Re: Leaks, Diarrea, Farts, Oh My!!!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/17/01 10:23:03 PM, duodenalswitch

writes:

<< > Boy sounds like I really hit a nerve. I think you mis

understand what I was trying to say. I ment that the ds comes with

side affects ( some of them being ones that you have or have had) and

so does the rny. I personally rather take my chances on the DS and if

I have, leaks,Diarrea, Oh My! I can change my diet. BTW you did a

good job at giving a truthful account of life w/ DS. Hope to join you

soon then I will be bearing all my truths for all the preops. BB

>>

Ugg... bb: Some of the terminology you used appeared rather heavily biased:

smelling like a 'pigpen', shitting all 'over the place'... These are rather

ridiculous claims and show that you aren't that familiar with DS post-op

life, ya?

It is one thing to state that people can experience oil slicks, diahhrea,

gas, etc. and that these effects *CAN* be dehabilitating for some. It is

another to imply that post-op DSers are hiding this 'ugly truth' by d

eliberately lying about their miserable post-op conditions!

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

nine months post-op and still feelin' fabu

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 201 lbs/size sweet 16/large in normal people's clothing!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/17/01 10:23:03 PM, duodenalswitch

writes:

<< I was at a post-op meeting the other night. One woman told a

story about how for months after her surgery everything made

her sick...that she could barely eat anything without vomiting or

becoming nauseous. There was another post-op woman who

was about a year post-op who said that nothing ever made her

sick, not ever. There were others who talked about how they had

to experiment for awhile to find out what foods they could tolerate

for whatever reason. I imagine that, barring complications, the

first year or so - maybe the entire window - will be a process of

adjustment and experimentation in seeing what is going to work

and what isn't. I'm 100% prepared for the idea that I'll become

lactose-intolerant (I'm practically that way anyway), but other than

that, I'll take it as it comes...or goes, so to speak.

>>

: I think this is a wonderful outlook and very accurate. Each person's

body reacts to the surgery differently. Some experience nausea, inability to

eat, etc. immediately post-op. These effects can last for months sometimes.

Many do have to experiment with foods since their taste changes right after

surgery. I did not experience this.

I think the first year IS a major period of adjustment. One *may* encounter

various discomforts (like gas, diahhrea/loose stools, frequent stools, smells

and odors, reactions to certain food groups,etc.). These effects may be

difficult to live with (but usually they do even out) OR they may be just

bumps in the road on a really smooth recovery (this was what happened to me

-- I often wonder if I had such a drastic surgery).

I prepared for the worst --- and the worst would be the complications one

could encounter (leaks, blockages, etc.). I saw many friends go through such

horrors and it wasn't pretty. A positive attitude combined with full

knowledge of what CAN happen will be your best tools for getting through the

surgery and early post-op life. Companionship and advice (from the group

here, local support groups, friends/family, etc.) also are invaluable.

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

nine months post-op and still feelin' fabu

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 201 lbs/size sweet 16/large in normal people's clothing!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/01 2:12:00 AM, duodenalswitch writes:

<<

Occasionally I have a " bubbly colon " feeling. Which means I COULD produce

gas if I decided to let it rip? However, it is easily controlled until I am

in an appropriate place -- the washroom. I have gone hours between the

" bubbly colon " feeling and when I actually expel the gas or BM in the privacy

of my own washroom.

>>

dawn: That's a great way to describe it... I feel some trapped gas in my

colon at times, too --- there can be pressure but often it turns out NOT to

be as powerful of a fart as I would have expected! LOL

I, too, usually can 'control' it until I'm in a place where I don't think

others would be affected (like a bathroom). Many times this gas doesn't even

smell or isn't as big as it seemed while in my colon...

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/mt. Sinai/NYC

nine months post-op and still feelin' fabu

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 201 lbs/size sweet 16/large in regular clothing!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/01 2:38:37 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< To all: my original post accomplished exactly what I wanted it to do!

Yes I know I used some harsh words, but controversy is what gets the

replys. If I had of written it in a non-offensive way, it would of

never of gotten the number of responses that it did. All of you have

helped me reconfirm that I will not settle for the RNY. I too have

been on those rny lists and the DS side affects are acceptable to me.

>>

Uggh... I disagree with you here. I think that most people on this list are

very willing to help pre-ops and will respond about their experiences without

'provocation' (as list post-ops have done over and over again without 'harsh

words' or 'controversy'). You may prefer this method of communication to get

discussion going but I know that it definately can get going without it.

If you want to know what kind of problems post-ops *can* encounter, there is

a DSpost-op problems list. Keep in mind, however, that ONLY discussion of

problems is allowed so all discussion, questions, etc. will have a negative

slant. People WITHOUT post-op problems don't post there! LOL

I think that anyone having such drastic surgery should be totally informed of

all complications, possible problems with any surgery. Plenty of problems

and difficulties encountered are ALSO dealt with on this list but it isn't

exclusively for that purpose.

I personally would NOT go for an RNY after finding out more details about the

DS. It is freely available here in NYC (Gagner is top in his field as are

his associates! ), so I was blessed in that I didn't have to travel long

distance and my insurance was readily approved.

All the best,

NOverr-Chin

co-moderator, duodenal switch

Lap DS with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner, Mt. Sinai, NYC

nine months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 201 lbs/size sweet 16/large in normal people's clothes! Yipee!

[Guest guest]

>

> In a message dated 11/17/01 10:23:03 PM, duodenalswitch@y...

> writes:

>

> << > Boy sounds like I really hit a nerve. I think you mis

> understand what I was trying to say. I ment that the ds comes with

> side affects ( some of them being ones that you have or have had)

and

> so does the rny. I personally rather take my chances on the DS and

if

> I have, leaks,Diarrea, Oh My! I can change my diet. BTW you did a

> good job at giving a truthful account of life w/ DS. Hope to join

you

> soon then I will be bearing all my truths for all the preops. BB

> >>

>

> Ugg... bb: Some of the terminology you used appeared rather

heavily biased:

> smelling like a 'pigpen', shitting all 'over the place'... These

are rather

> ridiculous claims and show that you aren't that familiar with DS

post-op

> life, ya?

>

> It is one thing to state that people can experience oil slicks,

diahhrea,

> gas, etc. and that these effects *CAN* be dehabilitating for some.

It is

> another to imply that post-op DSers are hiding this 'ugly truth' by

d

> eliberately lying about their miserable post-op conditions!

>

> all the best,

>

> lap ds with gallbladder removal

> January 25, 2001

> Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

>

> nine months post-op and still feelin' fabu

>

> preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

> now: 201 lbs/size sweet 16/large in normal people's clothing!

To all: my original post accomplished exactly what I wanted it to do!

Yes I know I used some harsh words, but controversy is what gets the

replys. If I had of written it in a non-offensive way, it would of

never of gotten the number of responses that it did. All of you have

helped me reconfirm that I will not settle for the RNY. I too have

been on those rny lists and the DS side affects are acceptable to me.

Thanks again!

[Guest guest]

OK, OK, I CONFESS!

My early postop life was not a bed of roses.. I did feel like BB

described, but IT WAS NOT BECAUSE OF THE DS! Well.. not directly. I

felt crummy because I have IBS, and I experienced an extremely bad

flareup. Once I understood what it was (had never had an attack so

severe), I got it treated, and it got better. I did have horrible

gas, but I told my surgeon, he gave me flagyl, I started taking

acidophilus, and it got better. All those things BB described are NOT

part of a TYPICAL DS postop.. yeah, it happened. I got it treated, it

went away. Big deal, right? And yes, I eat almost whatever I want..

and I say almost only because if it doesn't agree w/me, I don't eat it

for a long time.. I am also Lactose Intolerant, which I knew there was

a good chance of postop, so if I don't have my dairy care, I don't

drink milk. Not a big deal. Again. But you can search the archives..

I've NEVER been one to soft-sell my problems...

Heh.. actually, I prolly share waaay too much. So what? No one here

has told me to hush before I scare off the new preops.. they've just

been supportive.

OK, BB, I've been " outed " <G>.

Hugs,

Liane

>

> In a message dated 11/17/01 10:23:03 PM, duodenalswitch@y...

> writes:

>

> << > Boy sounds like I really hit a nerve. I think you mis

> understand what I was trying to say. I ment that the ds comes with

> side affects ( some of them being ones that you have or have had)

and

> so does the rny. I personally rather take my chances on the DS and

if

> I have, leaks,Diarrea, Oh My! I can change my diet. BTW you did a

> good job at giving a truthful account of life w/ DS. Hope to join

you

> soon then I will be bearing all my truths for all the preops. BB

> >>

>

> Ugg... bb: Some of the terminology you used appeared rather heavily

biased:

> smelling like a 'pigpen', shitting all 'over the place'... These are

rather

> ridiculous claims and show that you aren't that familiar with DS

post-op

> life, ya?

>

> It is one thing to state that people can experience oil slicks,

diahhrea,

> gas, etc. and that these effects *CAN* be dehabilitating for some.

It is

> another to imply that post-op DSers are hiding this 'ugly truth' by

d

> eliberately lying about their miserable post-op conditions!

>

> all the best,

>

> lap ds with gallbladder removal

> January 25, 2001

> Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

>

> nine months post-op and still feelin' fabu

>

> preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

> now: 201 lbs/size sweet 16/large in normal people's clothing!

[Guest guest]

BB, you wrote:

If I had of written it in a non-offensive way, it would of

> never of gotten the number of responses that it did.

LOL, BB! Point well taken. I think you are probably right,

you little scamp.

Jean.

[Guest guest]

, you wrote:

> If you want to know what kind of problems post-ops *can*

encounter, there is

> a DSpost-op problems list. Keep in mind, however, that

ONLY discussion of

> problems is allowed so all discussion, questions, etc.

will have a negative

> slant. People WITHOUT post-op problems don't post there!

LOL

That's an excellent suggestion, I think I'll also check it

out if I can stand the pigpen odor long enough. (sorry,

couldn't resist!)

I come down somewhere in the middle regarding this

discussion. When I first read BB's post, I saw red, vivid

vivid red, I was insulted, I thought it was offensive and

most certainly *DID* call ds post-ops liars. I immediately

wrote an angry response but as I've learned to do with all

angry responses, I filed it in my drafts folder for a

minimum of 12 hours. (Who says I don't have will power? lol)

After watching the responses, I think it really did

accomplish *FOR BB* what she was after. That's cool.

Jean.

[Guest guest]

Dear BB,

In my humble opinion, we ARE giving you the truth about the DS and its side

effects. We DO have the gas, the diarrhea, etc. WHEN WE EAT TOO MUCH FAT.

However, let me say this regarding the RNY. My surgeon does almost ENTIRELY

RNY surgeries, and they are almost all distal. When I go for my office

visits, the waiting room is FULL of RNY patients. I listen to their

conversations, and every one of them has the exact SAME problem with the

diarrhea, gas, etc. as the DS'ers do. On top of that, they also talk about

the throwing up, etc. when they eat too fast, or too much, or don't chew

their food up completely. Now I don't know if this applies to people who

have had the RNY done medially or proximally. I just know that it definitely

applies to those who have had the distal RNY, which also has severe

malabsorption.

I hope that helps in some way.

Pam in MD

BPD/DS - July 9, 2001

Dr. Vanguri

[Guest guest]

Today I had my first and last embarrassing incident. I thought that

a few pieces of bacon would make a great late night snack. During

my lunch break I felt the need to pass a little gas(not uncommon in

my post op world). The little gas turned into an orange slick on my

lilac pants. I had to race home wash my pants and race back to

work. I was humiliated but luckily only one person noticed and I

blamed it on sitting on a greasy bag. Let me tell you I will not

head near bacon again for quite awhile. This has only happened once.

As to the brafing thing. I can't speak for other ds'ers but I have

barfed twice. On both occasions it was my own fault I ate directly

from the container instead of measuring out how much I can eat.

Yes you can eat anything you want. But let me tell you that your taste

buds change drastically and many things simply do not appeal to your

post-op. This list of foods that repulse me far outnumber the list of

foods that I like. I will admit that there are only about 20 types of

food that I like now as opposed to about a hundred pre-op. Anything

creamy brings up the gag reflex. The very site of yogurt is enough to

drive me from a room.

Things have leveled out in the porcelain god area but for the first

few months I didn't go near fat unlesss I was trying to break a

plateau becuase reading whole novels on the porcelain god is not

terribly amusing.

I have to agree that we still have to make lifestyle changes if we

wish to maintain our weight loss. But I have to say that the surgery

has changed my view towards food. Now it seems like I eat to be able

to take my supplements and iron. More than that I work crave

vegetables and protein. I eat sweets about once a week instead of

three times a day.

I do have to disagree with you in that all along I have had ribs about

once a month. Ribs are very fatty but the fat is usually concentrated

in certain area's you can eat the meat and avoid the fat on a rib by

consciously observing what is going into your mouth. Sometime I get a

bite of fat and I spit it out into a napkin. Not the prettiest thing

but it makes it possible for me to continue eating a food I really

enjoy.

There are no foods that you can't have. You need to excercise

moderation and common sense during the first 6 months until your body

learns how to handle high fat foods but there is no need to cut out

all the foods that you enjoy. Most of us got fat by denying ourselves

the foods that we wanted until we couldn't stand it anymore and binged

like crazy on the foods that we avoided. To deny yourself the foods

that you enjoy post-op is to needlessly inflict pain upon yourself.

The first three months it is such a struggle to find foods that appeal

to you that you will soon learn to eat what makes you happy or you

won't eat enough. If you don't eat enough your body will go into

starvation mode and the pounds will stick to you like glue.

As far as I am concerned there are only three rules to post op life:

1. Protein first (always)

2. 64 ounces Water and daily Supplements

3. Listen to your body( when it needs to rest it will tell

you, when it needs to eat it will tell you, if you are eating the

wrong foods you can be sure that it will tell you. Everyone will have

different post-op reactions to certain foods and supplements but this

is your body and you are resposible for listening to it and providing

it with what it needs to be healthy)

before hand

> Okay lets have the truth about DS'ers. Someones earlier post was

> asking about the truth about rny'ers having problems, but isnt it

> true that ds'ers have problems that are just different. Rnys have it

> coming out of the top half all the time and ds'ers have it comong

out

> of the bottom half all the time. And I am under the impression that

> all of these problems for both types can be avoided by following the

> rules for each. I am not pro rny, i would like ds but in all

fairness

> it seems to me the DS side affects can be anoying and down right

> embarrassing. People I think would be more empathtic of vomiting

> than " s---ting " all over the place. Why do ds'ers ALWAYS SAY THEY

> CAN EAT ANYTHING THEY WANT. If fats i.e ribs, burgers fries, fried

> chicken,butter cause them to have the just have to limit fats " well

> how is that having anything u want. runs, oil slicks and a pig pen

> odor. I have seen post in the past that say " I can eat what I want "

> We all did not get fat from eating salads with vinegar and mineral

> H20. I am not trying to bash any type of surgery. I just wish all

> post ops, RNY'ers and Ds'ers will report the truth. I have already

> made up my mind I will not be able to eat the same types of foods

and

> not have issues. I am thinking of choosing the DS based on greater

> long term weight loss. I am sadded that will not be able to have

ribs

> and potatoe salad at barbecues with out paying a cost that will

> remind me of my life long stuggles with obesity.BB

[Guest guest]

NOt to be biased on surgery......then again this is the duodenal

switch site. So I will be a little biased. I have a RNY friend who

throws up on a daily basis...actually almost every time she eats. I

know i don't POOP that much. I am 14 months post op from DS>...yes i

really do eat anything i want. Even if its extremely fatty. I think

all our bodies are different and we all work differently even if we

have the same surgery. On a regular basis I have one to two soft

bowels a day...not diahrea...soft bowels.

If I eat really fatty foods for a couple days in a row i will have up

to four sof bowels in the morning. I am a full time student and take

all morning classes. my first bowels usually come within the first

half hour of waking up.

If i ahve to go to the bathroom during class I just get up and go.

Its not a problem...but only happens rarely. I'll sometimes even go

a day without any bowels.

In all my fourteen months i have only vomited twice....both times

were early post op..and both times off cheese omelots. do I eat them

now? Yes. lol They go down fine now.

I had diahrea my first five days after leaving surgeyr. The only

time i get diahrea now is when i'm sick or if i go more than a day

without bowels.

I would say the GAS is worse than the POOPY. My farts stink. But I

take charcoal pills to control that.

I too had DS for the long term results. Stick to protein first..then

whatever youw ant. lol also sugar in moderation.

I don't want to live my life by a DIET. I eat what is good. TOday i

had spaghetti for lunch....grilled chicken for supper with green

beans....a protein shake for snack.....and i think i had some toast

for b fast..but can't remember. lol

If i go to a movie...i eat movie popcorn with a diet coke.

Live is good post op DS.

Kimber

> > Okay lets have the truth about DS'ers. Someones earlier post was

> > asking about the truth about rny'ers having problems, but isnt it

> > true that ds'ers have problems that are just different. Rnys have

it

> > coming out of the top half all the time and ds'ers have it comong

> out

> > of the bottom half all the time. And I am under the impression

that

> > all of these problems for both types can be avoided by following

the

> > rules for each. I am not pro rny, i would like ds but in all

> fairness

> > it seems to me the DS side affects can be anoying and down right

> > embarrassing. People I think would be more empathtic of vomiting

> > than " s---ting " all over the place. Why do ds'ers ALWAYS SAY

THEY

> > CAN EAT ANYTHING THEY WANT. If fats i.e ribs, burgers fries,

fried

> > chicken,butter cause them to have the just have to limit fats "

well

> > how is that having anything u want. runs, oil slicks and a pig

pen

> > odor. I have seen post in the past that say " I can eat what I

want "

> > We all did not get fat from eating salads with vinegar and

mineral

> > H20. I am not trying to bash any type of surgery. I just wish all

> > post ops, RNY'ers and Ds'ers will report the truth. I have

already

> > made up my mind I will not be able to eat the same types of foods

> and

> > not have issues. I am thinking of choosing the DS based on

greater

> > long term weight loss. I am sadded that will not be able to have

> ribs

> > and potatoe salad at barbecues with out paying a cost that will

> > remind me of my life long stuggles with obesity.BB

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/19/01 8:08:41 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< Yes you can eat anything you want. But let me tell you that your taste

buds change drastically and many things simply do not appeal to your

post-op. This list of foods that repulse me far outnumber the list of

foods that I like. I will admit that there are only about 20 types of

food that I like now as opposed to about a hundred pre-op. Anything

creamy brings up the gag reflex. The very site of yogurt is enough to

drive me from a room.

>>

I know a lot of people say that their tastes drastically change and/or they

are repulsed by things that they ate as a pre-op, but this has *not* been my

experience... I do crave protein more and can say that I really enjoy eating

it more than I did before. But, I basically eat the same as I did pre-op but

with a much lower emphasis on carbs. I have much less rice, potatoes, pasta,

etc. but still eat them. I love dairy/yogurt/cheese... I didn't have any bad

reaction to them as a post-op (I actually relied on dairy heavily to get the

protein in immediately post-op).

I pretty much like the same veggies I did before (broccoli, asparagus, corn,

carrots, peas, etc.) but can say that I definately love seafood more (I loved

shrimp and salmon before but now more than ever and I'm much more willing to

try other stuff).

I think it really is true that no one can predict how one's body will react

to the surgery and also how you will react to food as a post-op. It seems

that people have widely varied experiences as to what they want to eat

post-op and what they don't enjoy anymore.

All the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

nine months post-op and still feelin' fabu

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 200 lbs/size sweet 16/large in normal people's clothing