9 Years ago today...

I don't get  to this board often these days, and mostly lurk when I do.  But I still think it is important to occasionally check in so that people who are contemplating surgery or are not as far along post op know what it is like as they get further out. 

9 years ago today, I got switched.  It has been a ride!  And while it has occasionally been bumpy, I am still glad that I chose to have the DS.  Most days, I still am 10- 15 lbs from my lowest weight (maintaining about a 120 lb loss).  My labs are usually good, but I still have to monitor and adjust as I go along. 

I am still committed to taking vitamins and protein supplements, although I seem to be more satisfied when I get most of my protein from food these days.  Still get labs done regularly.  Still try to drink plenty of water and exercise.  Have things changed during the last 9 years?  Yes.  I can eat more.  My body absorbs fat and protein better.  It is a little harder to keep weight off now than it was in the first years.   

While my life did not become perfect after the DS, it has been so much better.  Just to be able to move and to be healthy has been a huge blessing.  I am posting a photo below that was taken last September.  I hiked 28 miles of the Inca Trail over 3 days to Machu Picchu - not something I ever would have been able to do without this life-saving and life-changing surgery.

For those of you contemplating the DS, do your homework.  Know what you are getting into.  For me, it was the absolute best option.   And I still believe the best surgical option out there. 

Best wishes,
Sharon

Congratulations!!!! That is a huge milestone!

I am researching DS. Can you tell me why for you it was the best option? I am trying to decide if I should go DS or RNY... Would love to hear your opinion!

Congrats again!!

Thank you so much!

The DS was the best option for me because:

~ Hands down, it has the best statistical results of maintaining weight loss long term.  I was a yo-yo dieter and I wanted long term results.  The stats for long term weight loss for the DS is 85-90% EWL @ 5 years post op; for RNY it is 60%. 
~ The DS allows me to live a normal life.  I can eat normally, live normally. 
~ No dumping.   I know people who selected the RNY because they wanted dumping to keep them from eating sweets.  They never dumped.  Only a small percentage of people actually do.  Even if it is something they thought would help them, they may not get it. 
~ Commitment to vitamins and protein is a small price to pay for long term health.   

Hope this helps. 

Best wishes,
Sharon

 
RNY = no NSAIDS -- EVER!!!!!  No asprin, no ibuprofen, no naproxen.

DS, you can have Advil, Aleve.


I was not getting any younger & having that restriction was hard.  When I had a flare-up in my hip, I had to take 2 weeks off of work to get it healed up.  Since I drive for my job & my only option left was pain pills.



-Jamie

What a wonderful post! It is so nice to hear how people are doing so many years after their DS. Congratulations. You look wonderful and have obviously achieved much!

It was wonderful seeing you last night and celebrating your 9th surgiversary, Sharon. Many, many more wonderful surgiversary wishes coming your way. 

What a awesome fluke that Dr Elariny was coming out of the meeting when we were going in. He was looking mighty handsome, wasn't he....even without the ponytail. lol

--gina

Thank you so much, Gina!  I can't think of a better way to celebrate!  It was great to see you and the rest of the gang. 

Yes, he is still cute, even without the ponytail :-)

Sharon

Thank you Sharon! I may send you a message to ask a few questions!!!

 Awesome, Sharon! Congrats on 9 years!

Thank you, Renee!