|
|
Post by Joanne on Jan 21, 2012 11:56:32 GMT -5
Also, let me be clear about one thing. Even if you held a gun to my head, I wouldn't tell you what length common channel was better...because to me the question doesnt really have an answer. It's only one part of the equation. The variables are -
-What are the other limb lengths
-What is the stomach size
-How does the surgeon measure (refer to the Dr K article above)
So my best advice is do your homework, which you are. Ask plenty of questions (which you are). Look at outcomes by surgeon because IMHO that is one of the best predictors. Then you have to go with what makes you the most comfortable. Also IMHO only there is probably not much difference in a 100CM vs 125CM CC, but I would shy away from the 150CM CC.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2012 12:02:47 GMT -5
I just want to interject a comment on common channel length. I had my DS almost 3 years ago with Dr. Anthone. He gave me a little teeny 50 ml stomach (that's the same size as a 32F bougie) and a 200 cm common channel. I lost to 20 lbs. below my goal weight within 18 months and have stayed the same since. I lost 180 lbs and now weigh 145. I have no bowel issues and my labs are good. As long as I get my protein in, I really don't care what I eat.
ETA: I also still have pretty good restriction, but can most definitley eat A LOT more than I did in the first couple of years after surgery. I honestly have no idea how many calories I eat. I have never counted carbs, just protein.
|
|
|
|
Post by mlleelise on Jan 21, 2012 13:18:01 GMT -5
Ditto!! I have saved every word Joanne has said...among others!! Thank you for the links, the explanations. Sharyl, you have been so supportive too  When you're new to the DS - and after - this is board offers so much encouragement!! |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2012 13:28:04 GMT -5
For my gastrectomy, my surgeon used a 58Fr bougie, resulting in a 110mL (3.72 ounce) sleeve. At nearly 17 weeks post-op, I still have very good restriction (eating about three ounces of animal protein per meal, with very little room left for veggies). My surgeon gave me a 150cm common channel (approximately 17.5% of total bowel length, considerably longer than the 10% recommended by Hess). I have no issues with loose stools; I have the opposite problem, really, and a transit time of four days. I follow an extremely high-protein (approx 150 grams/per day), low-carb (avg 23 grams per day, with no simple carbs) diet, consuming about 800 calories per day, yet my weight loss (save for the few weeks immediately post-op, when my intake was less than 300 calories per day) is certainly slower than I'd expected/hoped (averaging 1.9 pounds per week). I cannot say definitively that my relatively long common channel is a contributing factor in my sluggish weight loss, but if I could have a "do-over" I would prefer to have had a shorter (100cm) common channel. I know that this is definitely a "YMMV" situation. But if, like me, you're someone who maintains a very high weight on very few calories, you might do well to make that fact clear to your surgeon, whomever you choose. Best of luck to you! Since both of your (potential) surgeons get great reviews here, you're already ahead of the game. Now THAT concerns me. Like you, I subsist on a very low calorie diet now, pre-op; around 800 cals per day to MAINTAIN. I do NOT want to continue to eat like this. I also suffer with constipation now, and that was one of the reasons the DS was appealing to me: I would like loose stools for a change. This alarms me...don't want to end up with the same issues later. I've got to think about this for awhile.. This person needs to be eating more fat. Don't worry about it. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2012 13:31:24 GMT -5
For my gastrectomy, my surgeon used a 58Fr bougie, resulting in a 110mL (3.72 ounce) sleeve. At nearly 17 weeks post-op, I still have very good restriction (eating about three ounces of animal protein per meal, with very little room left for veggies). My surgeon gave me a 150cm common channel (approximately 17.5% of total bowel length, considerably longer than the 10% recommended by Hess). I have no issues with loose stools; I have the opposite problem, really, and a transit time of four days. I follow an extremely high-protein (approx 150 grams/per day), low-carb (avg 23 grams per day, with no simple carbs) diet, consuming about 800 calories per day, yet my weight loss (save for the few weeks immediately post-op, when my intake was less than 300 calories per day) is certainly slower than I'd expected/hoped (averaging 1.9 pounds per week). I cannot say definitively that my relatively long common channel is a contributing factor in my sluggish weight loss, but if I could have a "do-over" I would prefer to have had a shorter (100cm) common channel. I know that this is definitely a "YMMV" situation. But if, like me, you're someone who maintains a very high weight on very few calories, you might do well to make that fact clear to your surgeon, whomever you choose. Best of luck to you! Since both of your (potential) surgeons get great reviews here, you're already ahead of the game. Hold up here. Are you saying you consume about 800 calories a day ABSORBED, or 800 calories a day before applying DS math? If you are stating the latter, you are consuming next to zero fat and that is a very, very foolish, even stupid, thing to be trying to do. You need a LOT more calories, which you can and should get from fat. If you are stating the former, you still need SOME more calories in order to improve your constipation and your weight loss. Bottom line: Eat more fat. You need it. |
|
|
|
Post by Band to DS on Jan 21, 2012 13:40:59 GMT -5
Dr. Keshishian and Dr. Roslin both have excellent reputations. I agree that you can't go wrong with whatever decision you make. Your points about saving a significant amount of money & having a local DS surgeon who knows you are good ones.
Best of luck with your decision,
Shelli
|
|
|
|
Post by mlleelise on Jan 21, 2012 13:44:24 GMT -5
I forgot to add that my BMI is 35.6 with LOTS of serious co-morbidities; I'm a lightweight, but only because I have maintained my cals/day to around 800. No way to live! Thank you EN and karatemomx4 - everybody - for your comments. I have last minute jitters... You have soothed my soul.  |
|
|
|
Post by mlleelise on Jan 21, 2012 14:13:22 GMT -5
Dr. Keshishian and Dr. Roslin both have excellent reputations. I agree that you can't go wrong with whatever decision you make. Your points about saving a significant amount of money & having a local DS surgeon who knows you are good ones. Best of luck with your decision, Shelli Thanks, Shelli. I can't believe about Medicare...I've had Part A (hospital only) because of my back injury 8 years ago, but never used it, and, really, never cared about it because I have Empire BCBs. Had I realized how much it easier it was to go the Medicare route, I would NEVER have hassled with the insurance companies. I hope you find a way to get your DS soon. Please keep in touch |
|
|
|
Post by Girlrocker on Jan 21, 2012 16:51:06 GMT -5
Ditto!! I have saved every word Joanne has said...among others!! Thank you for the links, the explanations. Sharyl, you have been so supportive too When you're new to the DS - and after - this is board offers so much encouragement!! Thank you, I'm SO glad you posted here!!! I've been glued to this most of the day so far, better than school :-) |
|
|
|
Post by mlleelise on Jan 21, 2012 17:46:03 GMT -5
Sharyl, you are so right! Where else can we learn so much about the DS and what it means for the rest of lives??? Okay, my husband just said, "Enough already. I want to watch a movie!" So, I M-U-S-T put down my laptop, for the sake of my marriage.  Have a great day, everyone - and thanks again. |
|
trxxyy
Full Member
Your Mom
Posts: 202
|
Post by trxxyy on Jan 21, 2012 21:10:49 GMT -5
According to my OR report Dr. K used a #39 french bougie and it looks like I have about 100 cm cc. I know the 100 cm is not exact but it is working for me and I am a lightweight.
When I went in for my consult with Dr. K we discussed the DS and being a lightweight. My impression is that that Dr. K tailors the gastrectomy and common channel length for each patient depending on their needs. I think that a lightweight would probably have a larger stomach or longer common channel and possibly a combination of the two.
If any other Dr. K patients would like to chime in and correct me feel free. I don't want to spout any misinformation.
-shelly
|
|
|
|
Post by omeaga7 on Jan 22, 2012 10:20:43 GMT -5
W.O.W. alot of really great information. I have inquired with a few of the doctors I was considering about this same subject. Thanks super bunches for helping to make it clearer.
|
|
|
|
Post by dsnuts on Jan 23, 2012 16:28:02 GMT -5
When I went in for my consult with Dr. K we discussed the DS and being a lightweight. My impression is that that Dr. K tailors the gastrectomy and common channel length for each patient depending on their needs. I think that a lightweight would probably have a larger stomach or longer common channel and possibly a combination of the two. If any other Dr. K patients would like to chime in and correct me feel free. I don't want to spout any misinformation. I recently had this discussion with Dr. K and he said there's a lot of things that he takes into account when deciding on the surgery specs. Obviously starting weight is a big one. Then he also considers sex, whether or not you have diabetes, and of course starting length of intestines. He told me that while he may have an idea of the specs, he doesn't know for sure until the surgery is underway. |
|
|
|
Post by michelehei on Jan 23, 2012 16:38:25 GMT -5
Whatever you do don't settle for what I have...a 250 cm cc.
It's not worth it.
|
|
|
|
Post by dsnuts on Jan 23, 2012 16:42:46 GMT -5
Whatever you do don't settle for what I have...a 250 cm cc. It's not worth it. Oh? What happened? |
|
|
|
Post by michelehei on Jan 23, 2012 18:11:12 GMT -5
I was revision from a VBG and the mesh band from that surgery messed up my insides. The only thing Dr. Gagner could do for me was to give me a somewhat modified sleeve with a 250 cm cc.
|
|
|
|
Post by Walter A on Feb 6, 2012 17:06:19 GMT -5
Dr Anthone did my surgery after Dr Roselin determined it was out of his league, Dr A use the Hess method for determining the cc,but he does open, which i prefer and medicare is welcomed.
|
|
nightowl
Full Member
DS July 2, 2010 by Dr. Bernita Berntsen
Posts: 213
|
Post by nightowl on Feb 7, 2012 3:36:46 GMT -5
You might also look into Dr. Greenbaum in New Jersey. He takes Medicare and I believe is one who will sometimes go with a short common channel.
I wanted and got a 100 cm common channel, and am pleased with it.
Regarding the post that discusses the special offer towards a location wanting to get COE, is that allowed to be public yet? If not, I think you should delete it.
|
|
zix
Full Member
Posts: 172
|
Post by zix on Feb 7, 2012 9:53:18 GMT -5
I have my surgery with Dr Greenbaum in 6 days (but who's counting, haha) and I know that he does do revisions. He told me he uses the Hess method to determine common channel length.
|
|
When you're new to the DS - and after - this is board offers so much encouragement!!
Have a great day, everyone - and thanks again.
