6 month update (long)

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone, I don't post here to often but am a frequent lurker. I

saw my doctor this past week for my 6 month update. I will be 6

months post op on the 23rd. I worried constantly during the last 6

months about not getting enough protein and vitamins, etc. and that I

would spend the rest of my life unhealthy because of the

malabsorbtion part of the surgery. That has turned out not to be the

case at all. I have never drank protein shakes or bars because I

can't stand them. I have always tried to eat protein first and carbs

and fats second. I worried that my protein levels would be low, but

it was 7.2 (normal is 6.3 to 8.0). I was ecstatic. My iron and

HGB/HCT were also in the normal range. My cholesterol was 145 and my

calcium is 9.2 (normal 8.2 to 10.5). I am far healthier now than I

was pre-op. I no longer take Glucophage for PCOS or

antidepressants. I have lost 86 lbs. I work out 3 times a week and

walk when I find the time. This surgery saved my life. I did have

some complications early on. I had a bile duct blockage and had to

have surgery to unclog it and then had to have a procedure 6 weeks

later to expand the duct where the blockage was. I then developed

pancreatitis from the procedure. When I was 3 months post op I had a

kidney stone stuck in my ureter and had to have a lithotripsy

procedure. This was the most painful thing I ever endured. Way worse

than the surgery itself. I have had absolutely no problems in the

last 3 months and feel great. Would I do it all over again. You

bet! I feel wonderful. If you are considering this surgery, go for

it, you will not regret it. The BM's and gas are not that bad and

can be controlled by what you eat. I would say this is the only

negative part about the DS and its not even that big of a deal for

me. Just carry some good air spray with you. It's well worth the

trade off.