calling on ds'ers with 0ver 10yrs.. help

First of all I am 14 years out. Had ds /bpd with dr gagner at mt sinai in nyc dec 2001. I hold my head in shame asi write this because I have broken every rule that you know u promise to keep when u agree to the ds. Haven't had bloodwork since 2009, don't count or eat protien first, so so with vitamins... I'm a mess. Lowest weight 151 highest weit 196.8 currently 188.1 since dec 3rd( cut back on bad carbs). My original surgeon has left the country. I want to get back on track. Something is telling me I would feel better and I could loose about 30#. Please don't beat me up. I've had major traumas depression and anxiety since surgery and since 2004 that has seem to be the focus medically. I keep telling these drs I think something with the bypass could be a factor but they brush me off. So I'm back here after almost 10 to 12 years to see if I could get some suggestions on how to or where to start to get on track. I'm so out of it I don't even have a list of lab test needed for ds anymore. I really need some responses from folks who have maybe over 10 yrs I'm mot sure about that either. Working on getting health insurance now. I do know I need the right dr. Pcp have not been worth a darn. My early attempts at finding a wls surgeon to give me follow up care near me failed. They would not see me because I had ds. Wasn't done much back then only rny. Anyway I need my ds community's help, the people who live it. Thx so much

I'm so glad you reached out.  We have learned a lot collectively over the years since I was a new post op 9 years ago.  Unfortunately the docs haven't caught up and stick to the old rules that apply mostly to RNY.  WLS surgeons can get you through the first six months or so, but even they aren't good at long-term health and nutritionists are pretty useless.  DSfacts.com is a great repository for this information.  In the archives, I found this on labwork needed.  There are also some active facebook groups and other sites of DSers and because of the medical communities lack of understanding or willingness, we share a lot.

Thx Valerie! I will defintely check out dsfacts.com. I thx u for sharing that the surgeons aren't necessarily there for the long term, I wasn't aware of that. It was hard to come here and ask for help because of guilt and shame, but my spirit kept tugging on me to do it. Thx for taking the time to reply.

Last time I checked, none of us were perfect.

Here's the good news.  Once you get to the point where you can gain weight you usually know how much malabsorbtion you still have.  I know I don't have as much as I used to.  So it's serious that you screwed up your vites but most likely very correctable.  Check out vitalady.com DS package.  Another great new thing is patchmd.com.  You might want to consider using these to get yourself 'fixed up' fast.  Look for a promo code.  You can usually find one for about 40% off.  DSers have been having good results with these because they are absorbed thru the skin rather than taken internally.

Awe, just wanted to wish you well. Let go of any shame and simply get busy on loving you so much that you want to be in your best health and live your best life.

Are you in NYC?  How about Dr. Roslin?  Please look into Michelle "VitaLady" DS supplement list.  She is awesome.  Not sure what her time is like now but she actually went through my labs with me (with a fine tooth comb) a while back.  I am not a DSer but she has supplement lists for different WL surgeries.  She has a distal RNY herself and learned like a scientist how to save herself from deficiencies.

All Best,

Layla

If you aren't following the rules with labs, protein and supplements then you could very well have some mental symptoms related to deficiencies.  Definitely get your labs done, track them over time and start again.  If you follow the rules then the weight will most likely fall away.  It's more important to get your body and mind healthy. 

I know that as I have gotten older (perimenopause and such) that my thyroid and hormones got out of whack.  That definitely affected my mood, memory, etc.  Also having very low cholesterol levels can have an affect.  Good luck and you can do it!!!

Hi, so glad you reached out for help.  First and foremost, you can start turning this around now.  Even if you have to wait for insurance to get labs done, some things about the DS do not change dramatically - high protein, plenty of water, vitamins.  As was suggested, Vitalady may be a good place to start for vitamin suggestions. Cutting back on the carbs may make you feel better.  Just start somewhere.  Today is a new day.