Weight Loss How'd ya do it?

                                                      DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS

I've been asked how I lost my weight.  For the record, I've lost 263 pounds since November of 2006.  I had weight loss surgery.  Oh my!  I have always been very open and forthright about having surgery.  For my friends, they got to live the 2 1/2 years prior to surgery with me, where I was appealing the decisions of the insurance company not to pay, and finally taking them to court.  They (BC/BS) were willing to pay for a lap band or a gastric bypass.  I had decided I needed a Duodenal Switch, and found a surgeon that does all type of weight loss surgery.  When I saw him and reviewed my medical history, he also thought that the DS was the right one for me. 
     There are several types of weight loss surgery (WLS).  Lap bands cinch in the stomach, allowing only a very small amount of food to pass through.  (My surgeon said one good Italian sub, and I'd burst the band).  There a RNY, popularly known as the 'gastric bypass'.  It creates a pouch out of the stomach, and reroutes the intestines.  You still have to eat low fat, low sugar, small amounts....and there's something that happens frequently, known as dumping syndrome.  Not all folks experience this, it's like a shaking, nauseous, lay on the floor in a curled up ball for an hour sensation.  (Google it on you tube, it's scary).  The DS has the most surgical risks, it involves reshaping the stomach like a banana, but leaves the pyloric valve intact, so no vomiting/foaming.  It reroutes the intestines, so (here's the kicker) you only absorb 20% of the fat you eat, 50% of the protein and 80% of the carbs!  Great you say....  the down side is...  in order to make sure you are not vitamin deficient, you have to faithfully take supplements daily for the rest of your life.   You must eat twice the protein of a 'normal' adult, in order to get in the right amount.  Good thing, you get to eat full fat cheeses, and dairy products, like butter, milk, etc because you only absorb 20% of them.  Of course, this means you NEED to be on top of your fat soluable vitamins always...  Yin and Yang...  Up and Down...  Good and Bad...  I take Vitamin D and K, the fat soluable vitamins in amounts that scare most non-WLS doctors. I take multi's, calcium, iron, and probiotics.  I get bloods drawn every 6 months, and the vitamins get adjusted accordingly.  For me, this is easy peasy, compared to managing my diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac abnormalities, arthritis, etc etc etc.  Most of these have resolved completely, or improved since the weight loss.  
    Besides the scale, I also have non-scale celebrations.  Things that aren't directly connected to the numbers of pounds lost, just good things that are related.  I can walk further, almost keep up with a 5 year old, buy clothes in almost any store, fit (comfortably) in a plane or theatre seat, and so on. 
     I had always refused the let my fat get in the way of my life.  I completed an advanced degree, traveled, dated as much as I was asked, worked in a field I love, in a job I enjoy, and actively participated in my profession and family.  I just really hated being judged by my size and not my capabilities.  I thought I had to be better, or work harder just to even the playing field.  Now, I think I can relax a bit more, and not have to try so hard.
   So, there's my weight loss story.  If anyone is thinking of having WLS, my advice is Research all the types.  Pick the one you think you can live a long and healthy life with, then find the best surgeon for that type.  Don't pick a surgeon first, and then the type because Would a Ford dealer sell you a Volkswagon?  A surgeon is going to recommend the type of surgery he is familiar with, the kind he does well, and not recommend something he isn't versed in.  If possible, do what I did.  Find a surgeon who does ALL the types, and see what he recommends.  Research the long term success rates.  Make friends with people who have had your type of surgery, maybe at a support group.  They'll be a valuable resource for that first year!
    I hope this answered any questions.  I'm (REALLY) into talking about me, and will answer any questions honestly.  I will also refer you to experts if it's stuff I don't know!  What do you think about WLS?  Have you had it?  Was it successful for you?