Question:
I want to hear from DS (Duodenal Switch) patients. Whats your experience ?

Do you regret it, or wish you had a different surgery ? How do you get protein in the begining when your only on liquids? How much weight have you lost ? Does it get easier to get all the vits/protein in later on ? Please answer, i just want to hear feedback from DSers, am getting kinda nervous about the surgery... Im going through all the testing right now.    — pixiefairy (posted on August 10, 2008)

August 10, 2008
Hi Nichole, the only thing I regret is that I didn't do it years ago. I had rny in '76. Read my profile if you'd like. Early out I'd mix my protein powder with a can of slim fast low carb and a package of carnation instant breakfast, for a total of 44grams of protein. I used all chocolate. It tasted like a thick, rich chocolate shake. Now I eat a lot of fish, chicken and turkey. I haven't had any protein supplements in months and my level is fine. So far I've lost about 170lbs from the date of my surgery on 10-17-06. If you have any more questions feel free to pm me.
   — scaryreader

August 11, 2008
Hey Nichole, I had my DS a little over 6 years ago. Do I regret it? Absolutely NOT! Do I wish I'd had a different surgery? NO - not at all! The only thing I would change, given the opportunity, would be to have learned about the DS earlier and had it done sooner. LOTS sooner! Getting in vitamins and protein is a process that you eventually figure out - just like other forms of WLS - it's important to have labs done regularly and to make sure you're supplementing appropriately. It's just a normal part of life in very short order... you figure out a schedule and tweak it until you find your groove. As far as protein goes, try out something like www.sparkpeople.com or www.fitday.com to figure out where protein comes from in your diet, and make basic adjustments to accomodate your dietary needs. It's honestly WAY easier than you might think. I've lost 210 pounds since my surgery - a boatload of co-morbidities, a wheelchair, and a pronouncement from my medical team that I'd be dead in months. My quality of life is amazing - I had no idea as a pre-op what an incredible blessing the DS would be. I am daily thankful. Hope that helps!
   — Dina McBride

August 11, 2008
Hi Nichole. I had my DS 9/5/07 and have lost 93lbs so far, do I regret it? Not at all Do I wish I had chosen a different surgery? absolutely not Does it get easier? yes, at first you won't be able to get all your water and protein in but that takes time, the first couple of weeks will be the hardest because you've just had major abdominal surgery and I don't know if all drs have the same protocol but with Dr Keshishian he leaves the 2 JP drains in till your 1 wk post op appoint. then he takes them out, once they're out you'll feel much better, the first month or two are the hardest cuz you're trying to get use to your new tummy but you start losing weight your first week or two after you get rid of all the fluids they pump you full of, and you get so excited about the weight loss you dont think about anything else except sipping your water, drinking your protein shakes and walking as much as you can every day. It's normal to be nervous about the surgery, and it's normal for you to think "why did I do this to myself" the first couple of days after surgery, but I promise you will never regret having it done, and for your vits and protein I use the centrum chewables they're great, the dont take up much room cuz you can chew them up and they taste good too, on the protein GNC has a good protein powder a lot of DS'ers use called Isoprotein and you can get recipes online to help make them taste better, I switched to Unjury, just because I heard about it and tried it and it has less of an aftertaste and blended with crystal light and ice it's pretty good. The calcium has been my hardest challenge because I can't find a chewable calcium citrate, only calcium carbonate, and I've heard that with any wls our bodies absorb the calcium better if we take the calcium citrate. If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to email me, I'd be more than happy to talk to you. Just remember, the feelings you're having right now are normal, but trust me when I say once it's all over you will be very happy and never regret it, it's been a life saver for me and everyone I've ever met or talked to has never regreted having their DS. I would encourage you to go through the members and read their profiles, and look at the before and after photos. Read Lori Blacks blog and view her photos, you can view mine to if you want to. I wish you the best as you make your Journey on a new healthier and happier life! God Bless! ~ Melody
   — purpleangel0909

August 12, 2008
Hiya, 3+ years ago for me. Nope, I don't wish I had a different WLS. I go to support groups occasionally and see the regain and problems w/some of the other WLS and am glad I have the good (and bad) with mine. Guess it's like the old saying, "If you put your troubles into a pile w/everyone else's, you'd snatch back your own." While it's true, I do wish I could've lost the wt. w/o surgery, I could not. I believe the DS was the right one for me. I didn't worry about protein in the beginning. It's much more impt. to drink. I did do a protein shake each day, tho. Some people can get in a lot of protein early. It took me many months. I have lost over 140lbs. Yes, it gets easier to get in the vits/protein (even tho I take many more vits/minerals/iron than I did as a new postop). I can also eat a good deal more so I only use a shake or protein bullet about 3 days a week now. It's normal to be nervous, anxious, excited, you name it. You're doing fine.
   — AA