In 2001, I had a Duodenal Switch, which is a hybrid surgical procedure that has two aspects that reduce weight; where the smaller stomach size limits the amount of food that can be taken in to about 120-150cc (1/2-3/4 Cup) and the small bowel is re attached in such a fashion as to keep the biliopancreatic juices away from the food until the last portion of the small bowel, enabling limited absorption of the food that is eaten. This procedure was highly aggressive and facilitated my losing 240lb over the following year. I had several serious complications develop from this surgery; including hernias and on-going vitamin deficiencies. Over the next six years those complications required three more surgeries and an eventual revision in late 2009 of the Common channel in the duodenum, which allows for more absorption. In the nine months recovering from the surgery I have gained around 30 lbs, which is far less than I expected from the months of sedentary recovery period combined with the new level of absorption. I still have an “altered” digestive tract but to what extent the alteration is actually affecting absorption as a whole; meaning how my much of the volume of what I consume is absorbed.
Three weeks ago, mid-May 2010, I started the Atkins diet with an eye towards lowering my weight in regards to lowering fat percentage and gaining muscle percentage. I have been through the weight loss/gain roller coaster enough to know that the most important gage is my health and activity level. I don’t aspire to a certain number any longer. I rely on being strong in my physical body and the size/look of my hourglass is far less important.