DS patients-How many are on this forum

Hi everybody, I am a new DS patient not quite 2 weeks old and a member of a "mixed" WLS couple, my wife Laura had RNY 16 months ago at Centennial with Dr. Dyer, and I had DS at Baptist with Dr. Spaw. I have really become "disenchanted" with the attitude over at the main DS board, and would like to become more active on this board. I was wondering how many fellow DS'ers there are in this group? If anyone has any questions about DS and wants a honest and non biased opinion, I would be more than glad to answer any and all questions about my DS, my post op diet, and anything else. I look forward to getting to know all of you. Your servant and brother in Him, Doug

Hi Doug, I am going to have the DS.  My ins. requires a BMI of at least 60 so I have had to add a few pounds to get there. ( I only like 6 more).  I have been following your journey as we will be sharing the same surgoen.  I know there is some problems going on over on the DS board right now but.....I have learned a lot from all the knowlegable folks  there.  I learn something new everyday over there. I love to see your updates on your post-op days, as I know my time will be coming soon.

Later, Susan O'

Honestly I dont know much about DS.  What kind of diet do you follow?  Since Laura had surgery, and knows all the rules for RNY, will you be learning from her and following that diet?  Do you have to get protein in too?   What kind of stuff is going on over at the DS board?  Do they not get along?

Mine is all about protein and malabsorbion. After I get my protein, I can eat whatever my body will let me. I don't have to count the carbs and calories like a RNY patient. I can also have a much higher fat content diet, since I can no longer absorb most fats. All my vitamins and supplements must be water soluable also,since almost 2/3 of my small intestines are now being bypassed. All of my digestion takes place in a 70 mm long "common channel" at the lower end of my small intestines. About 2/3 of my stomach was also physically removed. DS is known for a "higher quality of eating" post surgery. It also has the highest EWL and sucess rate, but I can also become malnourished if I do not take my vitamins and suppliments. Within a year to 18 months, my stomach will stretch back to the shape of a "normal" stomach. My pyloric valve is still intact, so I still get the feeling of "being full", and I cannot dump as you can. Sugars, carbs, and fats do not have the same effect on me as they do an RNY patient. I have been told that if I eat foods too high in fats, sugars, or carbs it can cause diarrea or foul odors. To date, I have has ice cream, brownies, and cookies without any such effect. My next item to try will be pasta.  Some of the DS patients are quite militant about their choice of procedures. When they started making desparaging remarks about other procedures and the people who had them I had enough. In some of their minds, the only people who have RNY are the ones who don't know about DS or they are forced into RNY by insurance companies who won't pay for DS. It was a 8 month battle to get my Ins company to cover my DS, so I do know about that part. Please let me know if I can answer any more questions. Your servant and brother in Him, Doug

Well, obviously I am all about education and it will be great to have you on this board, because you can educate us all about the DS and its ups and downs as you experience them.  Even though we do not currently have anyone with the DS, we do have one that has had the verticle sleeve and another that is going in to have the band removed and the RNY performed, but she may end up with the sleeve if their is too much damage from what I recall.  I do know one thing, the mental changes that you are about to occur are the same amongst each of us as we have been obese and as we lose weight these times can be very exciting and challenging at times.  Once agian, WELCOME ABOARD, and keep us educated!!! Thanks, Shelia

Good for you. You won't be disapointed. I feel like a lightweight at an OP weight of 297 and a BMI of only 42, but I can tell you...I LOVE MY DS!!! Your servant and brother in Him, Doug

Hello Doug and Susan,          We do not have many DS patients on this board, I am a RNY patient myself, but the one think I can assure you is that we are all friendly on this board and treat each other with respect, regardless of their procedure, surgeon, or program choice.  With that said, come on over and join the fun!! Welcome,  Shelia

Glad you are here.   I looked into DS, but wasn't qualified for my insurance.  I am very happy with the choice I made and Dr. Spaw is wonderful.  I look forward to hearing more about your journey as you continue to learn more about your own surgery and dietary needs.  Will you be going to support group meetings at Baptist on the first Monday's of the month?   Always, Moppie

Hey Moppie,          I hate to correct you, but I do not want anyone to show up to an empty room, but the Staple Club support group meetings at Baptist are on the first TUESDAY's of each month and the Bandsters support group meetings are the second THURSDAY's.    Love Ya!! Shelia

You are right...the first mondays are my Bible study.... I am a little first of the month over booked... sorry for the *mistake*