Looking into pros and cons of DS

Let me start by introducing myself. I had the lapband in Feb of 2009. I was 380 and lost 120 lbs in 8 months. I then got pregnant with my 2nd child. After that pregnancy, my band wasn't the same and I gained back up to 333 lbs in a period of a year. I then got pregnant again and had my 3rd and LAST baby just about 4 months ago. I can not get this weight off, I am still around 333 give or take, I am frustrated with my band as if I get it filled too tight then I throw up my food and things get stuck, but if I don't get it filled enough then I'm hungry and I see no difference in appetite. I am just trying to get information right now about other WLS and the pros and cons of each. I didn't really research the lapband much before I got it, I just wanted the least invasive at the time.
I have heard good and bad things about the DS, please tell me everything. Thank you.

I would recommend that you read everything at dsfacts.com for accurate info about the DS, and also for a list of DS surgeons. Any lists you might find here are not accurate. Also, you might as well know up front that there are no DS surgeons in your state. You will need to travel, but you have good options in CA and WA, and the extra effort is worth it.

The DS has the best statistics of any wls for percentage excess weight loss, maintaining that weight loss, and for resolution of almost all comorbidities. It also has gives people the ability to eat smaller but otherwise normal meals - no dumping, no food getting stuck, you don't have to chew things to a puree. You can take NSAIDs safely (in correct doses). You can drink liquids with meals. You can live a normal life.

The DS does require significant vitamin and mineral supplementation and regular lab work. It's crucial, but it isn't difficult. Also, because we malabsorb protein, we do need to eat protein first to maintain good nutritional health. But since we can eat any form of protein and not just lean protein, this isn't exactly a sacrifice.

If you want some great articles from the medical literature, let me know via pm with an email address. I have lived with the DS over 6 years and have absolutely no regrets.

Larra

Thank you, that website was very informative. Also, I had heard there was a surgeon at OHSU in Portland, OR that does the DS, but I still have to look into that for sure. I'd travel to Washington or California if needed though.

There used to be a surgeon doing the DS is Oregon, but he stopped offering it a few years ago - just as well, his patients seemed to have more complications and less weight loss than most.
     Unless there is someone new on the scene, you will need to travel, but again, it's well worth it.

Larra

 I would greatly appreciate you sending me where to find these articles. I am in the process of having the Biliary Pancreatic Diversion with Duodenum Switch. Wanting to make sure it's the right choice for me. My e-mail address is:  [email protected]  tha   Thank You! Donna

Pros:
I love the variety of food we can eat.
The stats of resolution of comorbidities. I was off my BP meds by 2 months out. Some come off all meds right after surgery never to go back on them.
The stats of retention of weight loss

Cons or difficulties:
The vite requirements are pretty big, but doable. From experience pay attention to Vitalady. Get your labs into the high normal before surgery.
My poop stinks but it did before just not as bad.
The lack of after care support from medical professionals. The vets on this board and others are the ones that know their stuff about the DS.

Thank you for your response. I don't have any comorbidies luckily, but I know it will just be a matter of time before that happens if I don't get my weight under control. I am a little worried about the bowel issues as I already have sensitive bowels so I am concerned about the loose stools that I hear about as well as stinky gas.

On the other hand, you may find that your bowels are LESS sensitive after the DS. I've seen people with IBS say theirs has improved quite a bit.

I'm 8.5 years post-DS, and I've learned just what my bowels can and can't tolerate, and in what quantities. This is most definitely a "Your Mileage May Vary" thing, and learning experience for each of us. Same thing with stinky gas---you'll learn what foods you can eat, and/or what time of day to eat them (so that you can fart at home, LOL!)

What larra said!

Only you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks for you, and the only way to do that is to learn all that you can about the DS, so if it is your procedure of choice, you will go in with your eyes wide open!

That's not to say that you will have a terrrible time with the DS, but there is a little extra effort required to stay healthy, and it is absolutely worth it to me!

If you decide on the DS and can't find a surgeon locally, there's a DS Surgeon a few hours from you in Federal Way, WA.,  Dr. Srikanth. PM me if you need more info.