testify that I've never had any embarrassing experiences due to my DS.

Hi,

I am only 3 months out but I have never had diarrhea and gas has not been very bad at all. I'm not sure if I'm lucky or just not eating enough different stuff to experience it yet. Check out dsfacts.com

 

Trish

Wow, you have lost a lot of weight in 3 months. Congrats and thanks!

There is a lot of great info about the DS at dsfacts.com.

For most of us, the issues with diarrhea etc are diet related, and thus under our control. If you eat right, these should not be big issues. If you eat lots of carbs, you will have issues.

As far as nutrition goes, malabsorption does not equal malnutrition. Yes, you will need to take lots of specific vitamins and eat plenty of protein. These are not difficult but they are crucial, and they will we required for the rest of your life. But the big studies have shown the the rate of nutritional deficiencies is actually low, and almost always related to noncompliance. In other words, if you eat right, take your vitamins and minerals faithfully and get the regular lab work you need to make sure your levels are good, chances are you will do just fine.

AND you will have an operation that actually works to provide permanent weight loss and resolution of comorbidities, which is the point of having bariatric surgery.

Larra

Thank you!

You've got a smart doctor, then! (*grin*)

For 98% of DSers, any gas and diarrhea problems are self-induced. By that I mean they're directly related to what we choose to put in our mouths. And yes, I'm sometimes guilty---sometimes I choose to eat things that I KNOW I'll have to pay for later. (So do 'normal' people. That's LIFE.)

Nutritional deficiencies are about the same. DSers MUST pay daily attention to vites and supplements, and get regular lab work. And, sadly, some people have struggles even when they're doing everything they know how to do. This is true for ANY form of WLS. The best thing you can do is educate yourself, and be diligent.

My DS has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I would not be alive today without it.

Thank you!

I had the lap band for 3 years and just had it out and the DS done in December. I am very pleased with the DS! The eating feels so much more "normal" with a sleeve than the band. The weight loss is also much better.  I have not experienced any weird bathroom issues -- I heard about this a lot preop -- even my surgeon's office went on and on about how I could expect horrific issues in that department so I was a little scared. Honestly, now, I wonder what all the fuss was about -- other than immediately out from surgery during the liquid diet phase, I have not had any issues.

You will have to take supplements to maintain good nutrient levels. This is NOT optional. You will need regular labs to check your levels and then may have to adjust your vitamin regime to accommodate any downtrends you see in your labs. This is very doable in my opinion. I just had my first set of labs done and am eager to see where all my levels are and make any adjustments necessary.

One more thing I just thought of regarding how eating is different from the band: I am still getting used to this, because I have gone so many years eating low fat everything and being so careful of fat. But with the way the DS causes my body to malabsorb fat, I actually have to make sure I eat enough fat: so that means I get to select all regular fat condiments and higher fat meats, cheeses etc. It takes some getting  used to as far as wrapping your mind around it but the extra fat causes the food to be so much more satisfying. Plus the removal of the guilt factor for eating and enjoying things like real mayo, half & half, cream, salad dressings is a huge thing for me. It is so emotionally freeing to not be consumed with a very low calorie diet!

I wish you great success on your journey!

Thank you so much for your response. My doctors office made comments about bathroom issues too, so I am a bit worried about it. My husbands concern are the nutritional stuff. I haven't made my final decision but I noticed that most people revise to a DS so maybe I should go with the DS and do it right this time. Thanks again and good luck with your weight loss.