Michael L. Bilof, MD

Hi, everyone.

I'm new here. I decided to have WLS earlier this year but was undecided on which procedure to have. I went back and forth several times before finally deciding on the DS. My surgery is on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

I'm a little nervous but also excited about the future. I'm looking forward to feeling and looking better. There isn't a lot of info about the DS on this site so I'll try to keep you updated on my progress so future readers will have a more current review.

Thanks.

Updated on 8 Dec 2015:
Hi, everyone.

Thanks Kristy for the information.

Well I made it through. Surgery went perfectly according to my doctor but recovery isn't easy. Immediately after surgery I was feeling pretty good. No pain, naseau or vomiting. The day after, however was a bit tougher. That was when all that amazing anasthesia from the surgery was beginning to wear off. Still not too much pain but the gas inside was pretty bad. I did get up and walk some to try to help the process of passing gas along, but it's been a slow process for me. I was supposed to go home on Friday, but to be honest I wasn't feeling all that great but was anxious to get home because I got so little rest in the hospital. Just when you get to sleep someone comes in the room and wakes you up to take your BP and temperature or something and if it's not you it's your roommate. However, late afternoon Friday my nurse informs me that my metabolic doctor noted that my phosphorus was low and wanted to give me an infusion before going home, which would take 4 hours. So I decided to stay another night instead of going home at 8 at night. So I was feeling better on Saturday and looking forward to going home. Around 11 am my nurse tells me the metabolic doctor wants me to have a 2 hour infusion of magnesium. So after that I finally went home Saturday afternoon.

I'm very blessed in that my family is very supportive of me and the decision to do this and are doing anything they can to help me during recovery. Right now I'm focusing on taking in my liquids, which is not easy at all. I have a little gas pain when I sip and I can feel the liquid land in my stomach. I'm looking forward to upgrading to full liquids like cream soups and yogurt because I'm just not feeling satisfied now. I went yesterday morning to get an upper GI xray in preparation for my post op follow up visit with the doctor this afternoon. Hopefully the surgical drain will be removed will help me feel more comfortable.

At some point I will post some photos when I have some results to show. Thanks to everyone for posting their advice and support.

Updated on 15 May 2017:
I know it's been a very long time and I haven't updated my review. I will be back soon with an update and some photos.

Updated on 30 May 2017:
OK, so I know I have been totally remiss and I dropped the ball on updating my review. So I'm going to update you now. I'm almost 18 months post op and I feel fantastic! Not only did I meet my own personal goal weight at 10 months PO, I went well below that weight. My starting weight at the time of surgery was 274 lbs, I'm now 133 lbs! That's a total loss of 141 lbs! I'm a size 2/4. Absolutely amazing and exceeds my wildest dreams!

I do want to clarify, however, that I did not have a traditional DS surgery. I had a Loop Duodenal Switch or SAD-I (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileostomy). Which is the DS with only one Anastomosis not 2 as with the traditional DS. This version of the surgery is now the preferred method of my surgeon and many others because studies show fewer instances of malnutrition and diarrhea. There is a longer common channel which means more absorption of food than with the traditional, 2 Anastomosis DS. I'm actually so glad that I did not have the traditional DS because I've had excellent results and fewer post surgical complications and deficiencies.

I get my bloodwork done every 6 months and address any deficiencies. Right now my only concern in Iron. I'm taking vitamins and supplements 4 times a day. This is absolutely a must. You must commit to supplementation or this is definitely not the surgery for you. But it's really not a big deal. It's just a part of my life now. I take multivitamins, calcium citrate, iron, Vit. D and Vit. A. However my iron is still low so my metabolic doctor just referred me to a hematologist and I'll likely have to get an infusion. That being said, absolutely, totally worth it to feel healthy again. Be able to move around without a whole extra person on my frame. People don't even recognize me. I was at a neighborhood block party from my hometown over the weekend and multiple people walked past me and didn't know who I was!

I eat pretty much whatever I want but obviously much less of it. I do have to be careful with certain carbs as they make me feel bloated. I can eat small amounts of pasta, but not a whole meal of it. Certain fatty foods will make my stool softer and may result in "oil slick" type bowel movements. I focus on protein and try to get 60+ grams per day. I start my day with a protein shake or bar and try to get the rest of my protein through food throughout the day.

Finally I want to say that my surgeon is so skilled and wonderful that I believe wholeheartedly that God sent me to him. I had a relatively complication free recovery and I've felt fantastic with no issues. I would recommend anyone considering weight loss surgery to go see Dr. Michael Bilof at Garden State Bariatrics in either Millburn or Toms River NJ. I'm going to try to post some photos now. Feel free to ask any questions, I'll do my best to answer.

Updated on 30 May 2017:

I'm 28 months out from my surgery date,11-05-2007.

The first year was pretty good. lost a ton of weight. Year 2 was harder for me emotionally. I was on an emotional roller coaster.

I had a highly experienced surgeon in New Jersey.He is absolutely excellent. No complaints there.

Very little pain following surgery,I returned to work after 10 days. Mine was all in the head. It isn't (OR WASN'T FOR ME) easy going from 306 lbs.and size 24 to 140 lbs. size 4-6 actually it freaked me out. I didn't know who that person was staring back at me in the mirror. Some may be able to relate to this.

I'm doing well with it now. I'm 151 and a size 6-8. I'm loving being this size (SHOPPING IS FUN!) Would I do it all over, ABSOLUTELY!

Hi Everyone,
My name is Sharen I am 42 wife and mom of 3. I have struggled with my weight as long as I remembered
I am currently at my highest weight 218 5 foot 5 which may not seem a lot to some but for me it is. Being over 200 pounds pushed me into type II diabetes. I also have hypertension which I have battled since I was 18 years old. So I have recently decided to have the Gastric Sleeve Surgery. I will qualify because of the hypertension and diabetes. I have began the process of preparing for the surgery I had my Psych evaluation , Blood work, diet history, pulmonary , and cardiac are scheduled for this week. EGD Scope Sept 2. I am excited nervous scared all at the same time. My husband and 2 good friends are very supportive
My challenge is my sister (we are twins) she does not seem to agree with this . When I first mentioned it She said we can just go back to" weight watchers". I feel like I have put everyone else needs 1st and not my own. It has really taken a toll on me health wise. I just want to wake up one day and not always have to think about dieting or how my weight is effecting my health. I am on vacation this week so that I Can complete all of the pre surgery testing. I am really enjoying this group. I find it to be so positive:) I was on the gastric sleeve group on FB and it is so negative. Not like real self. Just looking for some support and insight on the journey.

Updated on 21 Aug 2014:


Updated on 21 Aug 2014:
This week I am working on all of my testing for the vsg
I have to admit it has been emotional for me. yesterday I met with my PCP and it was difficult. I have been with for at least 20 years. She is very conservative as she puts it. I met with her about having the vsg done, she looked at me and said Sharen I really think you can lose the weight. My eyes began to water. I started talking about this journey and how difficult it has been all of these years. How I struggle to manage the diabetes and blood pressure. It's been 5 years since I was diagnosed with the type 2. I haven't kept the weight off in the 4 years since I have the diabetes. She suggested a new medication victoza which is a injectable diabetic medicine. She suggested trying Jenny Craig to change up from WW.
She said I will write the recommendation but I would like you to reconsider.

Later, that night I had dinner with 2 friends 1 has had the VSG, and 1 has had the Bypass. They both shared their ups and downs but overall are happy with their choice.
That was helpful.
Today, I met with the nutritionist,
that went really well. She gave me lots of protein shakes and bars to try.
Then I met with the pulmonary specialist to do the testing.
Hopefully everything went well. I definitely gave it everything I had :)

Updated on 28 Aug 2014:
Today, I visited with the cardiologist. It was a eye opening experience, I had a good talk with him.
He spoke with me about my hypertension which I have had since 18. At the age of 42 this is a long time to have it. The dr. stated that since I have had high blood pressure so long that more than likely the WLS surgery would not eliminate it because of longevity of hypertension. But it could help reduce my medication. He did feel it could be beneficial and reverse my diabetes He didn't approve me as of yet because he wants to do more testing (EKG, stress test ,mri on kidneys) Hopefully I will make it pass this hurdle and move pass this hurdle... WISH ME LUCK

Updated on 2 Sep 2014:
Today I had my endoscope procedure this morning.
The Dr said that everything looked good. It was really quick
Procedure began at 8am. And I was home by 10am.

Updated on 16 Oct 2014:
Hello Sleevers,
I have been busy over the last few weeks trying to get all of the ducks in a row.
I just completed my cardio stress and nuclear testing it went well
Today I spoke with my doctor and I have decided to schedule for November 24th.
I know it's before Thanksgiving but I think the timing will work for me . I am in the middle of a project at work so I am hoping to get back to work the middle of the following week. I am an administrator so I don't have to do any physical work. Now I am nervous and excited! Any words of wisdom. I have a high tolerance of pain but would still like to know if the pain is really that bad.

Updated on 30 Oct 2014:
Hello everyone I have less than 30 day before my journey begins to a healthier me.
I met with my doctor and she cleared me medically (YaY :) I have my venous Doppler and Chest X-ray Monday and that's it. My doctor who originally was not as supportive was so helpful today. She even saved me a trip to the lab and did the blood work at her office. She went over all of my do's and don'ts.
It made me feel much better. I have so many different emotions but I think I am ready for this change. Now I just have to start preparing

Updated on 12 Nov 2014:
Hello everyone,
Today I was able to finalize my cardiac clearance with the cardiologist.
As I continue this journey. I feel better and better. I have had the opportunity to learn so much about getting sleeved. There are tons support options as well.
I am nervous but I definitely ready .

Updated on 19 Nov 2014:
Hello sleevers,
I received my approval from my insurance company today. It was so close (surgery is this Monday 24th) We had some delays but everything was submitted a few weeks back. Then my primary and cardiac clearance this morning and everything was approved this afternoon. I was so relieved . I am excited nervous all at the same time. I do believe this is the best choice as a tool to help with my type2 and blood pressure.
Now I will just finish getting ready for next week :)

Updated on 24 Nov 2014:
Good Morning ,
Today is my surgery day. I am scheduled for 7:30am surgery. Just about to leave for the hospital. I have to check in by 5:30am. I am excited, nervous, anxious. I am looking forward to having a tool to help me put me 1st. I have gotten everything ready for the family. I will update everyone soon!
Thank you again for all of your words of wisdom and especially all of the support.

Updated on 26 Nov 2014:
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to give an update on how my surgery went on Monday.I was discharged Tuesday evening at 6pm
I have to say I was so nervous about what I would feel like when I woke up from the surgery. Well when I woke up I was not in a great of pain (yay!!) It was just as my doctor had said. I just felt sore. I did have pain meds but I did well.
Only issues were my type 2 diabetes went up really high There were actually giving me insulin to control it. But it is down to a good level. The Dr. said no more metformin. My blood pressure medicine was adjusted(with out a diuretic
so I don't dehydrate. I have been walking and sipping. I have such a sense of relief and I am not in extreme pain. Just working the gas out. I think all settled in my belly area. There no pains in my shoulder as some have reported.
I am working on getting my liquids in I am drinking Isopure (40 grams of protein) and using new Whey liquid protein 42grams). I pour it into my water.
I am half through my water/protein intake. Since I am not drinking quickly I am sure the protein is all going in.
Thank you for all of thought and prayers

Updated on 1 Dec 2014:
Hi,
Just wanted to check in. I am doing pretty good:) It is hard to believe that it has been 7days. I am starting to feel like myself again. I have been moving around the house cooking, walking the dog . I have not been on the scale as of yet. I am interested in how I have done so far. I have been able to tolerate water and getting in my protein. Tomorrow I will meet with my NUT to see how I am doing. I am on full liquids which I have to say feels a whoe lot better. Drinking protein non stop is a challenge. I have been incorporating soups , hot cereals, cottage cheese, mash potatoes I am learning when I am full. It feels like a squeeze. I will keep you posted!

Updated on 17 Dec 2014:
Hello Fellow sleevers!!
I just wanted give a little update on my progress. I am about 3 weeks out from surgery I am doing really well. I am able to get all my water and protein in.
I am back at work as well. I feel like I have made a good choice so far. I am still learning the signals of when I am full and that is sometimes challenging.
But over all I am happy I am down about 17lbs. since surgery:)
I expect a slower process because I am at a lower bmi.
I am so close to onderland and I have seen that in years :)

Updated on 23 Dec 2014:
Hi everyone,
I am soo excited I hit 199 this week.
It felt really good too, I am doing well with my food as well so far.
I hope everyone is doing well
Happy Holidays

Updated on 30 Dec 2014:
Hi Everyone,
I started back at the gym this week.'I was happy to do so.
I am trying to incorporate 3 days to start. I am feeling really good. I am 196.9
about 22 pounds down in a little over 4 weeks.
I love the idea of it only takes a little bit of food to feel me up.I am learning so much about protein and how to get in all in my small meals.
Happy New Year Everyone!!