Scared to death

Sure does make me feel better Patty - Thanks!!!

You may also want to look into the SADi DS (also called SIPS DS) which a number of people on this site including myself have had in the past 1 or 2 years. It a variation of the original DS but includes a much longer common channel (350 to 400cm's vs 100 to 150cm's). The longer common channel leads to less malabsorbtion and less bathroom / other issues.

You may think this creates less weight loss but generally people with this procedure lose 95% of excess weight after 1 year and keep all of it off after 3 years. The research here is more limited than other WLS but I can tell you my own experience is 110% of excess weight after 10 months (140lbs) with limited side effects.

In any case, it may be worth doing some research and speaking to your doctor about this, especially if you're concerned about the side effects.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

Thanks. I heard of this option as well and it only confuses me more. Do you mind to tell me how you came up with your descision to do SADi DS. Were you considering the same side effects that I am afraid of?

I'm 10 years post op, and perfectly healthy.  I learned my first year that my surgeon's nutritional recommendations were worthless and started paying attention to what was posted by those wiser than I was.  The key to keeping healthy is to NEVER think that you're normal, and to understand what we collectively and YOU personally need.  Because we are so different, there is no spoon feeding of perfect vitamins, etc.  

I have loose stools the first thing in the morning every day. That means it may be liquidy or puddin-like.   My body is on a schedule.  I consider diarrhea to be something that is uncontrollable or sending someone running to the toilet.  That is not me at all.  It stinks, but very predictable and I see nothing to overcome.

Gas is most likely a reaction to what someone is eating.  Simple carbs (pasta, bread, sugar) are a popular culprit, but not the only items to blame.  It took me years before I figured out that onions were the cause of much of my gas and late-night toilet visits (beyond my morning schedule).  Teriyaki sauce was also a huge producer of gas for me.  Neither of these were in my radar and SUCH a part of my life that I never imagined to even consider them.  Once I knew my triggers, gas was no longer a problem.  I'm a corporate trainer, and will not experiment with food when I have to teach - so no surprises.  I travel alot and enjoy eggs, bacon, meat, cheese and veggies wherever I go.

 

Thanks Valerie. Your comments are so well noted and much appreciated!!!

Very insightful write up and true.

I am by no means a veteran, but just making an observation... my initial impression of the DS was the same as yours - incredibly scary and complicated procedure itself, followed by having to eat way too much protein, rounded out with bathroom issues.

While some of those may be present, in all of my research and talking to DS patients, that is the exception and not the rule.  It seems to me that self-discipline is the biggest requirement of the DS! I personally think the information that's out there is a scare-tactic of sorts. 

Thanks Felicity

And btw congratulations!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing. I came across your post a few days ago and it was good to see others felt the same way I do about DS. I am grateful for the replys you have received.

I'm almost a year out - my poop smells but so does everyone else's I know, I no longer use poo-pouri, I didn't think it was that effective. If I eat too many carbs, especially sweets or potatoes, my gas is downright awful. I sometimes do it on purpose to punish my friends when we play cards ;) My family is used to it and we keep air freshener handy for when it gets bad. So far I'd say I'm less vitamin deficient than I've ever been in my life because I know that I MUST take them religiously to stay healthy. So far I haven't found one drawback that even remotely makes me regret this surgery.