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Duodenal Switch/Lap -- Drs. Alfons Pomp & Michel Gagner

New York City
HEIGHT: 54
4/4/05: 265 lbs/BMI: 45.6
4/11/05: 256 lbs/BMI: 43.9 (date of surgery)
5/10/05: 237 lbs/BMI: 40.7
5/29/05: 228 lbs/BMI: 39.1
6/20/05: 220 lbs/BMI: 37.8
7/15/05: 210.9 lbs/BMI: 36.2
8/08/05: 203.8 lbs/BMI: 35.0
9/16/05: 187.5 lbs/BMI: 32.2
10/6/05: 179 lbs/BMI: 30.7
10/31/05:174.5/BMI: 29.9
12/2/05: 165 lbs/BMI: 28.3
12/27/05: 159.6 lbs/BMI: 27.4
1/20/06: 155.6 lbs/BMI: 26.7
2/14/06: 147 lbs/BMI: 25.2
3/6/06: 144 lbs/BMI: 24.7 (I'M IN THE NORMAL RANGE!!)
4/17/06: 137.4 lbs/BMI: 23.5
5/22/06: 133.6 lbs/BMI: 22.9
7/7/06: 133.6 lbs/BMI: 22.9
8/1/06: 130.4 lbs/BMI: 22.4 (hmm...and I thought I was done :D)
8/28/06: 126.4 lbs/BMI: 21.7
9/17/06: 126 lbs/BMI: 21.6 (finally stabilizing, I hope)
10/15/06: 125.2 lbs/BMI: 21.3
11/6/06: 123.6 lbs/BMI: 21.2
12/5/06: 128.8 lbs/BMI: 22.1
1/8/07: 125.6/BMI: 21.59
2/12/07: 124 lbs/BMI: 21.4
3/5/07: 123.4 lbs/BMI: 21.2
4/3/07: 125.6 lbs/BMI: 21.5
5/1/07: 125.6 lbs/BMI: 21.5
6/27/07: 124.6 lbs/BMI: 21.4
7/9/07: 124.6 lbs/BMI: 21.4
8/17/07: 121.5 lbs/BMI: 20.8
9/25/07: 123 lbs/BMI: 21.1
10/16/07: 123.2 lbs/BMI: 21.1
11/6/07: 124.2 lbs/BMI: 21.3
12/11/07: 124.4 lbs/BMI: 21.3
12/27/07: 121.5 lbs/BMI: 20.9
1/9/08: 122 lbs/BMI: 20.9
1/22/08: 121 lbs/BMI: 20.8
2/26/08: 122.5 lbs/BMI: 21
4/1/08: 121.8 lbs/BMI: 20.9
5/7/08: 121.8 lbs/BMI: 20.9
6/24/08: 122.4 lbs/BMI: 21

7/18/08: 121 lbs./BMI: 20.8

8/28/08: 116 lbs./BMI: 19.9 (its been a rough summer;))
9/16/08: 118.6 lbs./BMI: 20.4
10/30/08: 117.4 lbs./BMI: 20.1
11/13/08: 117.6 lbs./BMI: 20.2
12/12/08: 117 lbs./BMI: 20.1
1/15/09: 118.2 lbs./BMI: 20.3
3/5/09: 119.8 lbs./BMI: 20.6
4/22/09: 121.8 lbs./BMI: 20.9
7/29/09: 117.2 lbs./BMI: 20.1
9/11/09: 120.4 lbs./BMI: 20.7
10/8/09: 119.2 lbs./BMI: 20.5
12/3/09: 118.2 lbs./BMI: 20.4
1/28/10: 117.4 lbs./BMI: 20.1
2/25/10: 118 lbs./BMI: 20.3
4/8/10: 118.6 lbs./BMI: 20.4
7/21/10: 123.4 lbs./BMI: 21.2
8/5/10: 121.4 lbs./BMI: 20.8
9/2/10: 122 lbs./BMI: 20.9
9/16/10: 120.2 lbs./BMI: 20.6
12/2/2010: 122.8 lbs./BMI: 21.1
(There were several weigh-ins through here but I was living at my parents
home after my dads illness & didnt record them. I lost a lot while I was
there as I just ate pretty much straight protein but am now in the process of
trying to put some back on).
5/11/11: 115.8 lbs./BMI: 19.9
6/29/11: 113.6 lbs./BMI: 19.5
9/1/11: 115 lbs./ BMI:19.7
10/6/11: 116 lbs./BMI: 19.9
11/30/11: 117 lbs./BMI: 20.1
2/10/12: 119 lbs./BMI: 20.4
2/29/12: 118.1 lbs./BMI: 20.3
5/10/12: 119.6 lbs./BMI: 20.5
6/14/12: 119.6 lbs./BMI: 20.5
7/25/12: 118 lbs./BMI: 20.3
10/11/12: 125 lbs./BMI: 21.5
12/6/12: 121.6 lbs./BMI: 20.9
2/15/13: 119 lbs./BMI: 20.4
3/8/13: 119.6 lbs./BMI: 20.6
7/31/13: 121 lbs/BMI: 20.8
10/17/13: 121 lbs/BMI: 20.8
Forgot to list weight.
4/11/14: 118.2 lbs./BMI: 20.3
11/20/14: 120.5 lbs./BMI: 20.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11/20/14:

Had my second Reclast Infusion two weeks ago. Thankfully, it wasnt as

horrid as the first. I still ran 101.5 F. for 2 days and 100.5 F. for two more with
the flu-like aches; but then I was normal. The headache lasted for over a
week and Im still exhausted. However, its still a lot better than the first
infusion in 5/13.
Met with the gastro. today. For a few years Ive had a bulge on the left side of
my stomach (under my ribcage) about 10% of the time when I go. Its now
become about 60% of the time when I go. Its a hard bulge that hurts. Two
weeks ago it happened on my right side. I wasnt going. I just sat up and
there was a hard bulge (about the size of a golf ball) and it hurt.
My gastro. said theyre hernias as theyre right where I had previous surgery
scars. He said as long as I can push them back in, Im OK. However, if they
wont go back in after about 30 min., I have to rush to the ER and get a scan.
I pray that doesnt happen. I dont want more surgery!
8/25/13:
Had my yearly w/Dr. Pomp. Went OK. We discussed the fact that Ive fainted
5x over the last 5 years (and twice in my life before that). He said it could be
b/c Im dry. Also, theres a theory about quick weight loss, blood pooling,
etc. Could make it easier for me to faint nowadays.
Had a Reclast infusion at the end of May. Horrid. Will never do it again. They
used it to treat my osteo. due to unknowns about malabsorption and osteo.
oral meds. I dont care. Ill try the meds. I cant deal with that again. Took
over 2 mos. till I felt myself again due to all the things they had to give me to
bring up the calcium level that goes way down after the Reclast. Add to that
the flu like symptoms after the Reclast itself (fever, exhaustion weakness,
etc.) and it was just horrid.
12/10/12:
Newbies, its true. If youre going more than you should; examine what
youre eating. Has it changed? I eat the same 3-4 things for breakfast, 3-4
for lunch and 5-6 for dinner. So I didnt think anything had changed. It had. I
began using a generic form of Crystal Light this past summer. The only
difference in the ingredients between the real Crystal Light (which has never
bothered me) and the generic version was the generic had magnesium in it. I
dont know how much; however, it can make you go more. Nowadays, Im
back going 3-4 times a day. Once in a while, its more; but its almost where
it was before the Tetracycline debacle in early 2011.
Ive also begun seeing an endo. that specializes in osteo. Issues. I have
osteopenia & osteoporosis. Need to begin on something (I also lift weights
3x/week to help) but shes speaking to my surgeon and others to figure out
what would be best for me and what dosage. As a DSer these are often tricky
things.

9/5/12:
Stomach is better still. Going 3-5x a day on average. It used to be 3-4x and
would like to get it there but its still a heck of a lot better than the winter
when I went 8-13x a day. Im just so happy to be back to pretty much DS
normal.
7/25/12:
Saw Bariatric Surgeon to day for my yearly visit. Bloods look good. A little
tweaking here & there w/vitamins & minerals but thats to be expected.
Weight was good.
Gastro. is better. Seems as if it was the Tetracycline I took in January 2012
that killed off pretty much all the flora inside & wreaked havoc (probably will
only take a Z-Pak if I need antibiotics again as Ive had issues not as bad as
this, thankfully- with others).

2/29/12:
Still having some gastro. issues. On 1.13.12, I began a course of Tetracycline
(with both the approval of the gastro. & bariatric surgeon). This was to try &
get rid of the slight abdominal pain Ive had since 1.10 (endoscopy,
colonoscopy, MRI, courses of Flagyl havent cured it). Within 36 hours of
taking the Tetracycline, my bowels turned to water. It had also happened this
past summer when I was given Amoxicillin (for a tooth extraction). Obviously,
I stopped the Tetracycline, immediately. Unfortunately, Ive had bowel issues
since then. I go 8-13 times a day. Sometimes just a little, but there is still the
urge. I normally go (post DS) 3-4 times a day so this is way too much. Ive
seen the gastro. & my bariatric surgeon as both arent happy. A CT scan is
scheduled for tomorrow. It prob. wont help the going issue, but maybe
theyll see something re: the pain.
I also did a 3 day stool sample test. I wont go into it as it isnt pretty. It did
show Im absorbing 30-40% of the fat I eat (you also keep a diary of what you
eat & the fat content). It makes sense as you do absorb more when you get
further out. It was prob. 20% in the beginning & now should hold around this
percentage.
The fact the going problem began right after the Tetracycline debacle cant
be seen as a coincidence. Something was triggered by the Tetracycline and
has to be figured out.
After the CT scan, I begin a series of treatments to see what they can do to
slow down the going. (I cant live on Imodium). Welchol (a bile acid
sequestrant) is the first thing Im going to try. While its generally used for

high cholesterol, thats not why theyre trying it. For me, they hope it will
bind the bile acids in my intestine. If that doesnt work (and I should know in
a couple of days) well try some pancreatic enzymes. Of course, that scares
me, concerning weight gain, but they dont think it should do much as Ive
been stable for so many years. There are a few more things to try after that,
but Ill cross that bridge when needed. (BTW, I did try Flagyl as soon as the
going got out of hand. I took it for 10 days as it is the DSers regulator. It
didnt work, so I stopped it. My bariatric surgeon feels this proves its not all
DS related. While the DS probably aggravated whatever it is, the Tetracycline
seems to have set something in motion).
9/1/11:
Saw Dr. Pomp in July. Was prob. my worse yearly visit in a while. I weighed in
at 113.5 lbs.; still had a slight bacterial overgrowth (they think) due to very
slight upper abdominal pain. (Ive been suffering from abdominal pain since
6/10. After an endoscopy and colonoscopy in autumn 2010 [Im seeing a
gastroenterologist] and an MRI -- they were all set to operate. They thought
the MRI showed a polyp in my jejunum. Thankfully, Dr. Pomp wanted another
study and the 2d MRI (2/11) showed no polyp. Thats when they said its
prob. a bacterial overgrowth. (I had blood in my stool during autumn 2010 as
well which is now gone & they feel maybe it was just irritation). So the pain
is much, much better but still not totally gone. Its back to 10 days on the
Flagyl & a few weeks off. Plus, Im taking 2 probiotics a day. Ill do that for
the rest of my life to try & limit this issue (as DSers are much more prone to
bacterial overgrowths than avg. people).
The low weight is due to a lot of stress. My father became ill in 3/11. I lived
home for 9 weeks & ate only protein. I dropped more than 10 lbs. Im having
a tough time putting it all back as I seem to release my tension through the
toilet (if you get my drift). If I cant gain the weight, Dr. Pomp wants me to
talk with Liz (nutritionist) about drinking ensure, etc.
Thankfully, my father is getting better, but my mother & I are doing the bulk
of all business related matter, bills, etc. Im very proud of her, though, as
shes learned so much. Shes had to & is becoming much more self-sufficient.
7/21/10:
Saw Dr. Pomp for my yearly checkup today. He said for someone who has had
my surgery; my bloods are incredible. I should keep up the great work!
I wasn't happy as I felt I should weigh about 120lbs. I think I'll start weighing
at least once a month as I'd like to be a few pounds lighter. While he felt I
should weigh about 130lbs. I want to do what makes me feel happy. So I'm
continuing the protein and very low carbs. till I get where I want to be.
7/19/10:

Went to the dermo. my internist recommended. Had a biopsy done on the

sole of my foot (as both the soles of my feet and fingers peel) so the scar
would be minimal. It hurt and the stitches were a nuisance but it was worth it.
After 2.5 years of not knowing -- finally someone told me what it was. It is
NOT psoriasis or eczema. It's hyperkeratosis. A hardening of the skin. It's not
a lifelong disease like psoriasis & even if I have to end up taking some oral
med. I'm not crazy about at least it shouldn't be a lifelong treatment (we're
trying specific topical treatments for hyperkeratosis now).
How was it caused? His first question was, "Where are you in menopause?" I
told him I get a period maybe once a year so it's not finished yet, but let's
face it, it's nearer than farther. Losing so much weight slammed me into
early menopause 5 years ago. I'm just happy it's finally been diagnosed. Now
we see where we go from here. It's also nice to think the DS didn't cause it.
6/3/10:
Saw my internist yesterday. I'd gone there for some guidance as I was feeling
really lost about what to do next. We had a long talk. He hates the coconut
oil for me as I 'go' at least 3x/day now. Also, wants me to continue eating
some sugar & carbs. so I don't get weak/tired like I did a few weeks ago when
I tried to cut them both out. He wants me to go to a dermatologist for a 2d
opinion and a possible biopsy to ensure it is psoriasis. He then reminded me I
have to treat food as medicine & not fool around w/it. It isn't so vital for
average people, but he feels it's something I've got to really adhere to.
Interesting viewpoint.
Hes really a tremendous doctor. Spends a ton of time w/you and has really
become conversant w/the DS over the years.
5/20/10:
It took a week to get back my energy from the disastrous experiment of
eating protein only (no nuts, no carbs., no sugar at all). Obviously, my postop
body cant handle that. I reintroduced nuts and some low glycemic carbs.
Also a small amount of catsup for each meal. I feel much better.
However, part 2 of the experiment has had to be halted after just 2 days. I
began taking the coconut oil internally. 3.5 tbsp. the first night (in hot cocoa).
4 tbsp. the next night. Then the runs began. While I knew a DSer might
have issues with malabsorbing the coconut oil, I forgot how quickly it would
pass through me. Ive been on the toilet for 2 days. Diarrhea, orange slicks,
accidents. It hasnt been pretty. Just goes to show that youre still always
trying to learn with the DS even 5 years out.
Im now considering going another way a friend from the UK has suggested.
5/13/10:

Well, that experiment is over. The tiredness, lethargy, weakness -- it was all
too much. After a good deal of thinking and discussion, it looks like my
physiology just can't take no sugar & no carbs. I need some. Protein isn't
enough. So I've gone back to the low carb. and low sugar (most days) way I
was eating.
Next week, I'll try the low glycemic foods and will try taking coconut oil
internally. It won't be pleasant. I'm going to try & mix it w/eggs and
unsweetened Dutch cocoa with Stevia. I'm also using it externally -- but you
can only put it on and wipe it off as it doesn't really absorb well.
5/11/10:
I'm so exhausted. I've been sleeping for 2 days.
If you've read this blog at all, you'll notice I've been suffering from peeling
fingers (and soles of my feet) since Feb. 2008. Despite numerous visits to
specialists and tons of different ointments & phototherapy treatments -nothing has worked. Now, before I go onto oral drugs (with side effects that
worry me) I'm trying something new. A friend of a friend has suffered from
psoriasis all over her body for most of her life. After much research she has
determined that it was due to Candida in her gastro-intestinal tract. I spoke
at length with her about this. Once she mentioned gastro-intestinal tract my
ears perked up as I know that's so much about the DS and the bacteria in
there. She suggested taking coconut oil internally (3 1/2 tbs. per day) plus
using it externally if needed. She also stated a good, live probiotic was
needed. Plus, she said I needed to go 2 weeks with NO sugar (and Im doing
no carbs. either, as they break down into sugar).
The probiotic, I hope, will be the trick. I know so many DSers who take it for
gas odor. I never have as it's costly and I didn't want to add another pill. But,
if I can ever get back to the office (full-time) which I can't do as my fingers
only permit me to type for about 5 minutes at a time before they become
sore and/or bleed (due to new skin constantly forming due to the peeling that
never stops) I know I'd have to take it anyway -- so I began 1 per/day on
Sunday. I take it on an empty stomach 30-60 mins. before breakfast. I've
had to move around my other vits/minerals (it's not easy) but I'd doing it. I'll
prob. go to 2 per/day by the end of the week as I'm not sure what effect 1
per/day is doing & Im praying they change the bacteria, get rid of the
Candida and stop the peeling.
I think I'm so tired b/c of the NO sugar. Now, I don't eat much sugar anyway,
but I do have sf ices & candy. I do have nuts and catsup. I do have fruit &
carbs. I've stopped all of it. All I'm eating is protein and cheese. Plus some
mustard and mayo. Everything is pretty much tasteless. Like I'm eating
cardboard. (Looking into maybe some sf jello. It doesnt have any sugar or
carbs. Also going to look at sf catsup, but Im afraid it has too many carbs.
and/or sugar alcohols. I dont have much trouble w/sugar alcohols but Im

trying to stay away from them during these 2 weeks. It depends on how
much I can take eating no catsup). So I'm eating a lot less and only eating
protein. All DSers know what happens. You lose weight. I think thats why
I'm exhausted and I think just losing that sugar I used to eat everyday has
also exhausted me. To do this for 2 weeks is going to be really hard but I'm
going to b/c the girl I've spoken with says you have to allow the Candida to
"die off". The reason I think she's onto something is b/c she also mentioned
yeast infections. I'd recently mentioned to my mother I've had more yeast
infections over the last 2 years than since I was in my 20s. During the "die
off" she said to expect headaches and gastro-intestinal distress. Thankfully, I
haven't suffered from that (again, b/c I don't think I normally eat much sugar)
but the exhaustion is something she didn't mention.
If, after these 2 weeks, when I add in some sugar, my fingers and feet haven't
gotten better, Ill begin the internal coconut oil (staying with the probiotic for
the rest of my life, most likely). My concern is she said 3 1/2 tbs. per day. As
a DSer, won't I malabsorb it? Does that mean I need about 10 tbs. per day?
Blech. To ingest it isn't pleasant. She suggested in coffee or tea (I drink
neither). I'll think about eggs or other places to put it, but I'll worry about
that later.
4/11/10:
Cant believe its been 5 years since I had the DS. Things have settled in for
me and I just work the protein and vitamins. I should be about 5 lbs. heavier
than I am now, but just cant bring myself to do it. What can I say? Its just
not something I want to do right now.
The best thing I can say about the DS is I dont ever feel deprived. If Im
hungry, I eat protein. I eat as much protein as I want. I eat every few hours.
I dont count calories. This is what I believe makes the DS work for me. I
never feel as if Im dieting. If I want to lose a few, its more protein and
liquids. Gain a few, its more carbs.
I guess the one thing that still gets me is the gas odor. I control it very well
by what I eat, but it still comes a couple of times a day. When I finally get to
work regularly again, I assume Ill take a probiotic regularly. I wouldnt want
to have to stress about that all the time.
As for looking for work, I still cant do it due to the finger tip peeling. Its now
been going on since Feb. 2008. Im with a specialist and weve tried several
things. The next step is a Rx which kind of worries me due to the side
effects. Before that, Im going to see an alternative doctor who has had
some success with problems like mine. Is this a DS byproduct? I dont know.
You cant automatically blame the DS for all physical issues but with this no
one knows. As it is, whatever caused it, it needs to be fixed. Im limited to
about 5 mins. at a time on a computer due to this problem (when the
fingertips peel -- new skin constantly forms which is very painful when
pressed on a computer keyboard).

Finally, while I wasnt one of those who said about the DS, Its the best thing
I ever did -- at about 2.5 years out, I realized it had been the correct
decision for me. Do your homework, make a pros/cons list and decide what
you want, need and can live with. Then decide if its the surgery for you.

2/25/10:
Saw the endocrinologist today. It had been over a year but since my PTH is
almost normal (only took 5 years, lol) I dont really have to see him that
much. Its a good idea for DSers to see an endocrinologist as they really
specialize in vitamins and such.
He said I look good (a bit thin). Have good energy, but also an enlarged
thyroid. As I dont have any thyroid disease in my family hell do an
ultrasound in 6 mos. just to check it out.
Also wants me to supplement magnesium (which Ive never done) as I dont
eat vegetables and I get a little light-headed at times.
He also wants to test my Vit. D in a month or so since Ive upped it but I
doubt Ill do it. I know its very hard for a DSer to be taking too much so Im
not worried. Ill see the numbers in July at my next bloods & that should be
sufficient.
Thankfully, everything else is still going well.

8/11/09:
Had the Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) & endoscopy today at the hospital. Took
about an hour and I was sedated for the whole time so I didn't feel a thing.
Didn't even have much of a sore throat when I woke up. But that will change
once the numbing wears off.
The good/bad news is they found nothing. No stones, no ulcers. I'm glad there
was no stone as it would've been really hard to get to since my anatomy is
changed from the DS.
The problem is: what is it? Why did I have such excruciating pain 3 weeks ago
(and still have mild discomfort) that I spent a couple of days in the hospital
and why were my liver enzymes so high during my hospital stay & a week
later when they did bloods again? I'm going to have bloods done in 2 weeks
to check the liver enzymes again and, if they are down to normal (which I
suspect they'll be) we'll just have to leave things as they are. I hate that. I

hate not knowing what's wrong & that it could happen again. I thought once
the gb came out last summer I wouldn't have to worry about pain like that
again. Oh, well. I'm still going to stay close to home the next while because I
don't want to be caught out of the area just in case it happens again.
7/29/09:
Had my yearly visit with Dr. Pomp today. Other than telling me I was too thin
(thats explained later in this post) things are looking good. I will talk with the
nutrit. later in the week to go over bloods & make some changes. However,
Dr. Pomp & I only spent a small portion of time on my yearly visit. We had
something else to discuss & heres the story:
I was in the hospital last week after fainting 3x in the elevator on the way up
to my apt. It was excruciating pain right under my breasts. I knew it couldn't
be my gb because that was removed almost a year ago to the day (by my DS
surgeon) but it was the exact same pain. Some DSers had told me last year
(after my gb was removed) that stones were rare but could occur even after
the gb was gone. So, thats what I figured it prob. was.
Spent a couple of days in the hospital with no clear answers. CT and MRI
showed nothing. (Off topic for a second -- I always go to my DS hospital
which is so great b/c the bariatric team swoops into the ER and practically
takes over. They consult with the ER residents but it's always the bariatric
residents and surgeon who make the decisions and order the tests. They
come and visit a lot. Just reinforces the decision to go to this bariatric
practice b/c the aftercare (these past 4+ years) has been outstanding).
So, the DS surgeon sent me to a gastroent. yesterday that they work
w/frequently and who knows about the DS. He wanted to do a scope. It's
called an EUS and will be used to exclude the presence of a stone. Now I
thought DSers couldnt have scopes. Not true. It's different but we can.
What this does is go down the stomach like an average person. But they
can't scope the unattached limb where they need to look. So what do they
do? They take a fluoroscope & ultrasound down with the scope and somehow
try to look at the unattached limb that way from the regular stomach area.
Obviously, you need someone who knows what he's doing & this guy truly
seems to because he obviously cant scope the unattached limb.
So after Dr. Pomp and I discussed the usual stuff we then discussed
extensively the pain I had last week and the pain (much less but still here) &
exhaustion I still have. After he said I needed to eat some carbs (I lost weight
in the hospital when they didn't let me eat) he gave me some decent news.
He doesn't think it's a stone but agreed I have to have that scope to exclude
the possibility. He thinks it may be ulcers.
This is actually good news & interesting b/c before the DS I had to have an
endoscopy and they found at least a dozen. I never know I had them & had
no symptoms. If it were an ulcer I believe the treatment is a lot easier. They
gastroent. said if there is a stone or something in that duct it's a pretty
difficult operation. So, I'm just waiting for a time to go in to have the scope.

The funniest part of the day came from my mother. She likes to come to the
yearly DS surgeon visit so I invite her for the visit and lunch. She asked if she
could ask him a question about fats. I said sure. She just wanted to check it
was okay when I eat steak with fat, lamb chops without trimming the fat, etc.,
-- you all get the idea. He said it's perfectly okay for me to do it. So now she
said she'll never bring it up again. Yes, We CAN Eat the Fat, lol.
4/11/09:
Today is 4 years for me. It was a rough ride to begin but it evened out as
time went on. The DS has definitely made my life easier. It hasnt helped
with employment but its sure made me more comfortable when I go on
interviews. I thank all my DS friends (and, of course, my family) who have
supported me through this process. I hope Ive helped them a little, too.
Again, thanks to all and, I guess I should say, Happy Anniversary to me.
Also, fingertip peeling is just dreadful. Its somewhat painful now and
debilitating. Im trying mega doses of Vit. B complex and Biotin (4x the daily
average) to see if that will help. I see my dermo. next month as Ive got to
get this under control! Here is the latest video:
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2m6ocyh&s=5
1/8/09:
Still didn't finish with the tooth. Will take another week at the endodontist
and then to the regular dentist.
Funny thing happened though. It's warm in her office and I took off my
sweatshirt. I had a t-shirt tucked into my jeans. The endodontist said, "You're
so skinny. How did you stay so skinny over the holidays?" That's the DS.
While I didn't tell her that (because no one really knows I had it done) that's
the power of the DS. I'm not hungry (b/c I eat a ton of protein), I'm not
deprived b/c I eat carbs to keep weight on and I eat junk once a week -- so
nothing is forbidden. I stress this b/c sometimes I wonder if I dwell too much
on the negatives of the DS. Look, it took over 2 years till I decided having the
DS was the right thing for me to do. Yep, it took a while. I didn't say, "It's the
best thing I ever did and wish I did it when I was 20" like many people do.
But it has changed my life for the better. There are certainly challenges with
the DS, but on the whole it's a better way to live for me.
1/7/09
Wow, what a cold I've had. I haven't been able to sleep due the stuffed nose.
I couldn't breathe. And fever, aches, coughing. And NOTHING I TOOK
WORKED!
This worries me b/c in the past the Sudafed or Nyquil or aspirin
or Tylenol or Aleeve worked. But this time nothing. I think I'm going to have
to take more than the recommended amt. b/c I have a feeling it's being
malabsorbed. At least this time. Sometimes, if I take too much of something

(I remember when I took some valium a while ago -- a little worked a lot) it
works too well. But when I get another cold, I'm going to try more. I just
can't stay home for 4 days. It's not feasible any longer. I also may try a ton
of Vit. C. I'll prob. consult my surgeon's nutrit. & the DSers I know.
Thankfully, it's much better and I can get to the endodontist tomorrow who is
working on a very old root canal that abscessed 2 weeks ago. That was a
pleasure, let me tell you.
BTW, a word to the wise for DSers: I'm again
going to stress this. Make sure you take probiotics while taking antibiotics.
It's a pain as I'm taking them 2x/day at least 30 min. prior to eating and
taking the antibiotic but it's worth it. You don't want to fool around with
thrush and/or yeast infections. Add that to everything else I take and it's
never-ending. Plus, I'm going to continue taking 1 a day for a week after I
finish the antibiotic to ensure the good bacteria is back to the level it should
be.
12/19/08 & 1/1/09:
Saw the endocrinologist last week. Seems my PTH went down 40 points!
Unbelievable. It's still much too high (but it's been abnormally high since
preop) but it's finally coming down. I'm not sure I ever really thought it would
happen.
Vit. D is good, calcium low normal. I told him I'd like to raise the Vit. D to
20,000 iu/day. I've been taking 10,000 iu/day (I know most DSers take much
more) but my Vit. D has been good. However, I think if I raise it, I may get an
even better Vit. D number and it might help with the calcium absorption and
help lower the PTH even more. Of course it means more pills, but, hey, that's
part of the DS deal). First time he was pretty happy. Don't need to go back
till the summer. Copper is still too low (all that zinc I supplement) so we're
raising it to 10 mg/day from 8. Also, spoke to my surgeon's nutrit. She wants
me to try and take the copper separate from the zinc (if only by 30 min.) so it
absorbs better.
Oh, also added 3 mg. of Biotin/day. I'm seeing if that will help the peeling
fingers (see video in July and May 20008 postings). I also only do dishes
1x/day and am using heavy duty goop on my fingertips. Got to give it a
month or so to see if it helps. It's been going on since early 2008 and wasn't
that big a problem but now with using a computer so much, and the skin
always being new, tender and hard -- the wheel of the mouse is
uncomfortable on my fingertips.
That's about it. Suffering from an abscessed tooth (from a very old root
canal) so it's antibiotics again. I hadn't been on antibiotics in over 5 years
and now twice in 2 months (eye infection in November). They are rough on a
DSer. Lots of probiotics and having to take them 3x/day knocks me out.
Hope everyone has a great 2009.

9/26/08:
What a rough week. Having some professional problems causing a great deal
of stress. For some reason since having the DS I have no appetite when Im
upset. I just eat the minimum protein requirements and thats it. Then to
add to my difficulties, the gynecologist felt a lump yesterday and told me I
had to get to the radiologist ASAP. Ive lost more weight and just cant seem
to eat more. Thankfully, the radiologist did a mammogram and sonogram &
its just one of my cysts that has gotten bigger. Apparently, when youre premenopausal cysts tend to enlarge. You cant begin to imagine the tension my
family has felt the last 24 hours. Its been unbearable. I plan to relax this
weekend and part of next week (a mini-vacation) and tackle the professional
issues later next week since (thank G-d) the medical issue has been resolved.
Im just exhausted. I also bought some pastry to eat. Maybe put on some
weight. I need to add about 10lbs. but until things get settled Im not sure
how successful Im going to be but Ill try.
Oh, and I might have an answer to why my thumb nails look ridged.
Apparently, theres a condition called Koilonychia [the nails are flattened and
have concavities]. Generally, one gets it due to an iron deficiency. My iron
has been ok but its being rechecked in a mini-bloods this November -- so
when I see those results Ill check them next to my preop iron and see if
theres any major difference. Just b/c my iron has been good doesnt mean it
wouldnt help to maybe get it closer to preop levels. After all, once I saw
what my zinc was preop and brought it up that horrible itching I suffered from
for so long has gotten incredibly better.
Sunday is the Walk From Obesity. No matter how tired I am, I sure hope to
go. Its a fun day and a good cause.
8/28/08:
Saw the endocrinologist today. Lost 5 lbs. since I saw my surgeon in July. I
really have to put the weight back on. He wants 8-10lbs. I figure 5-7lbs.
would do. So its more carbs. for me. Just not in public. Dont want the
gas ;).
PTH is high, Vit. D3 is ok, calcium is too low. Hes going to go along with what
my surgeons nutrit. said in July about upping the Vit. D2. If that doesnt
help, he may prescribe something called Activated Vit. D
[http://www.naturalnews.com/003142.html]. Even though my D3 looks ok,
my liver may not be processing it that well. The Activated Vit. D would help
here.
Dexa bone scan has more osteopenia but he said for my age and the DS its
not worrisome yet. Have to go back in late Nov. after mini-bloods checking to
see if Vit. D2 prescription is helping.

He said I look too thin but energetic so thats good!

Still have the contact dermatitis from the betadine and steri-strip
combination used when my gallbladder was removed last month. Thankfully,
its a lot better due to the steroid ointment I was given by the dermo. but it is
still here. Looks like rings around the incision points.
8/6/08
So, I'm at a great DS dinner Thursday night, July 28th. We go Moonstruck
Diner and I order a cheeseburger and fries. I eat a handful of fries and figure
to take the burger home and eat it the rest of the evening.
Half of the DSers left around 8PM (some had just had PS and needed their
rest) and the rest of us were talking. I started to get pains in my rib cage. I
thought it was gas. I got up and walked around, massaged the area -- nothing
helped. It got worse and worse. Finally, around 9PM I said I had to go home
and lie down. I took a taxi with another DSer (you know I must be hurting b/c
I almost never take a taxi) and went to my apt. Lying down was terrible. So
was sitting up. Finally, I called home and my mother suggested Ginger Ale
and Tums. I tried both and nothing worked. I took my temperature and it was
99.9F., orally. My mother suggested I call my internist. At 11PM, I did. He
called back in 10 mins. and said to go to the ER as they needed to feel the
area, take tests, etc. At 11:25PM, I got to the ER (I went to Weill Cornell
Hospital where my DS was done in '05) and waited an hour till I was seen
(pacing up and down the waiting room groaning).
At 12:10AM, it was like a miracle happened. The pain went away. I was fine!
Just a little tenderness around the upper stomach area. You never would've
known anything was wrong. But 15 hours later (in the ER) and a battery of
tests (blood, ultrasound) I was taken to a care unit in the hospital to be
monitored. Stones in my pancreas (pancreatitis) had caused the pain and my
gallbladder had to be removed. However, they had to wait for it to settle
down. So from THURSDAY NIGHT 7:30PM till SUNDAY MORNING 9:30AM, till
they removed the gallbladder, NO FOOD OR DRINK. Just intravenous. They
were afraid if I ate anything I could have another attack. (BTW, when I arrived
in the care unit they wanted to put in a catheter. I said no and said I'd been
peeing all night from the IV and was still doing so. So no catheter was
needed. I prevailed and the whole time I was there I had no catheter except
for the time in the OR. I learned from my DS that you need to speak up so I
did. Sure they're often right and a catheter is needed but if you think you
have a good point of view I've learned it's impt. to speak up). Oh, and the
nicest thing. My internist called Saturday night to see how I was doing. Hes
just so great.
Oh, and the funniest thing (I forgot to mention). While in the ER, no less than
4 drs. and nurses asked me if I drank. The reason was that my liver enzymes
(and some others) were so high. I explained to each one, I dont drink. I
dont smoke. I EAT! I understood why they kept asking b/c apparently

drinking can make the liver enzymes explode upwards but it was just funny
they all kept on coming over to ask me. Of course, once they did the
ultrasound they saw what the problem was. The other funny thing that
happened in the ER was the girl next to me. She really felt badly. I heard
what was doing with her and when she finally started to feel better we talked
for a couple of hours (since I felt fine). Shed just had an RNY (done by Pomp)
2 weeks ago and was she having buyers remorse! I was able to let her see a
bit down the road (as I was at over 3 years out) and that it does get better.
She began to remember why she did it (for her young kids so shed be
around) and cheered up. She really thanked me for talking w/her and helping
to remind her that better times were ahead. I felt good and, in a way, kind of
like it was meant for me to be there that night.
So Sunday morning one of my DS surgeons (Dr. Pomp) came and explained
the procedure. They did a lap gallbladder removal. Still NO FOOD TILL
MONDAY 8:30AM. So about 3.5 days with no food or drink, whew!
Got home very late (to my parents home) Monday night and returned to my
apt. on Wednesday. Healing slowly but ok, till Friday when a rash developed
and terrible itching around 2 of the incision areas. Got the on-call resident
Friday and Saturday and we're trying Benadryl creme and an antihistamine
but neither is working much. The resident thinks it may be an allergic
reaction to the steri-strips and/or iodine used in the surgery. Heading to a
dermo. this week to try and figure out whether its a fungus or Im allergic to
the steri-stips they use after surgery. Im just a red, itchy, blotchy mess all
over my stomach.
So there you have it and I guess the lesson is LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. When it
says something hurts, don't ignore it.
7/18/08:
Saw WLS surgeon (and his nutrit.) for my yearly visit yesterday. Blood
pressure is 100/66 so thats good. Need to add more copper (which I figured)
and a Rx of Vit. D2. That was so interesting b/c I didnt think D2 was
important but the nutrit. said mine was so low it was affecting calcium
absorption (which is down a bit). Vit. D3 is still ok.
Neither of them knew what was going on with my peeling fingertips (which
began in February 2008). The nutrit. said she researched it and found
nothing. The surgeon asked me to email him in a couple of weeks and hell
see if he can find anything. Both said Im the first WLS patient to have this.
Heres some more video taken July 08 (copy/paste to view):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=l130jUUfVe4
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_lr_-XN05fo

7/11/08
Feeling fine today. Just wanted to stress again how important having a
colonoscopy is. Id have it again tomorrow if I had to.
7/10/08
Well, its the day after my colonoscopy and I thought Id share some things
Ive learned. [I want to stress, this is how it went for me. It doesn't mean it'll
be like this for anyone else]. This is really the first medical procedure Ive had
done since the DS. Oh, Ive had bone density scans and things like that, but
this was different.
First, as a DSer, I asked my WLS surgeon for a referral to a gastroenterologist
who might know something about the DS. I met with the doctor and he was
familiar with it, though he hadnt done a colonoscopy on a DSer. He said it
would prob. take longer than the avg. time (15 mins) due to scar tissue and
that I was correct and shouldnt drink the Golytely (also called Colyte, or
Nulytely) as I would barf it up. I should, instead go with the phosphate
tablets (Osmo-Prep or Visicol). In addition, as a DSer, theres always an
increased risk of dehydration. So I was to eat until 3PM Tuesday -- the
procedure was scheduled for Wednesday at 9AM -- (average people stop
eating at 12PM) and drink until 4AM the day of the procedure (others stop at
Midnight). Also, beginning Monday, I should only eat protein. Nothing else
until after the colonoscopy. Finally, all vits/minerals/iron were stopped as of
Monday morning. (Honestly, this was the weirdest. I felt like an addict
without my fix. I was walking around after meals going nuts. I just wanted to
throw down my usual handful of pills).
When you take the phosphate tablets you do it like this. Tuesday at 3PM you
take 4 tablets. Then 4 more tablets at 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00 for a total of 20
tablets. They taste like salt pills as they sat on my tongue waiting to be
taken with a full glass of water. Well, that didnt happen. At 3PM I managed
a full 8oz. with the first 4 tablets. Every 15 minutes, though, I could drink
less and less. My stomach just couldnt handle that much liquid. I barely got
in a quarter of a glass of water as time went on. I did sip lemonade Crystal
Light after that but I knew I wasnt getting in enough liquid. But I did my best
and couldnt do anything more. I didnt go till after 5PM. I thought it
wouldve begun more quickly but it took 2 hours till it started. Then I went
four times from 5PM till 5:45. This part wasnt bad at all. No pain, no
cramps, nothing. Just going.
At 6PM you take another 4 tablets with a full glass of water. Then 4 more
tablets at 6:15 and 6:30 for a total of 12 tablets. Thats it. Again, I drank
what I could. I went a lot during the evening and then again at 1:30AM and
3:00AM. Of course, I had a drink each time I went till 4AM when no more
drinking was permitted. I also went a few little times at 6AM when I got up

for the day but not much would come out. By this time, I was pretty woozy
and very tired.
I wasnt going to have anyone come with me as his office is very close but my
mother wanted to come. Good thing. I was pretty weak. I wont go into the
office problems but suffice it to say the patient before me had been late and
made them late by hour. Believe me, for a DSer (who eats every few
hours) who hadnt eaten since 3PM the day before (and I didnt go into the
procedure room till 9:40AM) it wasnt a fun feeling. The one good thing was I
wasnt super starving b/c Id passed that point. But at various times, Id
really start to think about what to eat when it was over.
Heres where it gets hairy. I generally have low blood pressure. Even preop I
was low normal. But when the anesthesiologist took it it was 70/40. Thats
really low. The anesthesiologist wasnt happy. She began (intravenously)
pumping fluid into me. 1,000 units went in before my pressure came up to
about 90 (another 500 units went in while I was in the recovery room). She
also had the staff run down and get Gatorade for after the procedure to get
my electrolytes up. She kept talking to me and asking questions re: the DS
and I realized it was to ensure I was still making sense. Finally, after
hour of doing this we were able to do the colonoscopy.
After I woke up, I met with the doctor. Thankfully, they found nothing (after
all, thats whats important) but he said he always sends tissue samples to be
looked at just for routine screening. He also said it took much longer than an
average colonoscopy as there were twists and turns and scar tissue. [He was
also curious if Id been awake at all during the procedure b/c they gave me
much less anesthetic than an average person b/c they were afraid my blood
pressure would bottom out. I said Id heard nothing and felt nothing. No pain
before, during or after.]. He knew this was prob. going to happen so Im
surprised he didnt schedule more time for me (my mother told me the
waiting room wasnt happy, but hey, I cant do anything about that). I had
asked the anesthesiologist to tell my mother (in the waiting room) that we
hadnt started yet, so she wouldnt worry why it was taking so long, but it
didnt work. She was pretty much a mess when she found out about the
blood pressure. Thankfully, she came into the recovery room and saw I was
ok.
I ate nuts Id brought and drank Gatorade and then took a taxi home. I ate
and dozed. Couldnt eat as much as I wanted b/c my stomach got full real
fast. But I happily got to take my vits/minerals/iron!
I knew my body was different post DS. But there are things that have to be
done differently for me and Ive learned some of them. The anesthesiologist
said when I have this done again it must be done in the hospital [due to my
low blood pressure and the fact that dehydration can occur]. Either the night
before (so I can have intravenous fluids) or that morning so they can monitor
a lot more of my vitals and also give me potassium with the fluids. Im glad
she said this. It made me realize extra care is prob. needed for me if/when I
have a gynecological procedure done that my gynecologist has been talking

about. I have to realize I may need more time in the hosp. than the avg.
patient. Not that Im more fragile than I was preop. Just that things need to
be done a bit differently now.
Please dont let this scare you from having a colonoscopy. Its a necessity.
Just wanted to give DSers a heads up on what they might want to do to make
it easier on themselves.
Today, Im tired and have a headache. Prob. from the mental stress (which
didnt really catch up to me till today) and the physical stress as well. But Im
eating and well on my way to normal.
5/4/08:
Time once again to talk about Zinc. IT RULES MY WORLD!!
*fingertips peeling (check out some video taken March 08). Have to
copy/paste to view:
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=210byaf&s=3
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=9l9weu&s=3
*thumbnails ridged & thick
*white lines on some nails
*discoloration under the nails
*little to no sex drive
*getting 2 colds in the last 3 months
*taste sensation severely diminished. Chocolate, sweets, savory things just
don't have that oomph.
*itching a bit worse. Whereas I was down to 1 pill for itching (Doxepin) every
three or four weeks, I'd had to increase that to at least once a week.
*wound healing problems. Cuts were taking forever to heal & I'm heading
into my 5th week with stitches b/c a wound on my knee just won't heal. (I
learned this at the National Institutes of Health website...that lack of Zinc can
lead to wound healing problems).
I contacted my surgeon's nutrit. and she agreed it was time to up the Zinc
again. Went from 350mg/day to 400mg/day and from 6mg/day of Copper to
8mg/day. [Gotta watch the Copper as Zinc can interfere with Copper's
absorption so you often need to up the Copper when you up the Zinc]. We'll
check the bloods in July as per my 6 mos. schedule but I'm so glad she
agreed my symptoms sounded like Zinc deficiency.
Hard to believe it's been only 4 days but I think the fingertip peeling is better
& I the itching has quieted down. Plus, I think my knee looks better. So
another lesson learned...Zinc. IT RULES MY WORLD!!

4/11/08:
Well, today is my third anniversary.
It's not always been easy. In fact, I was not one of those who felt it was the
best thing I'd ever done. It was a very rough first nine months and then
things started to turn around. However, I will admit it took till about 2 1/2
years out that I finally felt it was the right thing to do and I was glad I did it.
While it's made things more difficult in some ways, it's made things much
easier in more.
Ah, and one more thing...even at 3 years it can happen. What is it? An
accident. Yep, two days ago I'd had a grumbling stomach all day (gassy).
Could have been some sugar free cookies I'd eaten (I'd certainly had them
before) but I'm not sure. However, I was gassy all day and then while walking
down the hall to my apartment I had some gas and said to myself, "No, it
couldn't be, could it?" It was. I came inside and saw the proof. Not much,
but still an accident. Thankfully, I was at home with no worries, but it
reinforces my decision to always have a spare pair of panties (in a Baggie)
with me in my knapsack. I haven't ever needed them (and they're probably
way too big since I've been carrying them since the early days of postop ;))
but I'm glad they're always there.
3/24/08:
An odd thing happened today. I had to go for a sonogram and to ease my
nerves I brought some valium. Id found over the last year that when I took
valium (as Ive needed it for MRIs, etc.) Ive needed more than preop. Same
for Aleeve for my period, etc. At first I thought this was odd, given that my
stomach was now the size it was before, but then someone reminded me
that the malabsorption could be interfering with the medicine necessitating
more of it. For instance, the last MRI I had I needed 2 valium to really feel
it. However, since it was only a sonogram, I figured 1 valium would just
slightly relax me and I felt that would be enough since the sonogram wasnt
too tough a test. Wow, was I mistaken. I took 1 valium and 20 minutes later
the room was spinning. I got home an hour later and my speech was slurred
and I fell asleep for 2 hours. This was so weird since it was such a small dose
compared to what Id taken over the past year when I had a test. Guess it
goes to show the malabsorption is always changing and its a good idea to
start small with meds.
3/9/08:
Things are pretty quiet. No tests needed till yearly bone density next month
(its nice when things are quiet).

Endocrinologist was very interested to see PTH levels from my preop bloods.
It totally changed his outlook on things. He noticed that my vit. D was very
low preop (I told him I had to take prescription vit. D for 4 weeks before
they'd do my WLS). He feels that since the vit. D was so low preop that
totally affected the PTH preop and after. He feels it could take at least
another year before it should come down (esp. as its holding pretty steady
now albeit much too high). Im glad I thought to get those preop blood test
results.

Had some vit/mineral tweaks after last bloods were done (end of January 08).
Nothing different about that. Happens all the time. Only thing is Im now at
31 pills a day! And I dont take low dose. I take 10,000 i.u., etc., lol. Oh,
well. Just part of what I signed up for.
Zinc really has helped incredibly with the itching. Hard to believe how long I
itched and no one could figure out what it was. My fellow DSers were the
ones and I really thank them. Taste still is off a bit (prob. a by- product of
Zinc, too) and sex drive is still pretty low. Hope those pic up as Zinc level
stays good.
Will decide within the next couple of weeks what kind of new job to look for. I
dont have enough security in what Im doing now and I want it. Its scary
and exciting.
1/27/08:
Good results from both tests. Nodes in neck are nothing. Biopsy was done
and it's just a goiter.
Interesting result re: left ovary. Looks like a dermoid cyst which is nothing.
However, they can't see the right ovary (in MRI) as it's blocked by either the
bowel or scar tissue from DS. This is something I thought about pre-DS. I
realized any future abdominal surgeries or pics of that area would definitely
be more difficult. Definitely something to think about preop.
Taste has fallen a bit again. Am not tasting as well as I did and the itching is
a bit more (still only taking an anti-itching pill about once a week so that's
great). I have a feeling my zinc isn't where I want it to be so I hope to
increase it even more after I get the blood results from tests I did two days
ago. Also interested in why some fingertips are sometimes peeling and why
my thumbnails are ridged. Pretty sure all are vit/mineral deficiency so I'm
glad I just had the 6 mos. DS bloods done.
A bit too thin now so am going to try and eat some carbs and pull my weight
up. What a nice problem to have :D.
11/7/07:

Just a quick update. Itching is better. We think it's the increased zinc. Had
some bloods done today for the endocrinologist so I'll find out if the zinc's
gone up in December when I see him. Zinc is supposed to be involved in the
sex drive too. Sure hope so. Mine died 2.5 years ago after I had the DS. I
read it can take up to 6 mos. of upping the zinc for anything to happen. Will
just have to wait and see.
Also did something Id been thinking about for a while. I got my preop bloods
from my surgeon and looked at my PTH and zinc. The PTH was too high
preop so that may help lead us to some conclusions about whats going on:
is it the DS or not the DS thats causing the PTH problem? Is it a combination
of the DS and something else I already had going on preop? (If I had to guess
Id assume so). Also checked the zinc and now I have a number in mind Id
like it to be (around the same as I saw it was in preop bloods). Hopefully, this
will help w/itching and low sex drive. Will speak to endocrinologist about this
too.
Radiology at Mt. Sinai said the nodules in my neck were filled w/water and
didn't need to be biopsied. Will also discuss this w/endocrinologist since
radiology at Weill Cornell felt they should be biopsied. What's kind of neat
about this is we'd never have known about any of this if not for the bloods
done every 6 mos. b/c of the DS. My PTH has been high since preop and is
still way too high. My endocrinologist has had me take several tests because
of this and one of them discovered the nodes in my thyroid. Guess I have to
be thankful!
Also found out I have cysts on both ovaries. Left one is the size of the entire
ovary. Need another scan in December to see what's what there.
Interesting and somewhat anxious times but I'm taking it in stride. Still
eating protein and taking vits/minerals. That's what's still important!
8/17/07:
Well, I never really thought Id hear the words but I didMy endocrinologist
told me not to lose any more weight. Hes right. I knew Id lost weight b/c Id
been cutting too many carbs. I should be close to 130lbs. and am closer to
120lbs. I promised myself Id add some in this week.
He also went over my 7/07 bloods. The PTH going up 50 pts. is troublesome.
He feels the problem is 2 fold. Yes, its partly b/c of the DS. The
malabsorption just doesnt let me get enough calcium (even though I take
640mg/4 times per day). So he agreed with my surgeon about going to
6,000i.u. of Vit. D per day from 5,000. Both feel it may help me absorb the
calcium more. However, as he did a physical exam I noticed his face change
and he came back to my neck. Hed already sent me for a parathyroid scan
(not fun) 2 months ago and it was negative. But he said when he felt the
parathyroid glad he may have felt a nodule. Thats where the 2 fold problem
comes in. While the DS may cause some of the high PTH by making it so
difficult to absorb enough calcium, a nodule could be the other problem. My

maternal uncle was recently diagnosed with one so it is familial. Hes

sending me for a thyroid ultra sound. Hopefully, thatll shed more light on
whats going on. Then Ill see him again in November to see if the addition of
more Vit. D has helped the problem of the climbing PTH or whether I need
some other medication. I asked if the nodule could be cancerous and he
didnt think so. Its not likely but I admit there are a few nerves.
Just got back from Vegas and had fun. Caught a bad cold though. Guess the
re-circulated air in the plane and staying inside for 5 days in a hotel can help
push a cold along. Its interesting though, b/c I had symptoms before I went
away but didnt develop the cold till I got home. Maybe being in better health
overall had something to do w/it? Its weird having a summer cold. And its
weird coughing. When I was heavy I coughed all the time due to the fat
pressing on my lungs. Im not used to it now. Its also a pain finding cold
meds. I can take. With the DS you cant take extended release meds. as they
go right thru you. So I have to find ones you take very 4 hrs. or so. Most like
that dont cure all your symptoms & I dont want to take more than 1
medication at a time so Im always left w/at least one symptom. Its the first
thing w/medication the DS has really affected. Oh, well.
Itching has been real bad. Prob. the stress of the trip and such. Otherwise,
feeling and looking good.
7/29/07:
Well, I had my yearly surgical visit the other day. My surgeons laughing at
me! I say this in a good way, though. Hes laughing and says Im anal.
Which is ok. I am anal when it comes to questions, bloods and supplements.
He agreed. He said its best to be this way b/c if a problem goes on too long
its harder to fix.
Now to the July 07 bloods: Calcium down (which is something, considering I
raised it from 630mg. citrate 3x/day to 630mg. citrate 4x/day in January 07
due to PTH problems). PTH is up another 50 points! Vit. D dropped a bit and
is now at 30 which is the lowest he wants it -- to be considered normal. And
Zinc, my goodness, its plummeted 20 pts. So were doing the following:

Upping Vit. D from 5,000 iu/day to 6,000 iu/day. Were hopeful this
may help increase calcium absorption.
Upping Zinc from 100 mg/day to 200 mg/day. As its been explained to
me the more I poop, the more Zinc I lose. (Oh, and speaking of
pooping. Apparently, Im backwards from almost every other DSer my
surgeon knows. I go usually once in the morning and twice at night.
He said most people do all or most of their going in the morning).

What always interests me is how the malabsorption changes. Ive been

taking the same amt. of Vit. D and the same amt. of Zinc for over a year and
all has been well. Yet, suddenly they drop. Its just how the DS works, I
guess.

As for the PTH: I sent the blood results to my endocrinologist. Ill see him the
middle of August. Prob. Im going to wind up on something like EVISTA to
stop whats going on. The calcium and Vit. D arent doing it so it looks as if I
need some help. One of my worst fears is a Dowagers Hump. I dont want
that.
My surgeon also said something that Ive been playing over in my mind. My
mother said it bothered her, too, at first but she realized it must be a term of
art they used. When I mentioned that while my hair loss is nothing like it was
4 mos. postop, I still lose more than preop and its looser than it was preop.
He said I have to realize my body is in starvation mode and that the protein
it gets is used for everything important first, second and third. Hair is the
least of my bodys concerns. I understood what he said as hair is
unimportant to the bodys functions. But it still unnerved me to hear
starvation mode till I really thought about what and why he said it.
I weighed a bit less than I wanted to when I weighed in at his office. I was
about 1.5 lbs. less than I was a few weeks ago. It was my fault. I hardly ate
any carbs. that week. I still get nervous before weigh-ins. Now I need to gain
that back and prob. add another 3-5 lbs. as I dont like the way my face looks.
It looks thinner & I look older. Ive always heard its a tradeoff when a woman
ages. She can be thin but it may age her face. Or, she can have a bit of
extra weight on and look better in the face. Trying to add that 3-5 lbs. is so
difficult, though. By that I mean, mentally. I could prob. eat a lot more
carbs. and do it (sweets wouldnt work as well as theyd come out too easily
if you catch my drift) but its just so hard to be happy putting on weight. Ah,
well, something else to work on.
Overall, though, a good report from the surgeon. Heres to another good year
of working hard to keep healthy and, hopefully, getting a handle on that PTH
problem.
6/27/07:
Went really low on the carbs. this week as Id gained weight and didnt know
why. Its frustrating sometimes b/c I used to be able to eat a lot more carbs.
(while I was losing) than I can now. Im finding it harder to hold this weight
and may accept the fact that the 10% bounce back gain has arrived.
Physically, it wont bother me at all as I wouldve been happy at 150 lbs. but,
mentally, ah, thats another story. ;) Something to think about.
Upped the calcium to ungodly amts. (630mg. citrate 5x/day) for the last
month (May 07 June 07 on my endocrinologists suggestion) and it just
made me unhappy. Wasnt constipated but things were different and more
difficult in the bathroom. I just didnt feel right. I dropped it back to where it
was: 630mg. citrate 4x/day and will speak with the endocrinologist when we
meet again in August. He wasnt unhappy with the bone density results and
said theyre right for a woman my age. He wasnt happy with the PTH
reading from January 07, though. Of course, none of us were.

Also, today I had a thought. Maybe the itching could be related to the
menopause Im experiencing. I have no hot flashes, but my periods been
messed up since the surgery. We figured it was the DS that did it but the
endocrinologist did some blood tests that proved Im in menopause. I looked
it up and, yes, itching is a symptom. Its not high on the list but its there.
Plus, it was described as feeling as if there were ants on the skin. I never
described it like that but I said I felt itchy and tingly. Sounds the same to me.
Thank goodness for the Doxepin. Its the only thing that generally keeps the
itching at bay. The one good thing out of this realization is perhaps itll go or
lessen (I still think the DS mayve had something to do with it).
5/6/07:
Heading back to the endocrinologist Friday to discuss more blood results and
bone density scan. Yep, there's been some bone loss since last year's scan.
Not uncommon with the DS, though. May have to go on something like
Fosamax to make up the loss. I'll know more after I see him.
Itching is still here but has really lessened over the last few mos. One
Doxepin a night is all I need. I even skipped one night but won't do that
often.
The one thing that bothers me is when I'm under stress my stomach (and the
itching) go kabloowy. The itching often worsens and I live in the bathroom.
Pre-surgery, my stomach often caused problems under stress but now it gets
really bad. Something to work on in therapy.
Otherwise, feel good. Look good.
2/14/07:
Saw a new PCP and really liked him. Thorough and took his time. Cant help
w/the itching unfortunately (nor with a new thing Ive had for a few months a
swollen eye where the skin underneath it swells up and turns yellow) but
suggested I mention it and show the pics Ive taken of it to my allergist. Hey,
couldnt hurt?
Got my bloods back. PTH went up so were now doing calcium citrate 4x/day.
Hope it works. The only other thing we need to work on is T3. It has
something to do w/the thyroid and its too low. My PCP is sending me to an
endocrinologist. As I know several other DSers who see one, this doesnt
bother me at all.
Im still looking good and feeling good so things are pretty good overall.
1/8/07:

Took off what I wanted by cutting carbs to a couple a day. Will now play with
the 125-128 lbs. area & see how that feels.
12/6/06:
Gained about 5 lbs. in 1 month. Im not happy about it even though I was
trying to for the first 2 weeks of the month. I really went to town those 2
weeks and then cut back on the sugar somewhat b/c Id put on a couple of
pounds. Now that Ive gained 5 lbs. in 1 month Im really cutting back on the
sugar to 1 days per week and am lowering the carbs and upping the
protein. Part of this is a testing program as I want to ensure these types of
modifications really do work. Will weigh in a couple of weeks to see how its
going.
Feels a bit odd, though, to gain as its been lose, lose, lose. Got to realize its
part of life and move on from here.
11/16/06:
Still itching. Seems as if it may be 'bypass itch' (even though I had the DS).
Has to do w/malabsorption. I take an oral med. & use some creams to help
control it. Some days I'm itchier than others but in the scheme of things my
life could be a lot worse.
Never thought I'd have this problem, but I'm losing & don't want to. It's
enzymes for me unless I gain. So each day I eat some junk. We'll see when I
weigh in 3 weeks. Don't want to be obsessive about checking (oh no, I lost
more or oh no, I gained 3 lbs. in 1 week) so I'm sticking to my weighing sch.
of every 3-4 weeks.
As the gas is a bit less (don't want to jinx myself, lol) and my stomach seems
to tolerate sugar better (I'm not running to the bathroom) maybe I can put on
a bit. I must admit, though, it's nerve-wracking. My whole life has been about
losing weight. This is scary, unexplored territory.
9/19/06:
Had a fabulous time in Vegas in August. Hope to go back next year!
Did the 'Walk From Obesity' in Central Park last Sunday to raise money. It was
a lot of fun.
Still itching (as I have been since March). All bloods have been checked &
fixed -- that includes Vit. A (always working on something -- aren't we all ) so
they don't think it's that. Thought it was the chlor. I was taking for the gas
smell so I stopped that 4 weeks ago. Allergist said it's prob. chlor. & the fact
that my body's nuts from the rapid weight loss -- so I'm trying some pills she

gave me to stop the itching as maybe I'm just spreading it from scratching so
much.
Like some other DSers, I'm a bit too thin. I'd like to be 10-15 lbs. heavier &
since I dropped another 8 lbs. this summer (which I didn't want to) & I wasn't
happy. Added back more carbs (did something dumb when I read the boards
where people were saying carbs put on weight & I freaked so I scaled back
too much on them) which were keeping me at a good weight & only lost 1/2
lb. this month so, hopefully, I stablized as my surgeon wants to put me on
some enzymes if I drop lower.
I do look kind of drawn & tired esp. around my face as it's just too thin. I
didn't sign up to be a size 4-6 as I'd like to be an 8-10. I look better there &
am more comfortable. The reason I'm leary of the enzymes, though, is I heard
they can hurt your stomach -- and I had enough trouble with that (even
though he said he'd only try them 1x/day with me) and I'd like to stablize on
my own -- as all the reading I've done says many (not all) DSers put back 1012% of the weight after a couple of years so I figure I could stay here for a bit
& then, hopefully, put that weight back on my own. Just can't really go any
lower.
Overall though, the pleasure of getting up & putting on just about whatever I
want (and quickly too) is great. No tugging, pulling, etc.
Still losing more hair than usual but it's not bad & not noticeable at all.
Lactose problem is gone (about 99%) & I'm happy but not surprised. My
surgeon's nutrit. said 99% of us will not have a problem after 1 year -- so chin
up those who still might be.
Don't eat much junk (really only one day per week). Would love to but as a
binge eater (yes, I still consider myself one) it wouldn't be good for me to eat
tons of junk to gain weight as it would be bad for my head to get into that
habit.
Had to go clothes shopping this summer & have just started for winter as I
have pants/jeans to wear but not many sweaters/tops. Have bought few
turtlenecks & sweaters so far. They're pretty clingy and fun.
Do have some excess skin. Don't we all? But it's not horrible & I manage.
Plus, let's face it, I'm not really looking to spend $25,000.00 or go back to the
hospital.
8/6/06:
While I'm just about 16 mos. postop; I started noticing something several
months ago: When I take a shower, the water has to be much cooler than it
was. Preop, I had what Id consider a normally hot shower. Now I have to keep
the water at a much lower setting or I feel burned. The same is true when I

wash the dishes.

On another note, at about 9 mos. out, I noticed my butt chafed on nonpadded seats (as I have no cushioning any longer this in itself is much
different from other times I lost large amounts of weight. I never lost my butt
before) & the same is true of my arms if they rest on non-padded armrests for
too long a period. The working theory about this is the fat distribution & level
in my body is so different & so much less than it was preop that these things
make sense. Ive spoken to other DSers whove had similar experiences.
Still having really bad itching even though the Vit. A is up to 50k/day. Will
have a blood test this week to see where things are & see if we can get this
under control.
Other than that, things are good. This summer is a pleasure (even though it's
been brutally hot). I don't perspire much & can wear nice, good-looking,
comfortable clothes. I've even visited a couple of new DSers in the hosp. I like
doing it as I can see how they're doing & try to give moral support to them &
their families.
Oh, and I leave for California & Las Vegas on the 16th. Can't wait!
7/11/06:
Turns out I was right. My Vit. A was very low despite total compliance. (My
zinc was too low too but I'm told that's due to pooping it out). I'm now off the
ADEKs (yay) and on 50,000 i.u. of Vit. A per day. I sure hope this helps with
the itching -- plus I'm glad we found it (and will check it along with some
other things in 6 mos.) as I don't want the other more serious complications
that could occur w/a Vit. A deficiency like night blindness.
The chlor. pills don't seem to be doing much re: wind odor. I'll prob. start to
add some Devrom to them tomorrow but for me, the Devrom helps but only
so-so. The smell is better but not where Id like it to be. The Beano looks as if
it has some possibilites. I tried it before breakfast & lunch and it seemed to
work. Of course, that was only one time but I plan to try it some more before
those two meals as thats when Im around people. I do remember though,
that I knew this might be an issue. I decided then & still do its something I
could live with live being the operative word if the DS was going to help
me live a healthier & more productive life. And, there are still other things to
try if I feel I need them.
I also was correct in noting that it looks like my weight loss has stopped at
about 13-14 mos. That's okay with me (as I was happy 20 lbs. ago) so if I
happen to gain back 10-15% (as I've heard is common so your body reaches
its set point) it won't kill me. After all, I never expected to get this low or wear
a size 6. An 8 or 10 would be fine with me.
7/6/06:

Well Ive tried the Devrom (3 at each meal) and while theres some difference
its not enough. As Im going to begin a new job shortly, I need to get the
wind odor under control. Ive purchased a charcoal filter pillow that I can use
on my chair (but obviously not when standing) at work but havent given up
on the Devrom. Its not like I pass gas all the time; however, even once can
be stressful. Since Ive elected not to discuss my WLS with anyone outside of
my immed. family Ive decided to say its IBS if asked.
I have an appt. tommorow with my surgeon & nutrit. to go over my 6 mos.
bloods so I also will discuss with them if I can take more Devrom, Innermint
(which Ive ordered) and/or chlor. pills. The stool smell doesnt bother me as
much as I can spray the bathroom. However, in an office its hard to spray if
you break wind. So, hopefully, my bloods with be okay and just need some
minor tweaking and then we can discuss this other issue.
Oh, and we also are going to discuss the itching. It started in March & Ive
seen two derms. & one allergist but the relief is temporary. My arms & neck
have scabs I scratch so much. It gets better & worse, though, so I dont worry
about it that much but I would like to see if it means my Vit. A is low. Ive
heard that may be a sign. Ah, well, just another thing to see about tomorrow.
5/29/06:
Something really cool happened the other day. I was in the supermarket w/my
mother. I saw these 'square' bagels she'd mentioned to me a few weeks
earlier. A woman came up behind us & said, "290 calories." I said, "Well, I'm
not really concerned about calories." (As I don't count them -- I'm much more
concerned with the sugar in a product after the DS). She looked at me and
waved her hand indicating my body & said, "Well, you. You can eat anything."
That was the first time anyone ever implied I was naturally thin. It was funny
& flattering.
4/9/06
My 1-year anniversary is fast approaching. Overall, Im feeling pretty good. I
hadnt been as diligent with the protein requirement, the last few weeks, so I
rededicated myself. I really do feel better when I eat it & am trying to drink a
bit more too. Unfortunately, the more I drink the less I eat so its a balancing
act.
I still have some diet soda every few days but not everyday. That got me a bit
too gaseous. Speaking of gas, yes, I do get it. Usually in the evening, but the
vial of perfume I carry makes me feel better. Oh, and my mother said
something that made a good deal of sense. "Youre entitled to pass gas.
Youre entitled to go to the bathroom in public." If it smells when someone
walks in then say, Sorry come back in a minute." Ive been much too hung
up on the smells & am really working on that.
Still have some hair loss but nothing that worries me.

Ill see what I weigh in a couple of days & see if its getting too low for my
taste (hey, I was happy 20 lbs. ago, lol). I know some might disagree but a
size 8-10 is perfect for me. Ive been a size 2 & it isnt for me, any longer.
Since I do know theres generally some weight gain in the 2d or 3d year, Im
not that unhappy that Im still losing (even though I no longer have an a**,
lol).
3/22/06
What a night! Seven hours in the bathroom! I sent an email to my surgeon
asking if theres anyway the chances of this can be prevented or, at least,
lessened. When he answers, Ill also check with him re: Imodium. After all,
one of the reasons I had this WLS was that Id be able to take any time of
medicine. I sure hope he says yes to Imodium in the future. I dont want to go
through another night like that & day like today where I lived on dry Melba
toast.
Unfortunately, he told me that diarrhea is sometimes just part of the DS &
Flagyl is the best thing for it. He said I could try the Imodium if it gets really
bad but hes not sure if itll do much good. I felt somewhat down after hearing
this news as Id really hoped for something that worked faster than the Flagyl
seems to, with me. Oh well, at least this time it was much easier (except for
that 1 night) and, hopefully, Ill need Flagyl less and less.
3/15/06
Been feeling well & weight loss has slowed (3 pounds in the last 3 weeks) for
which I am profoundly grateful. When I saw Dr. Pomp, in January, he said hed
give me another 10 lbs. (I was happy 20 lbs. ago, lol) before he wanted it to
stop & would probably have to put me on enzymes. Ive read about other
DSers whove done this so I wasnt alarmed but Id always rather do things
without medication if possible.
Unfortunately, ran into a slight snag this past weekend. Up in the middle of
the night with the runs and even when urinating some stool was coming
out. In addition, some severe stomach cramps. I waited till today, Monday, to
call the surgeon. His P.A. said a course of Flagyl was in order. Now, I kind of
thought so but wasnt sure since the one & only time I took it was six mos.
ago & the problems were much worse then. Besides being up so early & the
bathroom so much of the day, I had been exhausted, felt ill & looked so white
they tested me for an iron deficiency (which was negative). Thankfully, this
bout is much less severe & theyre putting me on Flagyl for only 1 week. I
also asked for some extra (as I know of other DSers who take it, sometimes,
for a short time if they experience some problems and I kind of wanted that
option) as Im about to look for a new job & cant afford to take time off
whenever my stomach goes haywire like it did today. As for the Flagyl, while I
like to stay away from Rxs as much as possible I know its not uncommon
for DSers to need it. I know of several who have taken it multiple times in
their first few years postop. Hopefully, as the bacteria in the colon (or

intestines, I forget which) regulate more it wont be needed. But, if it is, Im

glad its around & glad I havent needed it for a full 6 mos. and that this time
my problems are so much less severe.
Wish I felt better as its kept me home for several days, but as it took over a
week for it to work last time & I feel a bit better by day 3, Im hopeful Ill be
out & about soon.
1/21/06
Well, it's taken a long time, but about 3 weeks ago I finally began to feel like
myself. (At about 6-7 mos. the vomiting finally stopped [for the most part]
and I began to feel halfway decent, but it's really taken about 9 mos. till I felt
good. Many people online [when I was pre-op] had said it could take 9-12+
mos. to really feel good & I guess, in my case, they were right).
What really seems to have allowed me to turn the corner was being able to
understand my stomach. Not when I was full as I figured that out within a few
mos., but the bathroom end of things. I had a lot of trouble deciding when I
had to go...was this really the time or was it just fullness in my stomach?
Could I leave the house or did I need to use the bathroom? And why did I
sometimes get pressure low in my stomach late in the day when almost all
DSers had their bowel movements in the morning? Once I learned to ignore
that fullness I realized it almost always wasn't the need for a bowel
movement just something I had to learn to deal with (and, thankfully, it rarely
happens anymore).
I also had so much trouble understanding the cramps in the morning. Did I
really have to go, was it just gas and/or could I just go back to sleep? Look,
I'm not saying I've got the entire thing figured out but I'm a lot happier as I've
got a real handle on it now.
I saw the surgeon & nutrit. yesterday for my 9+ mos. checkup. I am now a
member of the Century Club & we even discussed how/when the weight loss
should stop (I've been wondering as I don't want to go too low as I don't like
what I look like at a too low weight). My bloods were all good (except the PTH
needs some work but I'm told that since one loses some bone while losing
weight they're not too concerned. However, we did change the brand of
calcium citrate I'm taking & upped the dosage).
I've been to London [in November] & then to Florida this past week (for 2
days) to attend a family funeral. While I never needed a seatbelt extension,
there was always 'seat spillover' & now the fact that that isn't a concern
makes the whole thing so much easier. What was sad was I have a feeling I
wouldn't have gone to the funeral if I were still so heavy b/c I hadn't seen
most of those relatives in 20+ years & I would've been too embarrassed. I
loved the person who passed away very much & the fact that I probably
wouldn't have made the trip a year ago, just gives me another reason to be
grateful for the procedure I had done last April.

One more thing...still had a slight binge the other week (of course, due to
what I can fit into my stomach it wasn't that much) but it was a day I kind of
blew off the protein requirements & just ate animal crackers (which I
discovered I don't even really like that much) & pork lo mein (I did take my
pills as I do everyday, though). My nutrit. said it isn't really a binge unless
that's how your mind classifies it.
Generally, though, no food really disagrees w/me & I've even introduced cake
(very small piece after I finish my protein) & even my favorite food -Yodels :D. I've learned, though, to buy them in the 3 pack (and not by the
box) b/c I don't want to feel nauseous if I tried to eat the whole thing & I don't
want to have the whole thing around. Moderation is the key. Easy to say but
just b/c you have the DS you still have to work hard to practice it.
Oh, and finally...I can drink carbonated drinks! That was one of the many
reasons I chose the DS (the normalcy of eating & drinking) and last Tuesday I
had my first taste of Diet Sprite. It was delicious. Im now having 1 can every
day or so & its terrific!
12/4/05:
A few more stomach problems last week, but thankfully, nothing as bad as I
had in Sept. Chat members (in DS groups) have told me it can take more than
the 9-12 mos. (I thought) to really feel like myself & even out. One said it took
her 15 mos.
Had 4 Yodels today. Haven't had any since days before my surgery. While my
surgeon's nutrit. said portion control is the key (and I should try to have 1-2
cookies at a time maybe once a week -- not sure how realistic that is) I knew
when I had the 2-pack of Yodels I was going to have another 2-pack even
though I felt stuffed after the first. I then threw out the rest of the box as I
don't want to have them around for several reasons: 1. I don't want them to
take up the small amount of room I have in my stomach when I have to make
sure I get in at least 80 gr/protein per day and 2. They're high in sugar which
is something DSers have to be wary of b/c while we don't dump we do absorb
100% of sugar & it can put weight on.
They were quite good and prob. the first 2-pack was enough but you know
what -- I've been a binge eater my entire life & it isn't going to go away
anytime soon. Thankfully, I was smart enough to throw the box away (from
now on if I want them I'll buy them in the 2-packs alone & not a box full) &
realize I was uncomfortably full and that it's very impt. to have room for
dinner where I need to get my protein. I'm glad I did it, though, as this is
really one of the first "junk" foods I've eaten since the oper. & I wanted to see
what it would be like & how I'd react.
11/1/05:
Well, tomorrow I leave for London. It's the first vacation I'm taking since '92
so, naturally, I'm nervous & excited. Can't help being a bit worried about the

food so I'm bringing some with me just in case (not that British food is bad or
anything it's just that diff. countries food is diff. & with the stomach problems
I had I want to be careful). Also, a bit concerned on how the whole bathroom
thing will go for when I'm away & come home (time difference) but I figure
those will be minor. The main thing is I'm flying again & this should be the
first of 2 vacations this year. I'm happy & ready to begin this new chapter of
my life.
10/13/05:
Still sick till last Wednesday. They finally put me on Flagyl (which I hear is
quite common with DS patients). It seems to have settled me down (as I've
had 7 days of 'normal' bathroom -- I won't go into the sordid details of the
bathroom problems. Suffice it to say they were BAD). I sure hope it continues
as I've had plans to go to London (next month) since right after the surgery
but won't book a flight till I know I'm going to feel ok.
I'm eating more (yay) but still barf if I eat too much (but I barf a lot less often
& if I do, it's a 1/4 of the meal rather than 1/2 of it so I'm happy as this means
my stomach's expanding).
Love eating meat. It's great. Can eat fat with it and everything (anyone who
reads this -- you just have to figure out if it's going to affect your gas and/or
stool).
9/19/05
Whoa was I sick last week. Cramps beginning at 4:30am & then diarrhea till
noon. So tired b/c I was getting no sleep & was also in the bathroom so much.
Dr. Pomp wanted to see me so I went in on the 16th. They took my blood a
month early (Oct. would've been 6 months from the date of surgery) and he
said there's definitely a problem but it's just a bump in the road. He decided
to take me off the Urso (used to prevent gallstones) early (I wasn't due to
come off it till November) as he feels I've lost the bulk of my weight already
so the risk for gallstones has lessened. He felt this might be causing my
problem as it had something to do with bile production (which I know has to
do with the gallbladder but not much more). If this didn't work w/in a week,
we'd next start me on Flagyl (which I know is quite common from reading the
DS boards) to regulate the bacteria having to do w/stool. Thankfully, I felt
better the next day & am feeling even better today. I still am cramping more
than I was before (and waking at 5:30am instead of 6:15am) however,
everything seems to be "fully formed" in the bathroom dept. I'll speak w/Dr.
Pomp in the middle of the week to let him know how things are.
Plus Dr. Pomp told me I won't have to drink 6 glasses a day for the rest of my
life. Yippee!! Then perhaps Ill have room to eat more. Right now the fluid fills
me up so much I still usually only get 80-85 grms. of protein a day (even with
a protein shake). He said once I'm regulated (whenever that is -- I hope it's
w/in the year) I won't have to drink so much. Hooray!!!

Hair loss has definitely slowed. Things are looking good!

9/2/05
Forgot to mention -- hair loss began at about 3 mos. postop. As I've lost hair
before, when I've lost weight, I kind of expected it. Since I have long hair it
isn't that bad but it has picked up as I head to my 5th month postop. At this
point, I hope it doesn't get worse as I can live with this. I no longer wear
barrettes or ponytail holders as I don't want to do anything to break the hair. I
did speak to my surgeon's nutrit. about it & she doesn't want me taking
anything as it could interfere w/absorption. If, GFB, it does get worse then I'll
speak to her about external remedies.
8/30/05:
Don't want this to sound like all I do is complain, but sometimes I get so sick
of the pills, the drinking, the not sleeping & the bathroom problems. I'm up
anywhere from 4-5 am & then only manage to doze for another few hour. It
can also take up to 90 minutes to fall asleep at night and naps are a thing of
the past. Sometimes I'm up so early because I feel a cramp but can't even
"go" for a few hours. Other days who knows why I'm up so early?!?
[Obviously, this makes me very tired for the rest of the day as I'm getting so
little sleep]. However, I've heard from other WLS patients their sleep isn't so
good either. I'm just hoping, so much, it gets better in the near future. The
bathroom part is annoying because even after I'm through "going" [which I'd
say is one time a day for most days of the week -- once in a while I go twice a
day or not at all] -- for the rest of the morning I kind of feel a heaviness in my
lower stomach. Thankfully, I've realized this almost never means I need to
"go" again so I can leave my apt. & start my day but it also can make the
morning difficult as I have this heavy feeling for much of the morning at work.
Only was at work 1 day last week due to such tiredness I thought I'd fall
asleep on my feet. My dr. said that if I didn't feel more like myself he'd do the
iron study earlier than 6 mos. Thankfully, I felt better at the beginning of this
week but it was so odd. Almost like the first weeks postop -- just so tired.
Now on to the good. I'm so much healthier. I try & never forget that or how
my back is 90% better. (I used to walk around hunched over like an ape). I try
& tell myself that taking all those pills and drinking 6 glasses/day is a small
price to pay. Sometimes it works, other times I just feel it's such an
annoyance. But I know I have to do it to get all my vitamins & minerals and to
keep myself from dehydrating.
I eat about 3 oz. - 3.5 oz. of protein for lunch & dinner. (I have an egg &
cheese or 1/4-1/2 cup of cereal and 1/2 cup of milk for breakfast). I remember
postop where I couldn't even do 1 oz. so I'm pretty happy. Eventually, I hope
to get to 4-6 oz. for those 2 meals and perhaps add in a small salad at some
time. I still only have 1-1 1/2 pieces of fruit per week (when I remember to
eat it) as I need to get in the protein first. I did get bored with some of my

popcorn/pretzels so I've bought some other snacks (nothing really greasy just
some chips & stuff from the health food store). It makes me feel better to eat
that stuff & have some variety. I looked at nuts today at the supermarket &
may try some in the future. They sure have a lot of protein (and I'd like to be
at least to 100 grams/day eventually).
Still haven't gotten to the point that "this is the best thing I've ever done" as
so many other WLS people say. However, I certainly can't say I really regret it.
I guess I'd just like to feel normal for a long stretch & that simply hasn't
happened yet (I'm waiting to change jobs till I can be sure I'll be there
everyday -- right now I still can't say that).
7/19/05:
The weather is just killing me. For some reason I am so much more sensitive
to heat/humidity. It's keeping me from the gym but at least I get to lift
weights at home. Sleep still isn't what I'd like it to be but it's improved
slightly.
I went for my 3 month post op visit last week. All blood tests (13 vials) looked
well within normal range; however, my nutritionist suggested adding vitamin
D so my calcium would be absorbed even better. As a matter of fact she told
me they will probably be upping the Vit. D requirements even further as part
of the protocol for postop patients. She also confirmed what I'd already
known. I can now eat anything.
I had a long talk with the surgeon to discuss the fears I had re: all I'd heard at
the support groups I'd attended. (In one, the surgeon said she'd stopped
performing the DS due to complications 4+ years out such as night blindness,
osteoporosis, & persons needing iron infusions. However, she did state that
only 60% of DS patients were compliant with their pills & that that could very
well be why there were these complications). My surgeon said it is due to
non-compliance & stressed how he wouldn't have performed the DS on me
unless they knew I'd comply. He then pointed to the thick accordion file I had
w/me and laughed. He said it's important to be "somewhat compulsive" if you
want the DS as you will have side effects if you don't follow a strict regimen
of meds. He's pleased w/how I'm doing but said he'd have no problem w/me
having blood tests every 4-6 mos. (instead of yearly) nor with my having a
yearly bone test.
I was quite relieved. I realize I need to learn how to filter out things I hear in
support meetings. They meetings are important & I want to keep going. I
must realize that the operation's done & I can't change that. I must comply to
the best of my ability and if something does happen then I'll deal with it. I
need to remember why I had this done and that the good will surely outweigh
the bad and the disastrous road I was headed down. My surgeon also said it's
time to go out & live. He's right.
7/1/05:

Joined a gym about 3 weeks ago. Just cycling for 10 minutes a day (every
couple of days) but am happy I've been able to get back. Also, began lifting
weights last week at my apt. (I have my own weight bench) and have always
loved that. And back to work a couple of times a week. Thats still the hardest
due to the subways/train commute. In this weather, more just isnt possible
right now.
Had some trouble with barfing but have gotten that better under control. I'd
say it now only happens about once a week & that's generally when I drink
(esp. the protein shake) within an hour after I've eaten. I now try to drink the
protein shake in the mornings, between breakfast & lunch, and that's usually
okay.
Have had only 1 food, out of the many I've added in, not agree with me. It's
turkey franks. Why? I have no idea. I followed the advice of my surgeon's
nutritionist & had them and then when I barfed (like 4 times) I waited a week
but the same thing happened & I was nauseous for days. I think I'll wait a
month (at least) this time till I try them again. ;)
Added meat this week and it's all good (as is everything but those darn
turkey franks).
I see the surgeon & nutritionist on the 15th & am looking forward to it. Have
some questions re: food & about sleeping. Sleeping still hasn't gone back to
pre-op conditions. It takes up to 90 minutes to fall asleep & then it's for 4-5
hours max. I then doze (get up to go to the bathroom -- as I'm sure all DSers
know) & then, if I'm lucky, doze some more.
Went to a support group at 5 weeks post op & it wasn't good. There were 2
women who had terrible health experiences & just went on & on. If I'd been
smart, I'd have left. Unfortunately, the moderator was inexperienced & didn't
know how to quiet them down. They really disrupted the entire group.
However, I'm planning to try another post op support group on 7/6. I realize
they're important & want to give it another try.
One last thing, about 5 weeks post op, I woke up nauseated, with an
incredibly aching lower back & feeling lethargic. I read the WLS materials,
from my surgeons nutritionist, & realized I was dehydrated. I knew I wasnt
drinking enough but thought I could get away with it. I couldnt! Now I drink 6
(8 oz.) glasses a day. Its done the job & I havent had problems again. The
trick, Ive found, is 2 glasses between breakfast & lunch; 2 glasses between
lunch & dinner; and 2 glasses between dinner & bedtime. Thankfully, its
working for me. :)
5/10/05:
Exactly one month ago (April 11, 2005)I had the DS & today I had my first
post-op visit with the surgeon & nutritionist. I was in the Weill Cornell Hospital
for 5 days & while the nurses were excellent one of the nursing assistants
was not. The care overall, though, was quite good. My biggest complaint

(and, really the only one) was they seemed to do everything 1 day too
quickly. For example, they took out the Foley after 1 day & then had to
reinsert it that night (not something ANYONE would like to go through, believe
me). They did the swallow test after 1 day & the pics weren't clear enough so
they had to do the whole thing again with my surgeon there so he could
make sure he saw what he wanted. I don't know if the push was for ins.
reasons (after all they did keep me an extra day -- I'd expected to get out
after 4 days, at first) but if they'd have waited 1 more day to do these things
my stay would've been easier.
I began walking a lot in the hosp. (I owe that to my mother who really
pushed) & kept it up at home. I walk 4x/day & just added a very steep hill last
week. I'm exhausted after I walk it but I know I have to mentally push myself
& physically my body will follow.
I'm still quite tired (and don't sleep well; 4 hours a night & then I doze the
rest) but I've been assured that's normal & that I should consider a nap
(which I abandoned the first week in an effort to sleep better & have a more
normal lifestyle). I'm also told to try & drink more to help the tiredness & that
my surgeon considers me in acute post-op for 2-3 months & I will prob. be
tired for that long. Then things should ease up but I've also heard it can be 78 mos. till you really feel 'normal.'
He & I also discussed what goes on each morning re: the bathroom. He said
he'd warned me (and he did) but I asked if it got better. I told him I need, like,
3 hours to decide if I have to go; how many times, do I really have to or is it a
false alarm? It completely sets back my day. He said it will get better. He also
said that my body knew 1 way to operate my whole life. Now, it's had 1
month in a totally new way & again, I'm changing things (as of tomorrow) b/c
I'm starting new & different pills and adding more foods. I have to give it
months to settle down & understand what's going on. I guess this is really the
worst part for me -- not knowing if I can leave home or will I have to go some
more? Are those cramps or what? As it is, I'm not sure when I will go back to
work. I've been recuperating (at home) for a bit over 3 weeks. I hope to get
back (very part-time & very short days) before I hit 6 weeks at home but we'll
just have to see how I feel.
As for the malodorous gas, et al. -- I carry a pocket-size can of spray with me
at all times. That seems to be working.
All in all, though, it was a good visit with the dr. They're all quite pleased with
my progress & how much walking I'm trying to do (even though my back is
still aching). As soon as I feel up to it, I'll rejoin the gym so I can use its
treadmill. The weights will have to wait for at least another 2 weeks (and till I
feel strong enough). But the food was different tonight & that's the greatest
feeling -- adding more & more foods. :D
4/4/05:
One week to go (had several hours of tests at the hospital today) & I'm kind

of uptight. Sleep has pretty much become a thing of the past (even with the
help of Tylenol PM). It's funny b/c I've had several orthopedic operations over
the last 10 years so it isn't so much the surgery itself -- it's the aftercare. I'm
sure I'll get a handle on it, I guess it's just the waiting....
3/05:
Oh, my aching back (and I can't take muscle relaxers this close to surgery).
And constantly having to buy larger & larger clothing because nothing fits.
I thought long & hard about having the DS & while I still wish there were
another way to go (as I'm going to have to mourn the loss of my best friend,
BINGE EATING); I know WLS is the way to go for me.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Alfons Pomp, M.D.
Actually, the surgery was performed by both Dr. Alfons Pomp & Dr. Michel
Gagner. I liked Dr. Pomp upon meeting him. He spent over an hour with my
parents & me explaining & going over everything. He answered every
question we put to him. He did say he felt I was too much of a "lightweight" ;)
(but Ive put on a good deal of weight since Jan '05) to have the DS done &
really went into the malodorous problems. This was disappointing; however,
after the research I did, I knew I wanted the DS. He said he would have no
problem performing it if it's what I thought was best. I met with 2 other
surgeons and, after extensive research on the 'Net and through medical
journals, decided to go with Dr. Pomp. He does have a structured aftercare
program. I also have to admit he, the operation & all other matters are
covered by my insurance & that did have a large part in my decision. Surgical
Competence is much more impt. to me than bedside manner. I've been lucky
to have both (for the most part) in previous orthopedic surgeries but care
much more about the outcome than the surgeon's smile. Dr. Pomp was very
nice & has a good reputation. I'm quite pleased with the fact he'll be
performing my surgery.
Insurer Info:
Oxford, Freedom Select
They approved me in a day or two. My surgery is scheduled for April 11,
2005.
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Surgeon Info:
Actually, the surgery was performed by both Dr. Alfons Pomp & Dr. Michel
Gagner.
I liked Pomp upon meeting him. He spent over an hour with my parents & me
explaining & going over everything. He answered every question we put to
him.
He did say he felt I was too much of a "lightweight" -- Gagner disagreed and
felt the DS was right for me -- (but Ive put on a good deal of weight since Jan
'05) to have the DS done & really went into the malodorous problems. This
was disappointing; however, after the research I did, I knew I wanted the DS.
He said he would have no problem performing it if it's what I thought was
best.
I met with 2 other surgeons and, after extensive research on the 'Net and
through medical journals, decided to go with Drs. Pomp & Gagner.
They have a structured aftercare program.
I also have to admit, Pomp, the operation & all other matters are covered by
my insurance & that did have a large part in my decision. (I had to pay out-ofpocket for Gagner).
Surgical Competence is much more impt. to me than bedside manner. I've
been lucky to have both (for the most part) in previous orthopedic surgeries
but care much more about the outcome than the surgeon's smile.
Dr. Pomp was very nice & has a good reputation as does Dr. Gagner. I'm quite
pleased with the fact they'll be performing my surgery.
Insurer Info:
Oxford, Freedom Select