Questions about Postop food choices, vitamins, and uncertainty

[Guest guest]

I've been reading all about this surgury for the last three weeks and

have covered quite a bit of material but I've got a few questions I'd

like some input on. I've heard alot about the protein first and I

understand the need for it to keep the body functioning normally.

Also the diets I've been on really stress the importance of follwing

the food pyramid. I guess I'm wodering does the post op diet ever

resemble the balance in the food pyramid or does the surgery totally

change your nutritional requirements. It seems like what I've read is

that it's like proteins at all cost even if it means getting nothing

else in.

Next question, how much do you really have to rely on supplements (not

just vitamins) but proteins shakes or bars. When I first started

looking at this the first information I found was about the RNY. The

one profile I remember reading on AMOS, the personal had a distal and

it sounded like the majority of her eating was in the form of protein

drinks. It really turned me off the idea because I really don't want

to have to spend the rest of my life supplementing. I would like to

be able to sit down with my family and eat whatever I prepare for

them. Is this an unrealistic expectation? I know alot of people talk

about eating normal but then I still hear alot about supplementing on

this board. I don't mind take vitamins. I currently take prenatals

and viactiv chews daily just because I like my prenatals better than

what's at the store and I don't like milk so I don't get alot of

calcium in my diet.

Finally about the surgery itself. I understand the decision is

totally mine but I guess I'd like to know if anyone else had thoughts

like this or am I not really at the point where I should be thinking

about surgaery. My thoughts have been somthing like this.

My history. I'm 28 with two young kids and plans for 2 more. I

weighed 204 at age 14 and haven't been back there since. I currently

weigh about 270 and am 5'8 " . So I'm on the low end for qualifying. I

have no co-morbids, am fairly active and really only notice weight

related problems when I run up or down stairs (only a problem when I

run not walk) or when I'm pregnant, or standing or walking long hours

(2+ hours). I don't have abundant energy but enough to get things

done around the house (usually). But I spend far more time at home on

the couch because it just sounds like to much work to put the kids in

the car and do something with them (so I guess that's another weight

related thing - I'm lazy). There is a part of me that really doesn't

want to change. I don't want to have to think about what I'm eating.

I just want to eat what I'm in the mood for whether or not it's

healthy. But I realize that I'm not doing as many things with my kids

as I could be. I'm planning on homeschooling in 2 years and think how

much better things would go if I had the energy to get up in the

morning before the kids instead of sleeping till they wake me up. I

guess I'm just afraid that I'll end up being unhappy with the changes

I have to make to be successful with the surgery and end up resenting

what I did. Does that make sense?

Any thoughts and opinions appreciated.

[Guest guest]

I've been reading all about this surgury for the last three weeks and

have covered quite a bit of material but I've got a few questions I'd

like some input on. I've heard alot about the protein first and I

understand the need for it to keep the body functioning normally.

Also the diets I've been on really stress the importance of follwing

the food pyramid. I guess I'm wodering does the post op diet ever

resemble the balance in the food pyramid or does the surgery totally

change your nutritional requirements. It seems like what I've read is

that it's like proteins at all cost even if it means getting nothing

else in.

Next question, how much do you really have to rely on supplements (not

just vitamins) but proteins shakes or bars. When I first started

looking at this the first information I found was about the RNY. The

one profile I remember reading on AMOS, the personal had a distal and

it sounded like the majority of her eating was in the form of protein

drinks. It really turned me off the idea because I really don't want

to have to spend the rest of my life supplementing. I would like to

be able to sit down with my family and eat whatever I prepare for

them. Is this an unrealistic expectation? I know alot of people talk

about eating normal but then I still hear alot about supplementing on

this board. I don't mind take vitamins. I currently take prenatals

and viactiv chews daily just because I like my prenatals better than

what's at the store and I don't like milk so I don't get alot of

calcium in my diet.

Finally about the surgery itself. I understand the decision is

totally mine but I guess I'd like to know if anyone else had thoughts

like this or am I not really at the point where I should be thinking

about surgaery. My thoughts have been somthing like this.

My history. I'm 28 with two young kids and plans for 2 more. I

weighed 204 at age 14 and haven't been back there since. I currently

weigh about 270 and am 5'8 " . So I'm on the low end for qualifying. I

have no co-morbids, am fairly active and really only notice weight

related problems when I run up or down stairs (only a problem when I

run not walk) or when I'm pregnant, or standing or walking long hours

(2+ hours). I don't have abundant energy but enough to get things

done around the house (usually). But I spend far more time at home on

the couch because it just sounds like to much work to put the kids in

the car and do something with them (so I guess that's another weight

related thing - I'm lazy). There is a part of me that really doesn't

want to change. I don't want to have to think about what I'm eating.

I just want to eat what I'm in the mood for whether or not it's

healthy. But I realize that I'm not doing as many things with my kids

as I could be. I'm planning on homeschooling in 2 years and think how

much better things would go if I had the energy to get up in the

morning before the kids instead of sleeping till they wake me up. I

guess I'm just afraid that I'll end up being unhappy with the changes

I have to make to be successful with the surgery and end up resenting

what I did. Does that make sense?

Any thoughts and opinions appreciated.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/18/01 3:16:01 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< But I realize that I'm not doing as many things with my kids

as I could be. I'm planning on homeschooling in 2 years and think how

much better things would go if I had the energy to get up in the

morning before the kids instead of sleeping till they wake me up. I

guess I'm just afraid that I'll end up being unhappy with the changes

I have to make to be successful with the surgery and end up resenting

what I did. Does that make sense?

>>

: Hello, fellow homeschooler to be. My kids are 4 1/2 and 2

1/2 and I've been homeschooling them and plan to continue. This was a

consideration in my decision to have surgery (although not the sole factor).

I definately wanted to be more active with them and I certainly have been

since my surgery this past January 25!

I also didn't have serious co-morbidities as a pre-op but I had a bmi of 45

(not the lowest but on the 'lower side' for this surgery). I have never

regretted my decision for a heartbeat. Then again, I had a remarkable

recovery. I think my situation isn't the norm and I wouldn't ever say

everyone should feel the same way I do or make the same decision I have.

For me, my lifestyle hasn't changed except as to have become more active and

fulfilling. I can eat normal amounts of food, I've grown extremely fond of

pistachios as snacks (yum!), I eat whatever I want and just focus on protein.

IF I don't get 80 gms in for 2-3 days, I'm sure to start having a shake a

day for a few days to make up for it. I certainly don't have them every day,

but I did do that for the first three weeks or so post-op before I could eat

meats. Sometimes I really don't feel like eating anything while other days

I'm quite ravenous. I am totally unable to eat the massive amounts I did as

a pre-op and am so grateful for that. I haven't had any food intolerances

(yet) and do indulge in an occasional sweet (although I really try to limit

them and want to maximize my weight loss).

As far as supplementation goes, we will need them for life. People do

require differing amounts, though. I take calcium (2 citrate pills) 3x/day,

iron twice a day on an empty stomach, multivitamins 2 x day and ADEKs three

times a day. My labs at three months were great except for a slight .05 dip

in calcium and my six month labs were 'totally normal'. I've heard that

some people take less supplementation than this and perhaps longer term

post-ops may require less because one's body has adjusted to some degree to

the surgery. However, I haven't heard of ANYONE totally going without

supplementation/vitamins. I work them into my daily schedule, eating them

mainly with meals but my iron and two doses of calcium I take on an empty

stomach together late in the pm and upon waking in the early am (Iron and

calcium usually DON'T mix, but the citrate can be taken with iron because

it's a form that doesn't bind with the iron).

I've lost 80 lbs (give or take) to date at six months post-op and have about

60 more to go.... I feel FABULOUS! Somedays I don't even believe I had

surgery. My five little lap holes are shrinking and becoming a light pink

color... My panni is shrinking and my body has been adjusting to the weight

loss so my skin isn't flapping around (the only exception are my breasts -

they are still pretty big and well, aren't as 'perky' but really aren't that

terrible, IMHO). I feel like I have a totally new lease on life and thank

GOD for leading me to this decision and taking care of me along my road to

recovery!

I wish you the best on your decision. I hope you stick around and keep

reading about everyone's experiences (they can be extremely different) and

more about the surgery and post-op life.

all the best,

Noverr-Chin

duodenalswitch co-moderator

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

pre-oP: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 228

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/18/01 3:16:01 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< But I realize that I'm not doing as many things with my kids

as I could be. I'm planning on homeschooling in 2 years and think how

much better things would go if I had the energy to get up in the

morning before the kids instead of sleeping till they wake me up. I

guess I'm just afraid that I'll end up being unhappy with the changes

I have to make to be successful with the surgery and end up resenting

what I did. Does that make sense?

>>

: Hello, fellow homeschooler to be. My kids are 4 1/2 and 2

1/2 and I've been homeschooling them and plan to continue. This was a

consideration in my decision to have surgery (although not the sole factor).

I definately wanted to be more active with them and I certainly have been

since my surgery this past January 25!

I also didn't have serious co-morbidities as a pre-op but I had a bmi of 45

(not the lowest but on the 'lower side' for this surgery). I have never

regretted my decision for a heartbeat. Then again, I had a remarkable

recovery. I think my situation isn't the norm and I wouldn't ever say

everyone should feel the same way I do or make the same decision I have.

For me, my lifestyle hasn't changed except as to have become more active and

fulfilling. I can eat normal amounts of food, I've grown extremely fond of

pistachios as snacks (yum!), I eat whatever I want and just focus on protein.

IF I don't get 80 gms in for 2-3 days, I'm sure to start having a shake a

day for a few days to make up for it. I certainly don't have them every day,

but I did do that for the first three weeks or so post-op before I could eat

meats. Sometimes I really don't feel like eating anything while other days

I'm quite ravenous. I am totally unable to eat the massive amounts I did as

a pre-op and am so grateful for that. I haven't had any food intolerances

(yet) and do indulge in an occasional sweet (although I really try to limit

them and want to maximize my weight loss).

As far as supplementation goes, we will need them for life. People do

require differing amounts, though. I take calcium (2 citrate pills) 3x/day,

iron twice a day on an empty stomach, multivitamins 2 x day and ADEKs three

times a day. My labs at three months were great except for a slight .05 dip

in calcium and my six month labs were 'totally normal'. I've heard that

some people take less supplementation than this and perhaps longer term

post-ops may require less because one's body has adjusted to some degree to

the surgery. However, I haven't heard of ANYONE totally going without

supplementation/vitamins. I work them into my daily schedule, eating them

mainly with meals but my iron and two doses of calcium I take on an empty

stomach together late in the pm and upon waking in the early am (Iron and

calcium usually DON'T mix, but the citrate can be taken with iron because

it's a form that doesn't bind with the iron).

I've lost 80 lbs (give or take) to date at six months post-op and have about

60 more to go.... I feel FABULOUS! Somedays I don't even believe I had

surgery. My five little lap holes are shrinking and becoming a light pink

color... My panni is shrinking and my body has been adjusting to the weight

loss so my skin isn't flapping around (the only exception are my breasts -

they are still pretty big and well, aren't as 'perky' but really aren't that

terrible, IMHO). I feel like I have a totally new lease on life and thank

GOD for leading me to this decision and taking care of me along my road to

recovery!

I wish you the best on your decision. I hope you stick around and keep

reading about everyone's experiences (they can be extremely different) and

more about the surgery and post-op life.

all the best,

Noverr-Chin

duodenalswitch co-moderator

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

pre-oP: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 228

[Guest guest]

Questions about Postop food choices, vitamins, and

uncertainty

> My history. I'm 28 with two young kids and plans for 2 more. I

> weighed 204 at age 14 and haven't been back there since. I currently

> weigh about 270 and am 5'8 " . So I'm on the low end for qualifying. I

Steph, you and I are in kind of the same boat. I'm 32 (okay, a little older

than you) with 2 young kids also (no plans for 2 more...maybe 1 more), and

235 lbs at 5' tall. My BMI is 45, so I might be a little more worse-off

than you. I don't have many co-morbids, but they've started creeping in...I

now probably have weight-induced sleep apnea (sleep study pending), and I've

developed a wicked snoring problem. I have a family history filled with

practically every comorbid around, so I feel like the ceiling is about to

cave in, although it hasn't yet.

There's nothing " lazy " about thinking it's a lot of work to put 2 kids in

the car to go somewhere by yourself!! I just spent 5 hours at the county

fair with my 2 and their father, and I'm wiped out! The weight DEFINITELY

contributes (along with age and maternal exhaustion). 30 pounds ago, I

could run faster than my just-turned-5 year old. Last week, I could barely

stay ahead of him. Pretty soon, he'll outdistance me. My knees have

started to hurt, too.

If you think taking care of 2 young ones is a lot, wait until you try

homeschooling...

> want to change. I don't want to have to think about what I'm eating.

> I just want to eat what I'm in the mood for whether or not it's

> healthy

I know that feeling all too well, but what I've realized lately is that I

have two choices: eat whatever whenever and get fatter and fatter and

sicker and sicker, or THINK about what I'm doing and make better choices.

The sad reality for me is that no matter how good my choices are, I can only

lose a small amount of weight. Even exercising hours/day didn't get me

below 215. The surgery will do two th ings for me: it will force me to

focus more on my eating choices (because of the immediate and dire

consequences of not doing so), and more importantly, it will help me combat

my poor genetics. The other thing I've realized in the past few months is

that even thin people can't eat whatever whenever! My mother in law is

thin, but she works at it all the time. If she " let go, " she'd probably

gain a bunch. She's got good genetics in her favor, but I'm sure she'd put

20 lbs on. Being thin...or even thinner...takes work. The question is: is

it worth it? At this point in my life, facing a greatly-reduced lifespan,

diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, and heavens knows what else, it is

COMPLETELY worth it.

Do I have all of my own questions answered, all of my own problems solved?

No way. But I know how you feel...

alyssa, mother to Adam (born 8/96) and (born 12/98)

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I am 38 yrs. old and had a BMI of 40 when I had my Lap BPD/DS surgery

on April 26, 2001. I have a son who is 10 and a daughter, 8 yrs. As

my weight crept up, I had less and less energy to do fun things with

my kids and husband and to do my job every day. I just felt

exhausted all of the time. I had no health concerns other than the

excess weight and the aches and pains associated with carrying an

extra 100 lbs. around. Since losing 56 lbs. pounds, I feel so much

more energetic and the aches and pains are gone!

In the beginning you try to get in as much protein as possible and

yes, there will not be much room for anything else. Now, at 16.5

weeks post-op, I definately eat a " balanced diet " . I eat whatever I

prepare for my family or whatever is served when I am a guest. I eat

my protein, i.e. steak, fish, chicken, etc...but I also eat salad,

veggies, legumes, starch, fruit and dairy products like yogurt,

cottage cheese, all types of cheeses and milk too. I have never

supplemented with protein shakes or bars except for an occassional

Luna Bar (10 grams of protein) as a snack. I take calcium

supplements, 2 multivitamins and 3 ADEKs every day plus extra zinc

and biotin. My 3 month lab results were perfect.

I am very happy that I had my surgery when I did. I was a walking

time bomb and gaining weight by leaps and bounds. I definately have

a much better quality of life now.

Good luck.

Jane J.

230/174 (-56 lbs.)

Lap BPD/DS

April 26, 2001

Dr. Ren

NYU Medical Center, NYC

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I am 38 yrs. old and had a BMI of 40 when I had my Lap BPD/DS surgery

on April 26, 2001. I have a son who is 10 and a daughter, 8 yrs. As

my weight crept up, I had less and less energy to do fun things with

my kids and husband and to do my job every day. I just felt

exhausted all of the time. I had no health concerns other than the

excess weight and the aches and pains associated with carrying an

extra 100 lbs. around. Since losing 56 lbs. pounds, I feel so much

more energetic and the aches and pains are gone!

In the beginning you try to get in as much protein as possible and

yes, there will not be much room for anything else. Now, at 16.5

weeks post-op, I definately eat a " balanced diet " . I eat whatever I

prepare for my family or whatever is served when I am a guest. I eat

my protein, i.e. steak, fish, chicken, etc...but I also eat salad,

veggies, legumes, starch, fruit and dairy products like yogurt,

cottage cheese, all types of cheeses and milk too. I have never

supplemented with protein shakes or bars except for an occassional

Luna Bar (10 grams of protein) as a snack. I take calcium

supplements, 2 multivitamins and 3 ADEKs every day plus extra zinc

and biotin. My 3 month lab results were perfect.

I am very happy that I had my surgery when I did. I was a walking

time bomb and gaining weight by leaps and bounds. I definately have

a much better quality of life now.

Good luck.

Jane J.

230/174 (-56 lbs.)

Lap BPD/DS

April 26, 2001

Dr. Ren

NYU Medical Center, NYC