Calling all Greenbaum DS patients...

[Onelastshot]

OK, so I'm going to try to make this as quick of a summary as possible:
My lap band was removed in Jan 2016 due to complications. I was originally scheduled for surgery with Dr. Greenbaum on 12/28/16 but my thyroid was out of whack it was postponed to 3/1/17.

I have read some folks mention about how Dr. Greenbaum is a great surgeon but has poor/insuffiecient post-op nutrition recommendations. I found his nutrition staff unable to answer some of my questions so I'd appreciate any feedback from those who have had him as their surgeon. I have some unusual background that does not make me "fit" with many in this group and I need help...

While I do not have any of the common co-morbidities, I do have celiacs disease, hypothyroidism, genetic iron deficient anemia. I get IV iron infusions about every 3 months bc pills will never, ever get me to normal range. I currently take a high potency D3 vitamin daily as well as a vitamin B Super complex. In my most recent lab work, it showed my vitamin A was slightly high, but my vitamin D is still too low... mind you this is pre-op when I am already taking a high dose vitamin D daily. I also have to do gluten free bc of the celiacs.

Since all DSers need to be hyper vigilant about their nutrition and supplements, and I am already deficient as a pre-op, I am concerned. What are you taking daily? Also, how was your post-op healing as an open DS patient? At what point were you able to move around your house, shower, etc without support? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

[southernlady]

OK, so I'm going to try to make this as quick of a summary as possible:
My lap band was removed in Jan 2016 due to complications. I was originally scheduled for surgery with Dr. Greenbaum on 12/28/16 but my thyroid was out of whack it was postponed to 3/1/17.

I have read some folks mention about how Dr. Greenbaum is a great surgeon but has poor/insuffiecient post-op nutrition recommendations. I found his nutrition staff unable to answer some of my questions so I'd appreciate any feedback from those who have had him as their surgeon. I have some unusual background that does not make me "fit" with many in this group and I need help...

While I do not have any of the common co-morbidities, I do have celiacs disease, hypothyroidism, genetic iron deficient anemia. I get IV iron infusions about every 3 months bc pills will never, ever get me to normal range. I currently take a high potency D3 vitamin daily as well as a vitamin B Super complex. In my most recent lab work, it showed my vitamin A was slightly high, but my vitamin D is still too low... mind you this is pre-op when I am already taking a high dose vitamin D daily. I also have to do gluten free bc of the celiacs.

Since all DSers need to be hyper vigilant about their nutrition and supplements, and I am already deficient as a pre-op, I am concerned. What are you taking daily? Also, how was your post-op healing as an open DS patient? At what point were you able to move around your house, shower, etc without support? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Actually 98% of DS surgeons give inadequate vitamin advice for DSers. This isn't just Greenbaum.

As far as the high dose vit D, is it prescription? If so, as a DSer, you will need to switch to the dry D by BioTech or Nivegan and most of us take 50,000 iu a day minimum. I actually take 50,000 M-F and 100,000 on S & S. I've seen polls done where many DSers take 200,000 iu or more a day.

It's not how much you take that is the issue but are you taking enough to keep your D between 80-100? If not, it's still not enough. Did you have your PTH tested? That is dependent on how much D you have onboard to use. Ideal for PTH is to be as low normal as possible. My latest PTH was 18 (range is 15 to 65?). So the amount of D I am taking is appropriate for me at this point in time. Others, like Scott @DSRIGGS struggles even with getting a 600,000 iu shot if D.

 

[Clematis]

Can you post your most recent lab work results?

 

[-Flo-]

I'm Dr. Greenbaum's patient. He is a wonderful surgeon but he and his team give rotten nutrition advice. I would carefully consider the DS with your history. It is very malabsorptive and you already have issues with absorption. What's your stats? I wonder if you should get the sleeve to start with and if that proves insufficient then consider the DS.

 

[DSRIGGS]

As mentioned, most DS Docs give bad advice for nutrition and supplementation. Dr K is the exception and not the rule as he gives great advice in that regard,

I would be more concerned about your Celiac disease as your intestines are already an issue and after surgery they become even more crucial. I am not sure if we have any folks on here who have Celiac and if so, it would be good if they could share their experience. I am not saying Celiac should keep your from the DS but I know it would be a concern.

Best wishes.