Personal experiences wanted

Robin, I didn't have a revision, and my DS was done lap/hand assisted, so not the same as what you have planned. I had very little pain post-op but did struggle with exhaustion. No dumping ever. Dumping is rare with the DS, I only know of one post-op who used to post here who said she had dumping. Gas depends on what I eat, with carbs being the culprit, so it's under my control, meaning that if I avoid carbs I have no problems with gas. I'm not sure what you mean by food issues, but I can tolerate anything now. Of course, we need to eat plenty of protein because we don't absorb all of it, but we can eat any form of protein, lean or fatty, because we absorb only about 20% of the fat we consume. That opens up a lot of possibilities for food choices and cooking methods.

Your best friend may mean well but I suspect she knows nothing about the DS. It's strange how people, family and friends, think they know what's best for fat people and have no qualms about dishing out free and generally uninformed medical advice. And I don't know what her being competitive has to do with it, unless you mean she's one of those people who always has to be right. In any event, you've chosen an excellent revision surgeon. Many of us had someone in our lives who had doubts, either out of genuine concern for our welfare, or out of jealousy, or just because. You need to set that aside and do what you know is best for yourself. It's your life and your decision. If she ever needs surgery, it will be her life and her decision. That sounds fair, right?

Yes, we malabsorb. But if you are committed to being diligent about eating protein and taking all your vitamins and supplements and doing your labs regularly, you should be fine. Your post isn't totally clear, but it sounds like you are struggling with your weight and with side effects from your prior surgery. The DS provides much more durable weight loss and resolution of comorbidities than any other bariatric surgery. Some people do great with RNY, but it doesn't work for everyone. You deserve a second chance. Discuss your concerns about pain with Dr. Roslin and hopefully he can make a plan for your post-op pain management that will work for you.

Larra

Open RNY to DS Conversion 03/2008. Yes. It hurt like hell. Most pain I ever felt in my life. It felt like they opened me up cut my stomach and rearranged my intestines. Yes. It hurt.

I do not dump. I don't believe I have anymore gas now than I did before. I eat pretty much whatever I want. I do not gain weight except at that time of the month - the same 9 - 12lbs. And I lose it immediately after. I never thought I'd say this, but I could stand to gain a few pounds cuz I look better w/a little weight on me (lol).

I do, however, have medical problems such as low iron. I was anemic before, more so now. I have started to receive iron infusions and that seems to help with the exhaustion. What I would do differently? Take my vits and iron from the start - don't wait til your health is failing to realize that you need to take your vitamins and supplements cuz you're not gonna get them from the food you eat.

Is/was it worth it?  I would do it a thousand times over if I knew then what I know now. If I could have done this in my youth, my life would have been so different. But, if I had not had the RNY, I would never have known the freedom this DS has allowed me.

And as far as the DS naysayers? Forget 'em. Trust me, I have plenty who said the same things and I strut while they struggle. I'm not worried about dieting post op now. I truly feel like I'm not a prisoner to food. I can actually enjoy it - prolly more than I should.

Good Luck whatever you decide. I've learned not to try to convince anyone the DS is the right choice. I just know it was right for me.

That is helpful thank you.

Personal experience, and first hand knowledge coming right up!

 I had a virgin DS in July of 2012. I was 374 lbs on the day of my surgery. It was not open, but rather, LAP. Today, i weigh 140 pounds, i eat pretty much what i want, when i want. I get gas if i eat junk (high carbs, or a lot of sugar).  The first week was very painful, but, umm, i let someone open me up and rearrange my insides, of course it hurt. LOL.  The first month of two after surgery was hard because i had trouble getting in enough protein. Other than that, this is the dream life for me. The weight has melted off, i live a normal life, i don't have to worry about a stoma that may or may not get blocked.

 For the first time in my life, i feel (and look) normal. I eat out with my husband, i cook at home real food without fear. There is malabsorption, it is selective malabsorption. it is the surgery doing it's job! Your friend needs to spend some time talking those who have actually had this surgery.

 Do not be afraid. The first few months are hard, but it is so very worth doing.  Your doctor will help you control the pain from your surgery, and you are not alone.

Feel called to answer this. Open ds in 2012. At least 5 surgeries due to issues. Had video of my surgery posted but took it down due...feedback. roughest time I've ever had in my life. Hated every second of it, would do it again without a 2nd thought if I HAD to. Didn't know at the time lap ds was good option. My knife only works open and didn't look anywhere else as he was raved about. All in all happy but wish I had researched lap ds better.

Where is your doc, in what state not to offen anyone? Sounds like a rough time but i know the feeling about trading the worst dor the better so i'll be taking that journey soon i hope. Open is my only option because of prior surgeries and huge hernia they will repair. This time i will demand pain killers that work. Morphine drip was useless. Thinking maybe i need to find a way to bring motrin lol kidding Thanks for your insight

Agree what pain meds with your doc pre-op.