Calling all DS vets: your wisdom is needed...

[Munchkin]

The DS was easy for me. I had mine in 2003. No malnutrition or deficiencies. If I had it to do over I would get a smaller stomach and a shorter CC.

 

[aaa]

Hello and welcome,

Here are my responses to your questions:

1. My major concern is LONG-TERM results/safety. If I weren’t heavy I think I could make it to my late 80s, as most men in my family have. Has anyone (especially DS pioneers) been suffering from malnutrition, or other complications? And, if so, how likely do you think it is? I don't suffer from malnutrition as I constantly eat protein. I have had some bone issues (spontaneous rib stress fractures) as I've gotten older. I work with a specialist and, hopefully, those will be a thing of the past.
2. Does everyone need to take vitamins 5 times a day? Or is 2-3 times more the norm? I take over 40 vits/minerals per day. I spread them out throughout the day and evening.
3. Other than the first few months, how bad are the bathroom issues? How many times a day do you go? How bad, really, is the smell? Are your stools usually firm or more often diarrhea? Any accidents? I go 4-5x/day. That's my norm and has been since the beginning, pretty much. When I eat junk it's much more and can become more liquid. When I take medication it's usually much more. When I'm upset, it's much more (that's just me, though). On an average day they start out firmer and get softer throughout the day, but aren't liquid. I've had a few accidents. They've all occurred in my apt. after I've eaten junk. Generally, I'm asleep and don't realize I've had the accident till I wake up. The smell is worse than pre-DS. Initially, I was nervous about using a public bathroom. That all changed after I found a spray I loved. Now I 'go' anywhere. (Sorry this is all one paragraph, when I tried to change it the format looked funny).
4. Any other advice based on my situation? It's a hard one. I ate all the time so I had no problem with my BMI being high enough, but I'd say the above posters have laid out your options pretty well.

 

[DSRIGGS]

I will be blunt. I had dS because I know people who had a RnY and it failed them miserably.
Yes, if you have seen any of my posts you will see that I have had severe malnutrtion but that was because the proper methodology was not followed (one size does not fit all) and now that Dr Keshishian revised me to the proper standard of care, I am going to be just fine. Even with the struggles I have had I would do this over in a heart beat and would not consider any other WLS procedure...it is THE WLS SURGERY THAT DELIVERS and the data backs it up.
Taking vitamins is no big deal,..sure my shit stinks...I bet yours stinks too. This thing really is a no brainer if you can comply to the protein first and supplemental regiment.

 

[DBmom23]

Welcome back DSRIGGS! It is so good to see you posting

I will chime in as a newbie and say i had the DS 8 weeks ago as a relative light weight (BMI 34). For me it was VSG or DS because my surgeon doesn't even do RNY --he thinks it is outdated and will phase out over time as more people come to realize the long term shortcomings. I don't have any regrets. Since i am so early out, i have been very careful to avoid pretty much all carbs (except a little bit of veggies and beans). I poop in the morning and honestly i have not noticed the smell to be particularly worse and my kids who are young and wouldn't hesitate to speak up, haven't said anything if they happen into the bathroom after i've been there. I only had diarrhea once but i think it was food poisoning from some bad fish. No accidents or anything even close. I honestly can't think of a reason for you not to do the DS. Taking a few more vitamins seems like such a small cost for some major benefits.

 

[KathrynK]

About longevity: I was 54 with diabetes, hypertension, blood clots, sleep apnea and transient ischemic attacks at 285 lbs. DS saved my life. At 64 now, none of those problems at 141 lbs. nurses have told me that they rarely see someone my age with such normal blood pressure. I have no signs of malnutrition, perfect labs, blood sugars on target. My heavy cousin just died from kidney failure from diabetes, after 3 years of dialysis and disability. morbid obesity is not harmless. I am compulsive about compliance. I take about 10 vitamins/day every day. Don't do DS if you cant make/afford that commitment. Anemia has been an issue and I have had two infusions over 10 years. Does good blood pressure make up for bad smelling poop? Putrid smelling farts have been a burden, but I can reduce, but not eliminate them with food choices and probiotics. I poop once or twice in the morning on most days. But, two or three days a month I am in the bathroom more often, maybe 5 times/day. And perhaps once a year there is fecal incontinence, usually because I have ignored the "call" too long after eating badly/drinking, or like AA, for unexplained reasons in the middle of the night while I am asleep. I accept that as the price i have paid for losing diabetes, insulin shots, dialysis, sleep machines... As long as you bow to your "DS master" in lifestyle, the balance between life threatening risk factors and annoying bowel problems is definitely in my favor. But your experience may be entirely different. If your health as an obese person is good, it is a different calculation. We all have a finite number of years. As in Indiana Jones, choose wisely.

 

[hilary1617]

I don't want to last 'til my late 80s because everyone in my family who did was thoroughly senile and dependent on others. I adored my mom, but she was an exhausting PITA and not at all happy most of her last ten years. Dad didn't recognize his children and his surviving siblings hated him by the time he died. Eighty, maybe. But not LATE 80s. And frankly, from time to time, with all the (non-DS-related) stuff going south, 68 sounds like enough. Just sayin'.)

Sue

@Spiky Bugger

Um, NO. 68 sounds like NOT enough. And I want to be reading amusing posts from you 30 years hence so frankly 80 is not enough. Keep in mind, you are certainly bright and likeable today and I think time will show that you will fare much differently from your predecessors in terms of lasting mental agility, darn it!

 

[Charris]

No way Spiky

I'm 68.

Had my DS, a revision from the band, almost ten years ago.

No malnutrition...mostly because I get labs done and take supplements.



(Your desired longevity may change over time. What looks do-able at 51 may look more daunting at 61 or 71. I don't want to last 'til my late 80s because everyone in my family who did was thoroughly senile and dependent on others. I adored my mom, but she was an exhausting PITA and not at all happy most of her last ten years. Dad didn't recognize his children and his surviving siblings hated him by the time he died. Eighty, maybe. But not LATE 80s. And frankly, from time to time, with all the (non-DS-related) stuff going south, 68 sounds like enough. Just sayin'.)

Sue

,you have way too much Spinky and life in you to be talking about 80 will be good for you!

 

[Charris]

So it won't let me edit. I meant to type 80 and put 68

 

[Marquis Mark]

I have read all your posts, usually 2-3 times each. I want to thank you for sharing your experience with me. It has brought me a lot of comfort and hopefully to other people who are concerned about the "down the road" consequences. I have only seen one long-term study (15 years) and it was done by a doctor who performs the procedure so the unbiased testimonials you provide have more street cred (with me at least).

Thanks and keep 'em coming!

MM

 

[Marquis Mark]

About longevity: I was 54 with diabetes, hypertension, blood clots, sleep apnea and transient ischemic attacks at 285 lbs. DS saved my life. At 64 now, none of those problems at 141 lbs. nurses have told me that they rarely see someone my age with such normal blood pressure. I have no signs of malnutrition, perfect labs, blood sugars on target. My heavy cousin just died from kidney failure from diabetes, after 3 years of dialysis and disability. morbid obesity is not harmless. I am compulsive about compliance. I take about 10 vitamins/day every day. Don't do DS if you cant make/afford that commitment. Anemia has been an issue and I have had two infusions over 10 years. Does good blood pressure make up for bad smelling poop? Putrid smelling farts have been a burden, but I can reduce, but not eliminate them with food choices and probiotics. I poop once or twice in the morning on most days. But, two or three days a month I am in the bathroom more often, maybe 5 times/day. And perhaps once a year there is fecal incontinence, usually because I have ignored the "call" too long after eating badly/drinking, or like AA, for unexplained reasons in the middle of the night while I am asleep. I accept that as the price i have paid for losing diabetes, insulin shots, dialysis, sleep machines... As long as you bow to your "DS master" in lifestyle, the balance between life threatening risk factors and annoying bowel problems is definitely in my favor. But your experience may be entirely different. If your health as an obese person is good, it is a different calculation. We all have a finite number of years. As in Indiana Jones, choose wisely.

Thank you for that. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said, "If your health as an obese person is good, it is a different calculation." That's my concern. At 51, I'm in good shape for a guy that's 100 pounds over my ideal weight (I'm 6'3" with a 37 BMI). I only have mild hypertension and high cholesterol both of which are controlled by small doses of medication. My blood sugar and everything else is fine. In fact, I walk to work (4 miles roundtrip) almost everyday.

BUT, I'm tired of this. I'm tired of being the fat guy, the fat friend, having to buy clothes I don't love because they don't have my size in 2XL (or sometimes 3XL, tired of worrying whether I'll get kicked of the roller coaster, not going to the beach, not feeling good, being called "Big Guy" etc, etc etc.
And, obviously, on the health front this is going to start affecting me at some point and will most likely cut 5 years of my life and keep me miserable on my way there.

So that's my calculation!

I've stretched out my sleeve (can they be redone to good effect?), RNY doesn't seem like a good option and so here I am at the DS board trying to weigh the pros and cons.

I just want to enjoy the time I have left, go parachuting, run a half marathon, look and feel my best. The nasty gas I can deal with. I just fear 15-20 years down the road compromising my health. Most people in my family have long lifespans and I do want to be around to watch my kids and grandkids grow up.

 

[southernlady]

At 51, I'm in good shape for a guy that's 100 pounds over my ideal weight (I'm 6'3" with a 37 BMI). I only have mild hypertension and high cholesterol both of which are controlled by small doses of medication. My blood sugar and everything else is fine. In fact, I walk to work (4 miles roundtrip) almost everyday.

My husband is now 55, a 26 BMI now...he was 50 when he had his. His BMI was 38.5 and he was absolutely miserable. His only comorbids was sleep apnea and high blood pressure. He never had diabetes or even pre-diabetes. He was just MISERABLE fat.

The thing is...mild hypertension usually does not stay mild. In 2004, when my husband was 44, he had a stroke. Inside of the following year, he had 7 more TIA's.

 

[DSRIGGS]

Yep... You can't be slightly pregnant and health can turn quickly

 

[Spiky Bugger]

So it won't let me edit. I meant to type 80 and put 68

Thank you, Dear.

I don't want to go this month because I have tickets to see Boz Scaggs and Chicago next month.

 

[Spiky Bugger]

@Spiky Bugger

Um, NO. 68 sounds like NOT enough. And I want to be reading amusing posts from you 30 years hence so frankly 80 is not enough. Keep in mind, you are certainly bright and likeable today and I think time will show that you will fare much differently from your predecessors in terms of lasting mental agility, darn it!

Thank you...I am doing FAIRLY well right now...except for the third chalazion in my left eye since June...AND...living in a one bedroom, one bathroom corporate housing apartment....AND...dealing with jackasses who have truly convinced themselves that they will get a 100% plus return on money they spent on cosmetic crap on their house and not have to either provide repairs or substantial price reduction for the shoddy, non-journeyman-like DIY work on gas lines and electrical and such. You spent $100k on "upgrades" and do NOT address structural and safety issues and you have essentially applied $100k worth of lipstick on your pig. And psssst! It's still a pig.

 

[hilary1617]

Thank you...I am doing FAIRLY well right now...except for the third chalazion in my left eye since June...AND...living in a one bedroom, one bathroom corporate housing apartment....AND...dealing with jackasses who have truly convinced themselves that they will get a 100% plus return on money they spent on cosmetic crap on their house and not have to either provide repairs or substantial price reduction for the shoddy, non-journeyman-like DIY work on gas lines and electrical and such. You spent $100k on "upgrades" and do NOT address structural and safety issues and you have essentially applied $100k worth of lipstick on your pig. And psssst! It's still a pig.

Now there's the @Spiky Bugger outlast charm we have all come to know and love! Long live Spiky!