Post by crazyheifer on Jan 20, 2012 10:09:36 GMT -5
Hi everyone. I have been registered here, but haven't really posted. I was over at the OH forum as "HeatherLynn" (it wouldn't let me use it here for some reason). Anyhow, a short recap...DH & I both had the DS at the same time on November 14th. I am down 47lbs, and he is down 77lbs.
Now, on to the things I have learned that I would pass on to pre-ops...
No matter how much research you do, no matter how much about the DS that you think you know, no matter how ready you think you are...pre-op perception and post-op reality are two VERY different things. I researched for 5 years prior to deciding on the DS. I was nervous, but *thought* I was prepared to handle the changes. Let me just say, when they tell you things change drastically post surgery, they aren't just talking about your size. Your tastes change (sometimes day to day, or hour to hour), your emotions change, your outlook changes, etc. So, that being said...do as much research as you can. Compile recipes and food ideas like crazy before your surgery (I did not do much of this, and wish I had). Understand that what works for one DS'r may very well not work for you. For example: Ricotta fluff. I can't stand the stuff, even though it seems to be a popular DS option. Instead, I make it with cottage cheese and I LOVE it. Don't be afraid to experiment. Eggs is another one...I love the taste but my body hates them. They are the only things that repeatedly make me puke. I still try every few weeks to see if it has changed though.
Next, post-op, do not try to be a super-hero. You had major surgery. If something feels wrong, get it checked out, because your life may depend on it. Don't think that 2 weeks out that you should feel great. You might, but chances are you won't...and that's okay. Same goes for 3,4,5 weeks etc. Give your body time to heal. I am 8 weeks out and I feel excellent with only some lingering fatigue. Some people take many months to feel better. Show yourself and your body some grace. We are all very different.
Here is a HUGE thing I have learned: if you are in a bind financially, the DS may not be for you. I already expected the vitamin expense, so that was no shocker. However, we thought we would be saving money on groceries with eating less, but truly, we have spent more trying to figure out what we can tolerate and what we like. Another thing that has cost more than I'd care to calculate is the cost of protein supplements. I am just not at a point where I can get all of my protein through food...so I must drink shakes/supplements. I had a very hard time finding one that didn't make me vomit or gag/heave. Then, when I'd find one...I couldn't promise you that the next day I'd be able to tolerate it. I *finally* found a pre-mixed one that I don't mind drinking at all, but it took some time and experimentation. It is vital to be able to experiment and find what works for you. If you can't keep something down, then it's not working and you have to find something else. Giving up is absolutely not an option. If you can't afford to experiment, in case things aren't working for you, you cannot afford to have this surgery.
I am a carb addict...that is how I got to be the size I was to begin with. I did well right after surgery, because the thought of what carbs could do to me scared me to death. However, Christmas came around and I started giving in and trying. I found that carbs didn't do all of those scary things to me. Some made some stinky farts, but nothing much more. THIS IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO CONSUME THEM!!! I had to give myself a swift kick in the arse and get back on track and step away from the carbs (I still eat some daily, but very little, and only after I have gotten in my protein). Even if they don't give you the horrid side effects that they give other DS'rs, they should be a minimal part of your diet. I knew that I was a carb addict prior to surgery, and I was fooling myself saying it would be easy to walk away from them afterward. Old habits die hard, but you have GOT to be willing to let them die or this is not a good option for you.
I use Livestrong now to track all of my food intake. It gives me my fat, calories, protein, and carb intake. Tracking has been absolutely essential for me to make sure I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. I also use a fluid tracker on my phone, because if I don't, I still fall short on my fluid intake. I'm doing what I have to do to keep MY body in optimum working condition, even if somedays I don't like it.
As I said, my DH had his DS the same day I did. Our challenges have been very different. He doesn't track and he doesn't take care of himself the way he should (he thinks as long as he is losing weight, drinking his 100+grams of protein and taking his vitamins, nothing else matters. So, he eats carbs like crazy, doesn't drink much fluids, and is on the alcohol already.) I have told him that his DS is HIS & his alone. It is not mine. I am not here to care for it, & I will not allow his self-sabotage to sabotage me. I am here to support him and love him, but I am not his mother. If you do DS with someone else...don't expect for it to be unicorns and rainbows together. Don't police them, but don't allow them to mess with you. In the end, it is your responsibility to care for yourself.
That is about it I guess. I am losing my hair like crazy, but I was told that could happen and I am dealing with it. It makes me sad, but I am going to cut my waist length hair to my shoulders...shorter if need be. I know this is just a season and I know *I* am doing all I can. I had a colon re-section just 7 weeks prior to my DS, so I am sure both surgeries are contributing to the loss, not just the DS.
My blood sugars are totally normal, and I am off all diabetes medications. Initially, my blood pressure was low and I didn't go back on blood pressure meds after leaving the hospital post op. However, it started creeping back up and I am now back on a low dosage (instead of 2 higher dose) medication to control it.
I am happy with the decision I made to have the DS. In the beginning I had extreme buyers remorse and regretted the decision to do this. However, as I healed and adjusted, that passed. I have great confidence that the more time that passes, the happier I will be. I am still learning and making adjustments. I am finding what works for me, and that is the key to my success.
Now, on to the things I have learned that I would pass on to pre-ops...
No matter how much research you do, no matter how much about the DS that you think you know, no matter how ready you think you are...pre-op perception and post-op reality are two VERY different things. I researched for 5 years prior to deciding on the DS. I was nervous, but *thought* I was prepared to handle the changes. Let me just say, when they tell you things change drastically post surgery, they aren't just talking about your size. Your tastes change (sometimes day to day, or hour to hour), your emotions change, your outlook changes, etc. So, that being said...do as much research as you can. Compile recipes and food ideas like crazy before your surgery (I did not do much of this, and wish I had). Understand that what works for one DS'r may very well not work for you. For example: Ricotta fluff. I can't stand the stuff, even though it seems to be a popular DS option. Instead, I make it with cottage cheese and I LOVE it. Don't be afraid to experiment. Eggs is another one...I love the taste but my body hates them. They are the only things that repeatedly make me puke. I still try every few weeks to see if it has changed though.
Next, post-op, do not try to be a super-hero. You had major surgery. If something feels wrong, get it checked out, because your life may depend on it. Don't think that 2 weeks out that you should feel great. You might, but chances are you won't...and that's okay. Same goes for 3,4,5 weeks etc. Give your body time to heal. I am 8 weeks out and I feel excellent with only some lingering fatigue. Some people take many months to feel better. Show yourself and your body some grace. We are all very different.
Here is a HUGE thing I have learned: if you are in a bind financially, the DS may not be for you. I already expected the vitamin expense, so that was no shocker. However, we thought we would be saving money on groceries with eating less, but truly, we have spent more trying to figure out what we can tolerate and what we like. Another thing that has cost more than I'd care to calculate is the cost of protein supplements. I am just not at a point where I can get all of my protein through food...so I must drink shakes/supplements. I had a very hard time finding one that didn't make me vomit or gag/heave. Then, when I'd find one...I couldn't promise you that the next day I'd be able to tolerate it. I *finally* found a pre-mixed one that I don't mind drinking at all, but it took some time and experimentation. It is vital to be able to experiment and find what works for you. If you can't keep something down, then it's not working and you have to find something else. Giving up is absolutely not an option. If you can't afford to experiment, in case things aren't working for you, you cannot afford to have this surgery.
I am a carb addict...that is how I got to be the size I was to begin with. I did well right after surgery, because the thought of what carbs could do to me scared me to death. However, Christmas came around and I started giving in and trying. I found that carbs didn't do all of those scary things to me. Some made some stinky farts, but nothing much more. THIS IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO CONSUME THEM!!! I had to give myself a swift kick in the arse and get back on track and step away from the carbs (I still eat some daily, but very little, and only after I have gotten in my protein). Even if they don't give you the horrid side effects that they give other DS'rs, they should be a minimal part of your diet. I knew that I was a carb addict prior to surgery, and I was fooling myself saying it would be easy to walk away from them afterward. Old habits die hard, but you have GOT to be willing to let them die or this is not a good option for you.
I use Livestrong now to track all of my food intake. It gives me my fat, calories, protein, and carb intake. Tracking has been absolutely essential for me to make sure I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. I also use a fluid tracker on my phone, because if I don't, I still fall short on my fluid intake. I'm doing what I have to do to keep MY body in optimum working condition, even if somedays I don't like it.
As I said, my DH had his DS the same day I did. Our challenges have been very different. He doesn't track and he doesn't take care of himself the way he should (he thinks as long as he is losing weight, drinking his 100+grams of protein and taking his vitamins, nothing else matters. So, he eats carbs like crazy, doesn't drink much fluids, and is on the alcohol already.) I have told him that his DS is HIS & his alone. It is not mine. I am not here to care for it, & I will not allow his self-sabotage to sabotage me. I am here to support him and love him, but I am not his mother. If you do DS with someone else...don't expect for it to be unicorns and rainbows together. Don't police them, but don't allow them to mess with you. In the end, it is your responsibility to care for yourself.
That is about it I guess. I am losing my hair like crazy, but I was told that could happen and I am dealing with it. It makes me sad, but I am going to cut my waist length hair to my shoulders...shorter if need be. I know this is just a season and I know *I* am doing all I can. I had a colon re-section just 7 weeks prior to my DS, so I am sure both surgeries are contributing to the loss, not just the DS.
My blood sugars are totally normal, and I am off all diabetes medications. Initially, my blood pressure was low and I didn't go back on blood pressure meds after leaving the hospital post op. However, it started creeping back up and I am now back on a low dosage (instead of 2 higher dose) medication to control it.
I am happy with the decision I made to have the DS. In the beginning I had extreme buyers remorse and regretted the decision to do this. However, as I healed and adjusted, that passed. I have great confidence that the more time that passes, the happier I will be. I am still learning and making adjustments. I am finding what works for me, and that is the key to my success.
I'll try again later. 
Glad to hear you are doing well!
