I got a lapband in February 2009. It was a total failure. When I had it taken out in February 2012 I weighed the same as when it was put in. I had gone up and down about 30 pounds, but the band did more harm than good. I thought about getting the sleeve as it seems to have been a great option for a lot of people. My concern was that with 200 pounds to lose, it wouldn't' be enough. I was also worried about regain, as apparently the sleeve stretches after a while. I contemplated the RNY but I was worried that the little pouch and stoma would feel way too much like the band and I had already puked enough with the band to last a lifetime. I also was worried about reactive hypoglycemia. I know this only happens to some people who get the RNY but I do like to have sweets once in a while and if this is going to be a forever thing I wanted to make sure it was a lifestyle I could live with.

I ended up having a Duodenal Switch done in August 2012. They don't do it anywhere in Alberta and although they do it in Ontario and Quebec the waiting list was too long and the cost was outrageous. I did A LOT of homework and ended up going to Mexico and having Dr. Aceves and Dr. Ungson perform the operation. Best decision I ever made. As you can see by my ticker in 4 1/2 months I am down almost a hundred pounds (I think about 14 of that was pre-op). The best thing is that it hasn't even been that hard. My eating has totally changed, but I don't feel like I am suffering. I load up on protein, which leaves little room for other stuff. Bread upsets my stomach, but I can live with that.  Milk was a problem at first, but I seem to be over that. I can eat the occasional sweet without too much problem, although with eating so few carbs, I can't say as I have a really sweet tooth anymore. I'm not one of those people who got the DS and totally lost their appetite, but if I start my day with lots of protein and keep it up throughout the day, my appetite is small and I get full (and satisfied, which I never got with the band) with a small amount of food. You do have to take vitamins for the rest of your life, but to me that is a small price to pay for how great I am already feeling, not even at the half way mark.

I'm not sure how much you have to lose or what surgeries you are considering but I would look into the DS. It rocks! Surf the different forums around here and you will get a sense of the good, bad and ugly that goes along with the different surgeries. Then ask yourself if you can live with those challenges and outcomes.

Good luck!

Jenn

Open vs. Laparoscopic.

Hey Guys and Gals,

I have read some conflicting stuff regarding wait lists for bypass surgery. If you are willing to do the surgery open have you found that you get in for surgery faster than if you decided to go with a Laparoscopic surgery?

Also please for those that have been with Dr. Nohr what he is really like and what his most recent wait list is like. I have heard some bad and some great reviews. Mostly that his bedside manners really stinks and that he assumes we've all done our homework and that he shouldn't be counted on for much support.

Again your support is greatly appreciated. Also has anyone been through the clinic in Red Deer?

Monica

May you be blessed with a great Christmas also  hope  your New Years be Filled with wonderful things

Anyone else in Calgary have some input to share with me. I go and see my family doc on Monday and want to be prepared with who the best doctor is. Where is the shortest wait list and any other information I would need to get an approval for the cost the AHS. 

Is the approval for the surgery done through the surgeons or do I have to fill out some type of application form and request it myself?

Thanks to everyone that has taken the time to reply to my post and for those that are reading please feel free to share some of your own thoughts and experiences and what I should be looking forward to during this exciting and life altering decision.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you.

Monica

Great to see a post from you, it's been forever. Us old timer are still trucking away at it and it's so great to see we are still all so successful.  I still can't believe the impact the surgery and the last 2 years have had on my life.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Kee.