TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 11, 2014 13:45:05 GMT -5
Hello All, I've been quite the lurker since discovering this place! For a little background on me, I first researched WLS in the fall of '08. One of the biggest reasons, was to combat infertility and be healthy enough to start a family. I also wanted a permanent solution for the rest of my life. I found OH and lurked over there for many months. I quickly came to realize that I needed the DS and wouldn't settle for anything less. I began interviewing DS surgeon all over the country. I would be traveling from Alaska, so I wasn't picky about a location. I finally picked my original surgeon because of his reasoning behind the responses to my list of questions, as well as having family nearby that I could recuperate with. Sleeve and cc length were got topics 5 years ago too. I read so much data, my eyeballs hurt. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I go into any major decision with eyes wide open and armed with as much information as possible. I truly felt prepared for the life ahead of me, living low carb, taking vitamins and getting back to exercising. I knew this was a lifestyle I could live, since it was actually pretty close to how I lived anyway, but years of metabolic resistance showed me that I needed the DS. My loss slowed and stabilized at around 10 months out. My sleeve capacity seemed very close to pre-op around that time too. Like many posts on this and other DS forums, I thought I'd probably never me a bean pole and figured I was destined to be happy with an "at least I'm under the 200 pound mark" attitude. One thing that did make me and my husband happy was the return of fertility. We were able to start a family. I was thrilled to eventually have 2 amazing pregnancies, with quick, drug free labors! The lowest steady weight that I have ever gotten in the last 5 years was 170 pounds. I believe that was because of pregnancy and nursing. Within a short time of weaning my last baby, weight started creeping back, as well as some co-morbids. I am so thankful that I was able to take advantage of my fertility window though. I have a great family, I'm so lucky! I've been a DS food poster child, eating 100-150 grams of protein, under 20 complex carbs a day, and drinking 100 plus oz of water, for the majority of time since my DS, but hard core for close to a year now. I've also been working full time, chasing kids, exercising, and not going any lower than 185-190 pounds. This has been really depressing, especially after all of my research and how hard I fought for this! I'm still considered obese. As you can imagine, I've felt like a failure, not wanting to advertise my less than amazing DS results. I reached out to a vet and I asked what she would do if she were in my shoes. She wrote that she'd contact Dr. Keshishian. I followed her advice this past October. Almost 5 years to the day that I began to research my first DS. I had an upper GI done about a month ago. Dr. K has been very busy, but he just looked at my films and I have "a very long common channel" as well as a larger sleeve with a hiatal hernia. My original surgeon does a standard 46 fb sleeve and 100 common channel. I honestly thought that would be enough for me. I thought he was basing those numbers on my height, history, etc. When I called him last October, to ask why he chose those numbers for me, the nurse informed that he does the same on every patient. Wow, I should've asked that question then. I want to scream from the rooftops that the DS IS NOT A ONE SIZE FITS ALL PROCEDURE! I learned it the hard way and never imagined that I'd be going back for an adjustment, with a different surgeon, to help me be a healthy weight. I'm writing this out, not only to introduce myself, but to help others learn from my experience and make informed decisions for themselves. Who knows where this next step will put me health and weight wise, but I've got to do it! I deserve it and so does my young family. I'm a bit more nervous this time. I'll be traveling alone again, but I have more at stake. This could come together fast, like in the next month or so. I'm excited though, to have a properly working DS! Thanks for reading everyone. It's been nice to find smart DSers again! ~T
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Post by angelcake on Jan 11, 2014 14:09:11 GMT -5
Congratulations for persevering. I hope things go smoothly for you.
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Post by Taterweight on Jan 11, 2014 14:14:08 GMT -5
TLady, thanks for sharing your experience, always good to be reminded that a DS is not the same for each person! I'm so happy for you that you were able to have two babies too, had I have known about infertility and WLS I would have done this 10 yrs ago! Good luck to you and I wish you well in your journey!
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 11, 2014 15:39:40 GMT -5
Thanks Tater and Angel! Your encouragement really helps!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2014 18:48:14 GMT -5
Dr. K preformed my revision last year. He is amazing. I travelled from Northen CA to southern CA so we were able to drive. But several people fly too. Hopefully you will be able to work that out. Keep us updated. Best, Whit
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 11, 2014 19:41:57 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing the specific details of your story and journey. Not only does it help us help you, but you'll never know how many people you reach who are lurking like you used to. You know, that phrase, "the DS is not a one size fits all surgery" is popping up more and more and I think it's very important. You are one brave lady to do this once again from Alaska. I'm also really moved by the fact you were able to have children when you did, and I know you're doing this as much for them, if not more, than for you. I can to the pain and frustration of being a poster child regarding eating/exercise and not being able to budge, it's very painful. One of the most life changing things for me when I met Dr. Keshishian was talking at length about my former surgery, what went wrong and finally understanding that I didn't fail, my surgery failed me. It was one of those life thunderbolt moments and I knew from then on, I would never be the same, I was finally off the hook. So for you to post this - you just need to eliminate the word 'complete' because you are NOT a failure, quite the contrary, you are a tremendous, self-aware success. I look forward to rooting you on to your fix. ps - Can I also say how impressed I am with your typing prowess on a smartphone??!! Or maybe it's a tablet
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 12, 2014 0:54:44 GMT -5
Sharyl,
I did type that on my iPhone. I had to hurry while the kids were still sleeping, so I'm sure there were some typos. Also, thanks for your advice and kind words. I'm feeling really good about this direction!
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 12, 2014 0:59:02 GMT -5
Thanks Whit! I've read some of your old posts about your journey. I'm so happy that you are enjoying the healthy life that you hoped for! I'm so excited to meet Dr. K and finally move in the best direciton possible! Thanks so much for the encouragement too!
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Jan 12, 2014 1:22:15 GMT -5
I am extremely excited for you TLady!!! Keep posting about your journey.
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 12, 2014 3:47:28 GMT -5
Thank you Lisa!! If my revision is half as successful as yours, I will be thrilled! You are a beauty!
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Post by aflame on Jan 12, 2014 8:47:04 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing your story:). I admire your perseverance. Here's hoping things go smoothly for you! Wishing you success p.s. I would love to read, if you were ever interested in sharing your DS pregnancy journey. I have PCOS, as well. I am hoping to have a healthy pregnancy post DS, several years down the line.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2014 9:36:18 GMT -5
Tlady I am so happy you were able to have two children, they are such a gift.
Regarding your weight loss, or not as much loss as you desire, if you don't mind sharing how much weight have you lost? I don't know your pre DS history like weight & medical conditions so I am just wondering if you had any comorbidities and if you did lose significant weight.
Regarding your sleeve size, I am interest in why you think a 46 french bougie is large. I am pretty sure that is the size my surgeon used on me and he told me that my stomach is the diameter of a grown man's thumb and a little longer than the length of a hot dog (I think that is ridiculously small). I didn't get my surgical report, because frankly I am not a surgeon and not real worried about it but the resident in the hospital said she looked at the report and it didn't give a volume. She assisted with the surgery and estimated the sleeve size to be between 4-5 oz. Personally, I thought he made my stomach too small because it made it really hard to eat the first 10 weeks, and I would have preferred something in the 7-8 oz range....but it is working so far..
Regarding channel length, I am not an MD and don't pretend to understand the complexity involved in determining optimal common channel length, but from what I have seen on this board I am not sure why Dr Keshasien would say that a 100CM common channel is long. Others can correct me if I am wrong but I think that is on the normal to even shorter side from what I have heard. Dr K is very respected so I am not questioning him, it just seems like that isn't a huge number..if it is 100 CM. I do understand that we all have different anatomies so when he says long I am sure he is speaking relative to your total small intestine length?
In any case, I hope that Dr K can help you and that you can get to the weight range that makes you happy.
Thanks for sharing your story.
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 12, 2014 13:04:41 GMT -5
Hi Scott, I can see my stats at the bottom of my posts, can you not? My high/surgery weight was 286, my lowest weight was 170 and my current weight is 185-191. I am also pretty short at just under 5'3". 100 pounds lost is not too shabby, I know, but for my frame, I should be closer to 115-120 pounds. I still have 70 pounds or so to go. After my initial surgery, many of my comorbids left completely or were just less severe. The biggest were most of my PCOS symptoms (which are too numerous to list here), high blood pressure, sleep apnea, back and joint issues, etc. The issues that were less severe have been amplified again with my 20 pound gain. I'm not getting a period anymore, back and joint issues have returned, blood pressure is rising, etc. I do not want to speak negatively of my original surgeon, I have a great amount of respect for him and his abilities. I was one of his first 30 patients, so maybe some techniques are different now, I can't be certain. Regarding my current sleeve size. My surgeon said that after my sleeve was healed, I would have a 6-8 oz capacity. He informed me that he doesn't believe in small sleeves and because many "puke too much". He said eventually that it would stretch to almost double that capacity. One also must take into consideration the technique the surgeon uses to form and close the sleeve. When I talked to his nurse a few months back, I tried to inquire a bit more about the technique he uses, does he pull the remaining stomach tight around the bougie and over stitch? He relayed through the nurse that the DS is "not meant to be a restrictive procedure". I must admit that this comment really rattled my cage. She also said he DOES NOT resleeve. For 5 years I've been comparing my capacity to the normies around me and really confused at how similar it is. I was never a binge eater, at all! So, I've simply used my capacity for DS appropriate food and carried on. My sister in law is a Dr. Jossart sleeve patient who is 2 years out and under her goal weight. He gave her a 32 sleeve and she is full after 6-8 bites. So, perhaps I will have more information after my revision, but a large sleeve with a hiatal hernia is all the information I have from my upper GI. I have known for many years that my sleeve is large, so this solidifies that it wasn't just in my head. Regarding cc length, Dr. K uses the Hess method where he measures the entire length of the patients small bowel and then uses a percentage of its total length to apply to the common channel and alimentary limb lengths. Since I am short, the total length of my intestines is going to be a lot different than someone who is 6 feet tall. For me, my results show that I am absorbing too much and Dr. K took one look at my films and said "that common channel is WAY too long"! He also takes into consideration many different factors about the patients lifestyle, history, metabolic resistance, etc. I believe he has had many years to monitor what works and what doesn't in his surgical patients and I'm really looking forward to hearing from him after he opens me up. While talking with his office staff, DS to DS revisions are very common lately. This is a sad reality and for that, I know now that my DS wasn't tailor made for my anatomy. I hope I've answered most of your questions. It's 9 am here, so I must get off my phone and see to my babies! I love them so much!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2014 13:43:35 GMT -5
Hi Scott, I can see my stats at the bottom of my posts, can you not? My high/surgery weight was 286, my lowest weight was 170 and my current weight is 185-191. I am also pretty short at just under 5'3". 100 pounds lost is not too shabby, I know, but for my frame, I should be closer to 115-120 pounds. I still have 70 pounds or so to go. After my initial surgery, many of my comorbids left completely or were just less severe. The biggest were most of my PCOS symptoms (which are too numerous to list here), high blood pressure, sleep apnea, back and joint issues, etc. The issues that were less severe have been amplified again with my 20 pound gain. I'm not getting a period anymore, back and joint issues have returned, blood pressure is rising, etc. I do not want to speak negatively of my original surgeon, I have a great amount of respect for him and his abilities. I was one of his first 30 patients, so maybe some techniques are different now, I can't be certain. Regarding my current sleeve size. My surgeon said that after my sleeve was healed, I would have a 6-8 oz capacity. He informed me that he doesn't believe in small sleeves and because many "puke too much". He said eventually that it would stretch to almost double that capacity. One also must take into consideration the technique the surgeon uses to form and close the sleeve. When I talked to his nurse a few months back, I tried to inquire a bit more about the technique he uses, does he pull the remaining stomach tight around the bougie and over stitch? He relayed through the nurse that the DS is "not meant to be a restrictive procedure". I must admit that this comment really rattled my cage. She also said he DOES NOT resleeve. For 5 years I've been comparing my capacity to the normies around me and really confused at how similar it is. I was never a binge eater, at all! So, I've simply used my capacity for DS appropriate food and carried on. My sister in law is a Dr. Jossart sleeve patient who is 2 years out and under her goal weight. He gave her a 32 sleeve and she is full after 6-8 bites. So, perhaps I will have more information after my revision, but a large sleeve with a hiatal hernia is all the information I have from my upper GI. I have known for many years that my sleeve is large, so this solidifies that it wasn't just in my head. Regarding cc length, Dr. K uses the Hess method where he measures the entire length of the patients small bowel and then uses a percentage of its total length to apply to the common channel and alimentary limb lengths. Since I am short, the total length of my intestines is going to be a lot different than someone who is 6 feet tall. For me, my results show that I am absorbing too much and Dr. K took one look at my films and said "that common channel is WAY too long"! He also takes into consideration many different factors about the patients lifestyle, history, metabolic resistance, etc. I believe he has had many years to monitor what works and what doesn't in his surgical patients and I'm really looking forward to hearing from him after he opens me up. While talking with his office staff, DS to DS revisions are very common lately. This is a sad reality and for that, I know now that my DS wasn't tailor made for my anatomy. I hope I've answered most of your questions. It's 9 am here, so I must get off my phone and see to my babies! I love them so much! LOL T...I swear I coudln't see the stats earlier, but then again I am getting old....thanks and sorry Thanks for your answers and good Luck! and enjoy the babies! My babies are soon to be 20 and 18...they grow up really fast.
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 12, 2014 14:34:57 GMT -5
That's okay, Scott.
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Post by MsVee on Jan 12, 2014 15:40:02 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing your story.
MsVee
Eta: spelling
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Post by calidreamer on Jan 24, 2014 18:49:10 GMT -5
T,your journey makes me feel better about my own. In my case it has been gradual regain from RNY. Most of the regain occurred after my pregnancies. The surgeon theorizes that the upward pressure from the pregnancies contributed to dilating my stoma. What I have been most concerned about is something going wrong with the revision... I have 3 young children. Anyway, I think I would like to be more involved and active as a mom, which is difficult with a BMI of 45. I'm also going with Dr. K. Good luck to you, you sound very well informed.
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 24, 2014 19:04:00 GMT -5
T,your journey makes me feel better about my own. In my case it has been gradual regain from RNY. Most of the regain occurred after my pregnancies. The surgeon theorizes that the upward pressure from the pregnancies contributed to dilating my stoma. What I have been most concerned about is something going wrong with the revision... I have 3 young children. Anyway, I think I would like to be more involved and active as a mom, which is difficult with a BMI of 45. I'm also going with Dr. K. Good luck to you, you sound very well informed. Isn't it crazy how having kids changes the way we now think about going into surgery? I was fearless the first time, knowing that my obesity would've killed me eventually. Now, I have more worries and concerns. I'm trying not to have morbid thoughts, but even preparing for my trip to California on Sunday, I've been making sure the kids things are where my husband can find them, for a long time. I'm vacillating between being practical and smart versus being fearful and dramatic. I'm on the verge of being excited, knowing that my co-morbids that have crept back will be banished again and I'll be the mom and wife my family deserves!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2014 22:17:13 GMT -5
TL, I can relate to your experience, as I had the same thoughts after my first sleeve. It just quit after the first 12 months. For the next year, I thought I was on a plateau... I kept going at 1100c, no simple carbs, the whole right way of eating and exercise, for two more years, but surprisingly started gaining! I was devastated, as my metabolic resistance returned, and I knew I was going to regain the 140 lbs I had worked so hard to lose...My GP felt that the DS was the only way to impact the metabolism and change the game! So here I am, waiting for ReSleeve and DS...
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Post by bradleyp on Jan 25, 2014 7:28:58 GMT -5
Full disclosure: I am a Dr. K fan. He's my surgeon, my wife's surgeon, my daughter's preschool teacher's surgeon, several of our friends surgeon, and as of 2/6, my mom will be having her consultation with him.
That all being said, my wife is 5'10" and was 350. She has a 70cm common channel. I am 6'6" and was 485. I have a 75cm common channel. We are both on the younger side...I'm 29, she's 29 and one year (not gonna say it)
In our cases we are both on the short sides of intestines. As part of the Hess method, the surgeon also considers the age and activity level of the patient. This is why our surgeon never discusses common channel length until after the procedure.
Who would have thought that such tall people would have such short intestines to begin with?
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 26, 2014 12:18:31 GMT -5
TL, I can relate to your experience, as I had the same thoughts after my first sleeve. It just quit after the first 12 months. For the next year, I thought I was on a plateau... I kept going at 1100c, no simple carbs, the whole right way of eating and exercise, for two more years, but surprisingly started gaining! I was devastated, as my metabolic resistance returned, and I knew I was going to regain the 140 lbs I had worked so hard to lose...My GP felt that the DS was the only way to impact the metabolism and change the game! So here I am, waiting for ReSleeve and DS... Yeah, you need this too, it's obvious. I'm sorry you've been beating yourself up as well. It is so devastating, but waiting for your DS will be so worth it! I'll be rooting for ya!
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 26, 2014 12:22:54 GMT -5
Full disclosure: I am a Dr. K fan. He's my surgeon, my wife's surgeon, my daughter's preschool teacher's surgeon, several of our friends surgeon, and as of 2/6, my mom will be having her consultation with him. That all being said, my wife is 5'10" and was 350. She has a 70cm common channel. I am 6'6" and was 485. I have a 75cm common channel. We are both on the younger side...I'm 29, she's 29 and one year (not gonna say it) In our cases we are both on the short sides of intestines. As part of the Hess method, the surgeon also considers the age and activity level of the patient. This is why our surgeon never discusses common channel length until after the procedure. Who would have thought that such tall people would have such short intestines to begin with? The fact that you're unabashedly proud to be a Dr. K patient is so comforting to me, especially right now as I'm packing to head his way! Thank you for sharing. That is so crazy about your intestinal length! I think our bodies are so wild! I'm so glad that you and your wife and other you know did it right the first time and went with a surgeon who won't do anything less than Hess!
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 26, 2014 15:51:09 GMT -5
Going to see you SOON TLady, travel safe from Alaska to California, I'm a-waitin' for you!
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Jan 26, 2014 17:05:16 GMT -5
Going to see you SOON TLady, travel safe from Alaska to California, I'm a-waitin' for you! Ahhhh!! It's happening! I'm excited to see you soon!
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Post by deedee484 on Jan 26, 2014 20:12:40 GMT -5
Good luck and best wishes TL!!!
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Post by bradleyp on Jan 27, 2014 2:23:47 GMT -5
Be prepared to see lots of colorful bowties. Ask him why he wears them. He gives a different answer each time.
BONUS: find a reason to ask him if something is going to hurt (drain removal, anything really..) you'll enjoy the instant response.
I promise.
Good luck!!!!!
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Feb 19, 2014 3:05:15 GMT -5
I will someday do a "my story" post, but just to update, I'll be 3 weeks out tomorrow. I am just now experiencing things with my new and improved DS that I never did with my initial DS. I was constipated before and was lucky to go once a day. Now, I'm going 3-4 times a day. I'm sensitive to whey, fat, and the usual carby stuff. Dr. K estimated prior to surgery that for my height of 5'3, I would probably have a short small bowel length. We were both surprised that I had over 800 cm! He also said that there were some strange things about my first DS and surgical report. He thanked me for coming to him and said my case was "fun" and challenged him. I have 2 sisters that also suffer from obesity and they live in Utah. They had been interested in talking to my original surgeon about DS's, but now, seeing as I needed the Hess method, they most likely do too. They were also very impressed with Dr. K. I think I may even have an innocent crush on that guy! I also historically bounce back from surgery pretty well and he cleared me to travel quickly! I was back home in Alaska in less than a week from the day of surgery. I had to miss some planned hangout dates with my awesome angel, Sharyl, but she understood! About a week after surgery and a few days after I arrived back home, I missed a call from Dr. K's office. There wasn't a message but I immediately called back, guessing that there may be an insurance billing issue. The staff investigated for a few minutes while I was on hold and to my surprise, the missed call was from Dr. K! He was just checking on me! We had a good chat and some laughs and it made me feel so cared about as his patient, on top of the in person stuff. Also, a new develop has occurred. As much as I love Alaska and my career, today, my husband has been offered a job in Washingtn and we'll be moving in a few months. Looks like I'm gonna get a little taste of being a stay at home mom for a few years. I hope I don't go crazy! It's bittersweet, but I will admit that I'm looking forward to warmer winters.
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 19, 2014 18:45:08 GMT -5
You have done amazing, I love how you write, how you explain what you've been through. It's very inspiring, and I love that the doc called you to check up on you He's pretty amazing that way. And now the big change, leaving Alaska and the job I know you love. That's also pretty amazing about your sisters, that they have been inspired by your experience. You are on quite an adventure, and I hope you will continue to post and share it with us here.
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Feb 19, 2014 21:02:57 GMT -5
Sharyl, I will try to overcome my fear of being an "over sharer" and keep updating. The biggest reason that I'm sharing is to help others make the most informed decision possible.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2014 21:17:02 GMT -5
I will someday do a "my story" post, but just to update, I'll be 3 weeks out tomorrow. I am just now experiencing things with my new and improved DS that I never did with my initial DS. I was constipated before and was lucky to go once a day. Now, I'm going 3-4 times a day. I'm sensitive to whey, fat, and the usual carby stuff. Dr. K estimated prior to surgery that for my height of 5'3, I would probably have a short small bowel length. We were both surprised that I had over 800 cm! He also said that there were some strange things about my first DS and surgical report. He thanked me for coming to him and said my case was "fun" and challenged him. I have 2 sisters that also suffer from obesity and they live in Utah. They had been interested in talking to my original surgeon about DS's, but now, seeing as I needed the Hess method, they most likely do too. They were also very impressed with Dr. K. I think I may even have an innocent crush on that guy! I also historically bounce back from surgery pretty well and he cleared me to travel quickly! I was back home in Alaska in less than a week from the day of surgery. I had to miss some planned hangout dates with my awesome angel, Sharyl, but she understood! About a week after surgery and a few days after I arrived back home, I missed a call from Dr. K's office. There wasn't a message but I immediately called back, guessing that there may be an insurance billing issue. The staff investigated for a few minutes while I was on hold and to my surprise, the missed call was from Dr. K! He was just checking on me! We had a good chat and some laughs and it made me feel so cared about as his patient, on top of the in person stuff. Also, a new develop has occurred. As much as I love Alaska and my career, today, my husband has been offered a job in Washingtn and we'll be moving in a few months. Looks like I'm gonna get a little taste of being a stay at home mom for a few years. I hope I don't go crazy! It's bittersweet, but I will admit that I'm looking forward to warmer winters. That is great news and I am glad you are feeling and doing well.
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