have questions about the surgery

I am thinking about having DS, went to the doctor this past Friday thinking about getting the band but he said it wouldn't be the best thing for me. My BMI is 53.5, I have my appt for the neutrionist next week and was just wondering if anybody could tell me how they made out with their surgery. Thank you and have a great weekend  

 Hi
I am 18 months post DS.  I have had zero complications with surgery.   My labs are great.   My only issue stinky stinky gas and occasional diarrhea BUT I get the gas and diarrhea when I eat too many carbs (not the good carbs) I would have the DS all over again I'm a heartbeat.  I started at 356, bmi mid 50's, I have lost 184 pounds so far, 12 to go for me , but if I lose the 12 I do, if not no big deal,I currently weigh 172.   I no longer have sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol , and a few other issues are gone.   I can do sooo much now that I couldnt before and I am so much happier 

Good luck with whatever you decide

Kathy 

When I came round my pain was very well managed. After that I just had paracetamol for pain relief and did well. It did hurt to cough and sneeze for the first few days, though.

DO NOT go with the band. So few do well with it long term. Check out the revisions board and you'll see lots revising away from it, heck even on this board too.

Dr Greenbaum is a good surgeon and with your BMI the DS is your best shot at success.

I had a revision from the lapband to DS with Dr. Greenbaum last October. I am so happy that I made this decision and he is an excellent surgeon with tons of experience!!! Listen to him!!!!! Good luck but def do not get the crapband!!!!!

The DS has the best statistics of any wls for percentage excess weight loss, for MAINTAINING that weight loss, and for resolution of almost all comorbidities. The lap band has the WORST statistics for weight loss AND the highest rate of reoperation, either for complications (slippage, erosion, esophageal dilation, etc) or because it isn't tolerated and/or because it never worked despite repeated fils and unfills.

The lap band is esp useless for people with higher bmi's.

You are very, very fortunate that your doc is someone who has taken your individual needs into account, instead of someone at a lap band mill who would happily install a useless device into you and get paid by your insurer, and if the results aren't good, well, that's not his problem.

Larra

 i am new to DS. I just had it 13 days ago. and for the first week i was miserable, but with the help of everyone on the forum, and my family and my husband, things have gotten better. i am walking every night with my husband, and within 13 days ive lost 21lbs. i think the DS was a good choice for me, but everyone is different. you should research every options, but your doctor is right, with your BMI high, i think the DS is a good choice. and thats why I choose it. 2 weeks before surgery i was going for the gastric bypass, and then i changed my mind, and its been the best decision i have made.

good luck.

 i didnt even realized your doctor was DR.Greenbaum, i have him, he did my surgery, hes really good, and he does care alot. he was in every day to check on me at the hospital after surgery, and one day when he wasnt, his partner was in there. his staff is good as well. you will be sore after surgery as with any, but he does believe that if your BMI is high, youre better off with the DS. and i believe in his beliefs.

 He invited me to the meeting tomorrow and I am really hoping to go have to bring my daughter but Tina said that shouldn't be a problem., ( as long as she has my ipad she will be fine) looking forward to get more info and meeting others that have had this surgery already. 

Hey there Michele!

I am a Dr. Greenbaum patient and I would listen to what he says.  He just did my DS on August 20 and I trust him completely.  I initially met with Dr. Wasser about the RNY and he suggested I meet with Dr. Greenbaum about the DS, which I did and he changed my mind by giving me the facts.

I won't  lie, these past three weeks have been really hard, but I am down 40 pounds in a month.  That's including my pre op liquid diet and two weeks post op.  If you have any specific questions about the surgery or Dr. G, please feel free to message me.

 Hi Auntie Annie-As I read more and more I know this is the surgery for me, I am meeting with the neutritionist on Wed, then calling the cardo guy to make an appt. Can I ask how long did it take for your insurance to get your approval back to the office?, I am hoping since my 3month neutro will be up in early Dec, that they can submit it and I can have my surgary right after the first of the year while my hubby is home from school on break.  Dr. G seemed like a nice guy told me the band would not work for what I needed that this was the best option over all that would be best just hoping everything goes smoothly over the next few months to get this done .