Help!!! DS vs. RNY (or micro-pouch)

Okay, I'm so confused. Again!! I was headed towards the RNY (well propably Sepala-Wood mirco-pouch, because I was/am planning on seeing Dr. Wood), but the DS sounds like the quality of life may be better after surgery.....being able to eat anything, no vomiting and no dumping (I know some think of this as a good thing...I don't), NSAIDs okay (I have bad arthritis),can drink w/meals, and no strictures. So........why wouldn't everybody get this? I have read about the possibility of chronic diarrhea and smelly stools, but haven't run across anyone who's had those problems). Would appreciate your opinions on this. Do most people have the RNY because there's simply more surgeons that do that, so they would recommend it and pooh-pooh the DS or .........what do you think? Thanks.

Well since no one seems to be answering your question, I guess I'll give it a go! This is only what I've come to learn from various websites (may not be 100% accurate). Most people choose RNY because it is the gold standard for WLS - meaning that it has the best track record and has been around the longest. DS has not been around as long (1988) and it is also a far more complicated procedure to perform. DS is a substantially much longer surgery in terms of time it takes to perform. I think as well that some insurance companies may not cover DS? I am not sure about this. Those with RNY lose faster in the first few years than with DS - about five years in though, both groups lose pretty much the same amount. Other issues that I've seen talked about on webpages: -finding a surgeon that DS may involve more legwork on your part -in DS, they permanently remove the rest of your stomach (2/3), while in RNY they keep it in tact -you can eat bigger portions with DS -no dumping syndrome with DS (which can be a good/bad thing depending on how you look at it). -strong tendency for severe nutritional deficiencies with DS -possible gas/odor problems with DS I've seen happy DS patients and happy RNY patients so I guess it is just a manner of doing research and seeing what you prefer. Good luck with your decision! Stef

Hello I had the DS and I couldnt be happier with it, I had it with Dr. Hares in Bloomfield , Michigan I recommend him HIGHLY. He is a awesome surgeon. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask or email me.. May