mistercy
Full Member
Posts: 228
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 03/26/2013
Surgeon: Mitchell Roslin
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Post by mistercy on Nov 21, 2014 10:41:15 GMT -5
Had a procedure yesterday to repair an anal fissure/ fistula caused after a few months of heavy DS poops. I've been suffering with this for over a year. Thank you to a major contributor here for a great recommendation of a surgeon in NYC! Surgeon decided not to cut muscle, but to use Botox in the affected area instead. I've joined the Botox nation, just not in the usual way! Whole procedure took less than 15 minutes, and alleviated a year's worth of pain. For anyone else suffering through similar situations, I cannot stress how quick and easy this in-office procedure was.
The doc did not want to cut muscle which is another option to repair a fissure, because I told him I have 4-6 loose stools daily. He said someone with frequent bowel movements getting muscle removed has a greater chance of leakage problems later in life. Of course, part of the equation is that I have been eating a lot of fat recently, although not always the best fat - a lot of chocolate and ice cream has passed through these lips in the past few months in an effort to keep the stools loose. I developed the fissure in the first 6 months post-DS because I was trying to be too perfect - eating only protein shakes, yogurts, meats, and cheeses, and very few carbs. I was not eating nearly enough fat. I would only have one evacuation daily, and it was usually hard and painful. Actually had a lot of weight loss stalls in those first 6 months of trying to be a "good boy", and the weight really began coming off when I added a lot of fat and more carbs into my diet. Over 200 pounds later, from my DS experience, the more you eat, the more you lose, as long as you are eating things that make your DS tummy happy. I avoid most white flours, artificial sweeteners, and raw veggies, which seem to cause me a lot of gastric distress.
The downside of eating the way I've been eating is that my addiction to sugar has been coming back with a vengeance. There is a reason I got myself to nearly 400 pounds. I have an insatiable sweet tooth. I find myself craving sugar, justifying eating sugary items because they are fatty as well. I am an addict - sugar is like crack for me. I have to try to adjust now so I am having less bowel movements daily, but don't want to bring on another fissure. On the other hand, I need to keep eating a good amount of fat. Has anyone here gone through similar experiences? Suggestions on breaking the sugar cycle, or suggestions to get good fats in without the sugar?
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Nov 21, 2014 11:48:30 GMT -5
So glad to hear your pain in the butt is gone! LOL I'm afraid I have nothing to offer but your story sounds so familiar as I go through the pain daily or every other day. I actually have a call in to Vitalady about the magnesium citrate she sells because, unfortunately,the magnesium oxide just isn't doing the job (4 days in a row painful movements.) I even added Colace last night. I'm hoping the citrate will work, I just have to time it right. Either way, I'm looking to avoid a fissure as you've described but if it should happen, I'll be calling on you for the doctor who took care of you. He/she sounds very good!
Have a great day,
Kelly
Ps - chocolate and ice cream sound great, I just haven't allowed myself any since I'm only 4 1/2 months out!
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mistercy
Full Member
Posts: 228
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 03/26/2013
Surgeon: Mitchell Roslin
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Post by mistercy on Nov 21, 2014 12:04:33 GMT -5
So glad to hear your pain in the butt is gone! LOL I'm afraid I have nothing to offer but your story sounds so familiar as I go through the pain daily or every other day. I actually have a call in to Vitalady about the magnesium citrate she sells because, unfortunately,the magnesium oxide just isn't doing the job (4 days in a row painful movements.) I even added Colace last night. I'm hoping the citrate will work, I just have to time it right. Either way, I'm looking to avoid a fissure as you've described but if it should happen, I'll be calling on you for the doctor who took care of you. He/she sounds very good! Have a great day, Kelly Ps - chocolate and ice cream sound great, I just haven't allowed myself any since I'm only 4 1/2 months out! Hi Kelly, Thanks for the response! Good luck with the magnesium - sounds like you are doing the right things with the vitamin tweaking - took me about 9 months to find just the right combo for myself, and I still make minor adjustments as needed. One thought that I have found helpful on the stools is adding the fat. At four and a half months out, I found adding in a carb day once every two weeks ar so helped to jump start the weight loss when I was having a stall. There is much debate on different DS sites about the benefits of a Krispy Kreme donut. If you are afraid yet about the ice cream thing, try coconut oil. A teaspoon or two added to foods, or even mixed into a protein shake, can do wonders in loosening the stool, and no carbs. Good luck, Corbin |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Nov 21, 2014 14:42:09 GMT -5
I'm so glad you were pleased with Dr. Brandeis. He repaired my fissure years ago and I have never had an issue since. I did not have Botox, it was repaired surgically.
In terms of watching your sweets - you have to stop with the sweet or else you are going to start to see weight coming back on. They are completely absorbed and they are very caloric.
If you want to keep eating lots of fats, there are plenty of way to do that without eating sugar. Full fat cheese, fatty meats, avocados, oils, mayo, etc. Also plenty of cooked veggies and some fruit every day. Eat a couple of prunes every day - way better than cake, know what I mean?
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Post by Girlrocker on Nov 21, 2014 17:12:01 GMT -5
Aw geez, how awful for you, but I'm so glad you've gotten 'fixed up'! I've been concerned about this for me too, since I am a frequent 'goer'. Partly due to my actual stomach before any surgeries at all, always 'nervous', used to get triggered by fat(!) so I'm in a constant juggling/trial/error plan. I hear you about the sugar, it's really hard, especially with the sugar is a sweet tooth. I know they aren't quite as yummy, but there are definitely lots of sugar free options on the market now, for all kinds of things - cookies, ice cream, candies. Portion control always an issue for me, certain foods I just can't keep in the house no matter what, because I eat them until they are gone. My solution to that is if I really want something, I have to go out and buy it. To scratch my sweet itch in the house - I keep Power Crunch bars in choc peanutbutter, choc mint, sf pudding, sf jello, cool whip, sf fudgesicles and in summer, sf popsicles, dreamsicles. The 'fluff' recipe is fab for sweet tooth - ricotta or cottage cheese, sf pudding mix flavor of your choice, some cool whip, stir and voila; you can mix/blend it if you like it smoother vs. lumpy (I love it lumpy). I also make the cream cheese pancakes or mug muffins with sf chocolate pudding mix, for 'brownie' like dessert.
All the fats NYB mentioned are ones I eat too - cheese, avodado, peanubutter, nuts, cook with olive oil, sesame oil, corn oil, full fat cottage cheese, greek yogurt, add butter to whatever I can. I know a lot of people use heavy cream in all kinds of things too, from drinks to foods.
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Post by Leonie on Nov 22, 2014 0:27:06 GMT -5
Oh, I am so with you on this one! Cadbury's dairy milk chocolate, those 40g carbs in a slab are the debil. It all started with 80% dark chocolate, but that got too expensive. A single day without chocolate is a victory.
I am finding that really hitting the gym helps. I cannot go into the shop and buy a chocolate right after working so hard! I do gloat when the trolley is loaded with bacon, cream, cheese, meat, cream cheese and more cream.
For a sweet treat I really love Quest bars. Some of them contain Eriythritol, which is different from the other -ols, and gives me no problems. The Chocolate Brownie does not contain it. The main ingredient is a fibre called Malto oligo-saccharide. It is basically sugar beet fibre and it seems to be super good for us. It is usually the bulking agent in our expensive probiotics because it is digested by the good bacteria in our gut. Instead of releasing copious gas, they give us a fat molecule from it. It could feed the bad guys if you already have an overgrowth of them, but the lacto-bifidicus bacteria really love it. Bottom line - my gut is super happy with a Quest bar, and so is my sugar demon. Unfortunately my pocket isnt't as one Quest bar is the price of three chocolate bars.
I have also been increasing my complex carbs. I enjoy a slice of whole wheat toast heavily loaded with butter or coconut oil. I make trail mix with macedamia nuts that are cheap here, dried cranberries, banana chips and raw coconut flakes. I pack it in little zip-lock bags, otherwise I pick out all the banana chips!
This morning I was thinking about my early days exploring the DS and these forums. I read posts like these and they were so reassuring to me. These are the issues NORMAL people deal with. Normal people have to control their sugar intake, normal people struggle with those stubborn ten pounds. Normal people have digestive issues. I so wanted to be normal. Now I am. I will take the poop!
Oh, I must add, I love home made hot chocolate! I use a teaspoon of cocoa, a pinch of salt, a pinch of stevia and a dribble of vanilla. Pour on boiling water and fill the mug with heavy cream. If I want to increase my protein for the day, I turn it into a egg protein hot chocolate. I use the shaker cup that is basically two mugs full. 2tsp cocoa, salt, sweetner, vanilla and a bit of hot water to dissolve the cocoa. Shake it up with 3 eggs. Fill the shaker with more hot water and lots of cream. Microwave till hot, but not cooked - otherwise you have chocolate pudding.
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Post by west4thavenue on Nov 22, 2014 10:59:33 GMT -5
Oh, I am so with you on this one! Cadbury's dairy milk chocolate, those 40g carbs in a slab are the debil. It all started with 80% dark chocolate, but that got too expensive. A single day without chocolate is a victory. I am finding that really hitting the gym helps. I cannot go into the shop and buy a chocolate right after working so hard! I do gloat when the trolley is loaded with bacon, cream, cheese, meat, cream cheese and more cream. For a sweet treat I really love Quest bars. Some of them contain Eriythritol, which is different from the other -ols, and gives me no problems. The Chocolate Brownie does not contain it. The main ingredient is a fibre called Malto oligo-saccharide. It is basically sugar beet fibre and it seems to be super good for us. It is usually the bulking agent in our expensive probiotics because it is digested by the good bacteria in our gut. Instead of releasing copious gas, they give us a fat molecule from it. It could feed the bad guys if you already have an overgrowth of them, but the lacto-bifidicus bacteria really love it. Bottom line - my gut is super happy with a Quest bar, and so is my sugar demon. Unfortunately my pocket isnt't as one Quest bar is the price of three chocolate bars. I have also been increasing my complex carbs. I enjoy a slice of whole wheat toast heavily loaded with butter or coconut oil. I make trail mix with macedamia nuts that are cheap here, dried cranberries, banana chips and raw coconut flakes. I pack it in little zip-lock bags, otherwise I pick out all the banana chips! This morning I was thinking about my early days exploring the DS and these forums. I read posts like these and they were so reassuring to me. These are the issues NORMAL people deal with. Normal people have to control their sugar intake, normal people struggle with those stubborn ten pounds. Normal people have digestive issues. I so wanted to be normal. Now I am. I will take the poop! Oh, I must add, I love home made hot chocolate! I use a teaspoon of cocoa, a pinch of salt, a pinch of stevia and a dribble of vanilla. Pour on boiling water and fill the mug with heavy cream. If I want to increase my protein for the day, I turn it into a egg protein hot chocolate. I use the shaker cup that is basically two mugs full. 2tsp cocoa, salt, sweetner, vanilla and a bit of hot water to dissolve the cocoa. Shake it up with 3 eggs. Fill the shaker with more hot water and lots of cream. Microwave till hot, but not cooked - otherwise you have chocolate pudding. Thank you for such great information! Quest bars are a bit too high carb for me, yet -- still sticking with a 50 carb per day limit during the weight loss window. I look forward to such a treat once I have reached the bottom and stabilized. Still very curious as to how that will shake out.
Also, thank you for the hot cocoa recipe!
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Post by louteg on Nov 22, 2014 18:16:27 GMT -5
Had a procedure yesterday to repair an anal fissure/ fistula caused after a few months of heavy DS poops. I've been suffering with this for over a year. Thank you to a major contributor here for a great recommendation of a surgeon in NYC! Surgeon decided not to cut muscle, but to use Botox in the affected area instead. I've joined the Botox nation, just not in the usual way! Whole procedure took less than 15 minutes, and alleviated a year's worth of pain. For anyone else suffering through similar situations, I cannot stress how quick and easy this in-office procedure was. The doc did not want to cut muscle which is another option to repair a fissure, because I told him I have 4-6 loose stools daily. He said someone with frequent bowel movements getting muscle removed has a greater chance of leakage problems later in life. Of course, part of the equation is that I have been eating a lot of fat recently, although not always the best fat - a lot of chocolate and ice cream has passed through these lips in the past few months in an effort to keep the stools loose. I developed the fissure in the first 6 months post-DS because I was trying to be too perfect - eating only protein shakes, yogurts, meats, and cheeses, and very few carbs. I was not eating nearly enough fat. I would only have one evacuation daily, and it was usually hard and painful. Actually had a lot of weight loss stalls in those first 6 months of trying to be a "good boy", and the weight really began coming off when I added a lot of fat and more carbs into my diet. Over 200 pounds later, from my DS experience, the more you eat, the more you lose, as long as you are eating things that make your DS tummy happy. I avoid most white flours, artificial sweeteners, and raw veggies, which seem to cause me a lot of gastric distress. The downside of eating the way I've been eating is that my addiction to sugar has been coming back with a vengeance. There is a reason I got myself to nearly 400 pounds. I have an insatiable sweet tooth. I find myself craving sugar, justifying eating sugary items because they are fatty as well. I am an addict - sugar is like crack for me. I have to try to adjust now so I am having less bowel movements daily, but don't want to bring on another fissure. On the other hand, I need to keep eating a good amount of fat. Has anyone here gone through similar experiences? Suggestions on breaking the sugar cycle, or suggestions to get good fats in without the sugar? Hi Mistercry I am glad you are doing better. Welcome to the Botox nation I uses it for my migraines . |
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Post by Leonie on Nov 23, 2014 13:36:37 GMT -5
Really?, 3-5g carbs is pretty low in my book for a protein bar. Remember, the fibre is not digested into our systems, so it does not count.
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Post by west4thavenue on Nov 24, 2014 9:40:40 GMT -5
Really?, 3-5g carbs is pretty low in my book for a protein bar. Remember, the fibre is not digested into our systems, so it does not count. Leonie, I thought we were supposed to count all carbs, especially in the initial weight loss phase. |
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DSwitcher
Junior Member
Posts: 88
Surgery Type: Revision
Surgery Date: 08/26/2014
Surgeon: BOYCE
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Post by DSwitcher on Nov 24, 2014 10:00:09 GMT -5
I can eat one Atkins bar, but if I eat more, my weight slows... There are higher and lower carb Atkins bars, and the lower almond cranberry bar with almond milk is like cereal for breakfast...<3
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Post by Girlrocker on Nov 24, 2014 10:46:32 GMT -5
Really?, 3-5g carbs is pretty low in my book for a protein bar. Remember, the fibre is not digested into our systems, so it does not count. Leonie, I thought we were supposed to count all carbs, especially in the initial weight loss phase. Ya, you want to be careful about that re: fiber absorption; fiber is slower metabolizing, but it doesn't mean we don't absorb it. The two things we do know about the DS is that we greatly malabsorb protein and fats. Complex carbs - with or without surgery - are a good way to eat vs. simple, since they are slower metabolizing, more useful nutrients. But if you're watching your carb count for weigh loss, weight maintenance, 'poop issues' - than take the whole carb count into consideration. Here's a good explanation of what fiber is and what it does in the body: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_fiber |
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Post by Girlrocker on Nov 25, 2014 17:21:17 GMT -5
Wow, you look fantastic, a transformation indeed. And your running goals are fabulous. Hope you got some good ideas here about how to work with the sugar devil, I know you can DO it all!
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mistercy
Full Member
Posts: 228
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 03/26/2013
Surgeon: Mitchell Roslin
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Post by mistercy on Nov 25, 2014 17:37:36 GMT -5
I'm so glad you were pleased with Dr. Brandeis. He repaired my fissure years ago and I have never had an issue since. I did not have Botox, it was repaired surgically. In terms of watching your sweets - you have to stop with the sweet or else you are going to start to see weight coming back on. They are completely absorbed and they are very caloric. If you want to keep eating lots of fats, there are plenty of way to do that without eating sugar. Full fat cheese, fatty meats, avocados, oils, mayo, etc. Also plenty of cooked veggies and some fruit every day. Eat a couple of prunes every day - way better than cake, know what I mean? I'm working on adding the good fats without the sugar. I try not to go too nuts, but probably have one or two sweet items a day right now. Trying to reduce that through the use of Stevia sweeteners, and making fat bombs at home. I also eat a MariGold bar as one meal substitution - they are not cheap, but they seem to digest well. I may have to try the Quest bars that Leonie recommends as well. Erithrytol items do not seem to bother my sensitive digestive system. Being a guy, and not too panicked about being a perfect skinny minnie-me, so far things are going well - as long as I stay within the 160-170 pound range, I am comfortable, and when I begin to get serious on the exercise side, I find I need those carbs. I am 5'6", and according to the crazy BMI list, I would be at normal weight at 140, but I don't buy into that for a second. As I posted in the pics, I think I am looking pretty svelte now. I eat very few carbs other than the cheats I have mentioned, mostly from cocoa in my shakes, or an ounce or two of cooked vegetables, and two to three fruits daily. A meal usually is 4-6 oz of cheese and/or cold cuts, or a similar protein source. I very much go with protein first, and my numbers on my labs have been excellent. Brandeis was a great recommendation - I have had no complications since the procedure Thursday, and would highly recommend him. Thank you! Prunes - eat a few of those daily, too, and I agree - better than cake! My sugar/fat seeking has changed over time. I don't like the cake anymore, as the flour really kills my system, and I don't get enough fat bang for the carb buck. On the other hand, the icing on top, or buttercreme in the middle - those parts of the cake I devour a little too eagerly. I have left dissected cake sections in my wake when attending birthday parties this past year! This is a process, and I am working my way to a good place. I appreciate the support of you and the other people on this board who have helped throughout this process! |
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mistercy
Full Member
Posts: 228
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 03/26/2013
Surgeon: Mitchell Roslin
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Post by mistercy on Nov 25, 2014 17:47:41 GMT -5
Oh, I am so with you on this one! Cadbury's dairy milk chocolate, those 40g carbs in a slab are the debil. It all started with 80% dark chocolate, but that got too expensive. A single day without chocolate is a victory. I am finding that really hitting the gym helps. I cannot go into the shop and buy a chocolate right after working so hard! I do gloat when the trolley is loaded with bacon, cream, cheese, meat, cream cheese and more cream. For a sweet treat I really love Quest bars. Some of them contain Eriythritol, which is different from the other -ols, and gives me no problems. The Chocolate Brownie does not contain it. The main ingredient is a fibre called Malto oligo-saccharide. It is basically sugar beet fibre and it seems to be super good for us. It is usually the bulking agent in our expensive probiotics because it is digested by the good bacteria in our gut. Instead of releasing copious gas, they give us a fat molecule from it. It could feed the bad guys if you already have an overgrowth of them, but the lacto-bifidicus bacteria really love it. Bottom line - my gut is super happy with a Quest bar, and so is my sugar demon. Unfortunately my pocket isnt't as one Quest bar is the price of three chocolate bars. I have also been increasing my complex carbs. I enjoy a slice of whole wheat toast heavily loaded with butter or coconut oil. I make trail mix with macedamia nuts that are cheap here, dried cranberries, banana chips and raw coconut flakes. I pack it in little zip-lock bags, otherwise I pick out all the banana chips! This morning I was thinking about my early days exploring the DS and these forums. I read posts like these and they were so reassuring to me. These are the issues NORMAL people deal with. Normal people have to control their sugar intake, normal people struggle with those stubborn ten pounds. Normal people have digestive issues. I so wanted to be normal. Now I am. I will take the poop! Oh, I must add, I love home made hot chocolate! I use a teaspoon of cocoa, a pinch of salt, a pinch of stevia and a dribble of vanilla. Pour on boiling water and fill the mug with heavy cream. If I want to increase my protein for the day, I turn it into a egg protein hot chocolate. I use the shaker cup that is basically two mugs full. 2tsp cocoa, salt, sweetner, vanilla and a bit of hot water to dissolve the cocoa. Shake it up with 3 eggs. Fill the shaker with more hot water and lots of cream. Microwave till hot, but not cooked - otherwise you have chocolate pudding. Leonie, thank you so much for this post - it meant the world to me to see someone else going through similar struggles, but who has also had similar successes! I have to try the Quest bars, and the homemade hot chocolate recipe - yum! The trail mix idea also sounds excellent! Eriythritol works well with my digestive system. I don't know if they sell Bai5 drinks down under, but they have been wonderful for my system, and the flavors are delicious! They also are made with Erithritol. I take two Florastor pills daily for the good probiotics - must try the Chocolate Brownie Quest to see if it does well with my inner bacteria to help me reach inner nirvana. A lot of the sugar/fat seeking occurs when I am going through some gastric distress, so something like this could be a difference maker. Thanks for the ideas! Hugs, Corbin |
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Post by goodkel on Nov 26, 2014 10:16:09 GMT -5
I am 5'6", and according to the crazy BMI list, I would be at normal weight at 140, but I don't buy into that for a second. As I posted in the pics, I think I am looking pretty svelte now. Actually 140 pounds would put you at the middle of normal at a BMI of 22.6. Underweight = <18.5 Normal weight = 18.5–24.9 Overweight = 25–29.9 Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater 155 would put you at exactly 25. This is using the NIH calculator found here: weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/8844/bmi-calculatorBut, it makes no distinctions for sex and men carry more muscle, which weighs more than fat, than women do. |
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Post by Girlrocker on Nov 26, 2014 10:32:46 GMT -5
I am 5'6", and according to the crazy BMI list, I would be at normal weight at 140, but I don't buy into that for a second. As I posted in the pics, I think I am looking pretty svelte now. *Jumps up and down, claps hands* I think your entire attitude about your eating, your weight, your BMI, goal is ON POINT. So happy for you! I know many people look to the BMI guidelines but I agree, I think they are a bunch of hooey and kicked that to the curb when I was still in my RNY days. I've even been able to shake loose the scale number, and truly go by how I feel. And I have to say, re: the weight approach, right there with you . This dudette never wanted to be skinny, just the best I could be, healthy and fit. I felt that way at 40 with my RNY, which sadly, never gave me that chance - and still with the DS revision that finally took me to the finish line. My 'dream' weight was 135-140. I love my 155-162 range and know this is a great place for me and quite happy to bounce around anywhere in it. I keep an eye if I inch up to 165 cuz I do not want to go over that. It feels mighty powerful  I'm thriled for you. My one of my favorite sweet itch scratchers - besides the chocolate, banana or pumpkin cream cheese pancakes/mug muffins is a slice of Udi's Gluten Free toast with peanutbutter and sf preserves. But when I want something I EAT it, like a double scoop of Baskin Robbins ice cream this week, 1 scoop pralines 'n cream, 1 scoop gold medal ribbon. YUM. |
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Post by goodkel on Nov 26, 2014 18:58:23 GMT -5
I know that it is highly flawed and often inaccurate, but BMI is what many doctors use to describe a patient. (Not to mention all the studies..) The first time I saw "Morbidly Obese female arrived presenting blah blah blah", I thought I was going to faint. I was shocked. Now, I never want to see a record that describes me as "Overweight female."
I will not allow that to happen.
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Post by Simba on Nov 29, 2014 22:16:42 GMT -5
I have had 2 fissures, wow those things are sooooo painful. I mean I have delivered children this was painful for so long. The first one I suffered for months, I got my butt (hahah) into the anal surgeons office. I already tried the ususal sits baths, etc I was prescribed Rectiv and the surgeon said if this didnt work (this was 2 years ago) I would probably need surgery. about a week later I was getting better. i mean i used to start shaking when i would sit on the john, it really is like barbed wire, my hgb had dropped 2 gms since I was bleeding for months-yep, but I learned the 2nd time I treated much earlier and it was only a couple of weeks, and have not had an issue for a couple of years now. we dont have to suffer, there is usually something out there to help us
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Nov 30, 2014 20:06:21 GMT -5
I have bared A LOT of issues, conditions, surgeries, etc., which inflict pain. My hemorrhoidectomy was BY FAR the most painful recovery I have ever endured. I wish I had known about the Botox at that time. I am stoked for you that it worked. You look great too...congrats on everything. |
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I'm thriled for you. 
