Recent Posts
on 12/16/24 10:41 am
Thank you! Did you have low blood pressure with your symptoms?
HW 282, LW 123.4 (8/29/23), CW 144.4
Pre-op-33, M1-12, M2-17, M3-14, M4-11, M5-14, M6-5, M7-6, M8-5, M9-22, M10-6, M11-5, M12-2, M13-2, M14-5
on 12/16/24 10:40 am
Thank you, and maybe? I don't think there's supposed to be much resurgence for that disease but it's all new! Doctor swapped some meds around and offered to reverse my surgery to see if that helps. Think I'll try medication swaps over more surgery. :)
HW 282, LW 123.4 (8/29/23), CW 144.4
Pre-op-33, M1-12, M2-17, M3-14, M4-11, M5-14, M6-5, M7-6, M8-5, M9-22, M10-6, M11-5, M12-2, M13-2, M14-5
I totally get how nerve-wracking it can be in a new relationship when you're still figuring out how to handle these personal things. Honestly, humor has been my go-to. One time, I just laughed and told my partner to "prepare for the apocalypse" before heading to the bathroom. That quick laugh really eased the tension for both of us. Communication is important, even about awkward stuff--just being upfront about your body's quirks will help him see this as no big deal. We all have our "thing," and relationships that last are built on rolling with each other's quirks.
If you're looking to get away for some stress-free bonding (with bigger bathrooms!), exploring a spot like Westgate River Ranch Resort with River Country amenities might take the edge off and give you both a fun focus.
Is your surgeon still in practice, as that should be the first place to go with potential DS problems? A good resource that I use for such questions (my wife is a 19-20 year DS,) is Dr. Keshishian's site, dssurgery.com. He has an extensive backlog of articles and blog posts on all things DS and DS related, though it isn't all that well organized and you just have to scan to find things of interest. But as it seems that the DS is somewhat of a hardwired EPI (at least they sometimes prescribe those enzymes for those who lose too much,) and if it is a "radio disease," he will likely cover it somewhere.
Hopefully, the your GI doc referral will have some knowledge of the DS, or have the curiosity to investigate it as needed to try to pick out the DS and non-DS issues involved. We have kept up with annual consults with Dr. Rabkin, which while they rarely come up with anything profound, are a way to keep current in his files and "keep him on retainer" so that if something odd like this comes up, our PCP can give him a call and query as to whether whatever of concern is possibly a DS (or sleeve, in my case) related issue.
Good luck in working through this. That this if something new after years of stability speaks to it probably being something new and unrelated to the DS, though odd things, like bowel obstructions, can happen many years post op (and not just to DSers, either.)
1st support group/seminar - 8/03 (has it been that long?)
Wife's DS - 5/05 w Dr. Robert Rabkin VSG on 5/9/11 by Dr. John Rabkin
Hello,
I'm coming up on my 17th anniversary of my DS surgery. For the most part I've maintained well. Except for this last year - I don't know why exactly. It could be a combination of many things. First of all, so much time has passed. Body changes and I guess possibly old habits returned? Also aging, which is no fun. There was significant stress losing a dear friend who was also our landlord. This necessitated our having to move - purchasing a home is never easy, and doing so while in grief mode was even worse. I also believe I have developed EPI - at first I thought it was a "radio disease" as many stations here in my area air commercials dealing with the symptoms. My primary care doctor referred me to a GI doctor because what I have is real. The incredible bloating, the actual pain, the even more unstable bowel habits. I am a mess.
I have also gained weight. I don't know how much, but I can tell in how I feel. I feel sluggish and tired and just not good. I have looked online for guidance with DS issues and all I've been able to find are things related to a month or two after surgery. And also for maintaining. I am at the point where I need legit guidance from people who know, who've lived it - like this group - how do I regroup, get on track and lose some weight?
Help!
Lisa in Scranton, PA
"yes, I actually DO need all these cats!" 
DS Surgery with Fernando Bonanni, Abington, PA 12/26/07
TT, Lift and Implants with Dr. Christian Kauffman, Danville, PA 5/12/17
My heart wrestles in a kilt
It's not uncommon for people who lost a lot of weight, especially DS or Sadi DS. I had the same thing around 18 months out from the surgery. It lasted 6 to 12 months and mostly occurred after I was sitting or laying down and then got up and started moving around. The doctor said to take a moment when I initially stand, consume a lot more water, and intake more salt.
I'm 10+ years post Sadi (Loop) DS and no dizziness issues in many years.
So sorry to hear this Shanon. I wonder if something in the travel brought on the symptoms of Guillain-Barré and this is a flare up of it. I hope you see your doctor soon and get whatever help you need.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
on 12/9/24 6:40 am
Hi everyone,
I'm about 2.5 years post loop switch. I know it's not a traditional DS but here I am.
I've had some ups and downs after surgery starting at about 7 months post when I'd reached my goal weight. I got my gallbladder out and had several procedures with various doctors, including teeth extractions for the first time, CT scans, and EGD and a few other things.
I ended up hospitalized with a bowel obstruction in May of 2023 after some pretty bad symptoms. After finally seeing a neurologist a year later, she told me it was probably Guillain-Barré. Now, I agree with her. It took months to be able to walk normally again and build up any kind of endurance. Unfortunately, even at the height of my symptoms I just got sent home and told to get over it. Ah, healthcare.
Anyway. I got back from and international trip a week ago. About two days ago I started being super, super dizzy to the point where it looks like I'm walking around drunk. I do have an appointment on the books but I'm curious whether anyone has run into this as a symptom of maybe something else? Always paranoid, now.
Cheers!
HW 282, LW 123.4 (8/29/23), CW 144.4
Pre-op-33, M1-12, M2-17, M3-14, M4-11, M5-14, M6-5, M7-6, M8-5, M9-22, M10-6, M11-5, M12-2, M13-2, M14-5
Congratulations Jo and thanks for sharing your story. I can feel how real the experience is, and assure you much of it has been shared by the others on this site.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story!
Your journey is truly remarkable, and it's inspiring to hear how the DS has transformed your life. It's clear that the surgery, combined with your dedication to a healthy lifestyle, has made a significant positive impact.
I appreciate your candidness about the challenges you've faced, such as the importance of strict adherence to vitamin and mineral supplementation and regular monitoring. Your advice to potential patients is invaluable, especially the emphasis on finding a supportive physician and a strong support group.
It's heartwarming to read about the joy and freedom you now experience. Your story is a testament to the life-changing potential of bariatric surgery. Thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging others to take control of their health and happiness.
Wishing you continued health and happiness!
