Re: : Fatalities

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/30/01 3:21:04 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< I'm coming to the

conclusion that in order to feel well, many of the DS'ers are eating

a diet virtually identical to Atkins. So is the only real advantage

to the WLS that you HAVE to eat a certain way? If I HAD to stick to

Atkins for 12-18 months, I'd lose mucho weight too.....

Sorry if this is rambling, I guess I'm just going through a natural

phase of doubt. Anyone else feel this way?

>>

Joe in Vermont: I must say I've been through all these thoughts as a pre-op.

They were pretty strong about 1 month before the surgery and up to a week

preceeding the surgery.

I don NOT think that DS is a 'quick fix' by any means. It IS a permanant

fix, though. It IS a long term solution to morbid obesity. I looked back at

all the times I did it the 'old fashioned way' and always ended up obese in

the end (even gaining more than the previous time). My problem wasn't with

losing weight but KEEPING IT OFF. Sure, I could go on another diet, etc. and

lose weight (although I seriously doubted whether I could get 130 lbs off, I

know I would certainly be healthier at a lower weight). But, would I be

stuck at 60 like my mom with morbid obesity, develop the health complications

that she suffers from and, at that age, have it more difficult to either

undergo surgery or try another long-term weight loss program?????

Yes, the DS ideally involves high protein consumption. However, it is NOT an

'Atkins diet'. Actually, it's not a diet by any means. I just insure that I

get protein (80 gms or more) every day. This involves eating meat at least

twice a day and having protein-rich snacks. If I don't get enough, I have a

protein bar or shake to make up for it. I eat carbs (at every meal,

actually) and an occasional sweet. I don't feel like I'm dieting by any

means. I eat what I want but I am (naturally) limited to a certain amount.

I feel full on that amount, though and totally satisfied.

The other thing to remember is the REASON we're getting all this extra

protein in: WE DON'T absorb as much of it! So, all the stuff we're eating

will NOT go to our systems. A non-WLS ATkins person *may* face health

risks/heart problems, etc. with such a high-protein diet long term but we

don't fit into that category. I think one of the problems people experience

on the Atkins is that they can't eat like that permanantly. There aren't

any restrictions with a post-op DS diet -- the only tenant is 'get enough

protein in' (and this varies from person to person. I got 75 gms/in the

first three weeks now up to 80. If I become pregnant, I'm sure that will

increase). As any healthy person, we should try to reduce sugar intake as

well (especially during the weight loss window since it will not maximize the

weight loss). Most of us just can't eat that much sugar in any event, so a

little treat every now and then is satisfying and sufficient.

IF you REALLY don't enjoy protein --- then, you *may have to* rethink whether

the DS is for you. I mean, your system may compensate more early on and you

won't need that much extra protein... IT does take a long time for most

protein deficiencies to become pretty severe, so if you aren't diligent about

it you could have problems down the road..... For me, the protein requirement

is quite 'livable' and enjoyable. It actually fills me up more than other

foods and I feel really good when I eat enough of it. My body does 'crave'

it more than I did pre-op. I, too, was not totally sure I could live with

that kind of lifestyle so I did a protein-rich program a few months before

the surgery. I ate carbs but focused more on getting the protein in

(something I really didn't much as a pre-op). I ended up losing 7 lbs from

my consult date in November to my surgery date the following January!

Imagine the little second thoughts going through MY mind (oh, man - I lost

weight... maybe I should try it again... why do I have to chose something so

drastic as SURGERY?). I waded through those thoughts and concluded, at least

for myself, that surgery was the BEST option for long term success!

I wish you the best in your journey.

TEresa

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5'9 1/2 " )

now: 299 lbs

[Guest guest]

TEresa

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5'9 1/2")

now: 299 lbs

Are these statistics correct?

Eileen

[Guest guest]

TEresa

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5'9 1/2")

now: 299 lbs

Are these statistics correct?

Eileen