My final decision is...

the DS. I'm really nervous, but I want to quit playing the yoyo game. My biggest fears are gas and diarrea. (Weird, but its true) Any input on how to prepare? What should I stock up on? How long were you in the hospital? How long till I can drive and get aroung? I will let you know my date as soon as I get it. Thanks for all the info. you have given. It has been so helpful.

Yay!

 

I was completely unprepared, so I can't even begin to tell you what to stock up on. 

 

But for the rest of it...I went into surgery around 2:00 on a Monday, was out of the hospital around 5:30 Wednesday evening.  My doctor said I could drive after a week, which was a really bad idea.  I was seriously dehydrated and almost passed out.  So definitely plan on water water water and if you can't walk around your backyard a few times without getting light-headed, stay out of the driver's seat.  

 

My $0.02. 

You WILL have gas---it's part of the human condition. How MUCH gas you have will ultimately depend on what you eat. It will take you a few months to figure out your system, but you will.

Diarrhea---yeah, the first few days, maybe even weeks, you'll have numerous loose stools. Not really diarrhea, more of a "liquid in, liquid out" sort of thing. Once you're eating solid foods and taking calcium and iron, things should firm up nicely.

I advise against stocking up on anything. Your tastes may change, a LOT. No need to stock up on something you like now, because you may HATE it post-op. I would advise getting started taking vitamins and probiotics now.

I was in the hospital four nights. I was allowed to drive as soon as I was no longer taking pain meds.

SF Pudding!!!!!! I ate SF pudding from weeks 2 to 6....I still do. We are human...gas is gas...Thing is...at least now I feel like I cn control it. With watching what you ingest...I have no more gas than I did pre op. Good luck and congrats!

Im two months out and the only time I have liquid poops is if I eat sugar or mashed potatoes. Normally I have nice firm poops like before surgery. I dont really have stinky gas. I'm super happy with my DS.

I haven't heard of your DS surgeon and he's not listed on DSFacts either.

I had my DS on Thursday and went home on Sun.  I was driving once I was off pain pills.  I had bad gas & diahrrea before surgery, still have it.  Watching what I eat does help, probiotics help, but creates more gas for me...