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So happy with my decision!
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.
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.
Doing great!
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.
Provider Review
Bariatric Surgeon, Board Certified in General Surgery
225 Milburn Ave., Millburn, New Jersey
Dr. Bilof is an absolutely amazing surgeon! I'm so grateful to the 2 friends who referred me to him. He is very patient and answered every question I've had. I am comfortable with him and my outcome couldn't be better. I highly recommend him.