Starting this Journey Again

I have started looking into WLS several times.  I have finally decided that is the only way I am going to get where I want to be. 

My hubby (we are both going to do surgery) and I go on Wednesday for our first appointment with the surgeon.  We are both have a BMI right around 50 and both leaning toward a sleeve.  Due to insurance and stuff our doc is Ferrari.

Can any of you please give me any reccomendations you have on choosing the type of surgery to have?
Questions to ask the doc at our first visit?
Any feedback you may have on Dr. Ferrari.

Thanks in advance for any input.

I don't have any great advise to offer just wanted to take a minute to congratulate you on your decision.  It's really hard and scary to take that first step.  Having your hubby do it with you will make it easier. 

Do your research-go online and read everything you can about the different types of surgery.  Ask your doc for his statistics on how many of each he has done and his complication rates.  I have heard of your doctor but personally have no experience with him.  Hopefully some other people will jump on board and answer that one for you.  Ask your doc for his opinion as to which surgery he prefers and why.

Good luck and keep us posted on how things go at your appt tomorrow. 

We cannot make that decision for you, but I can share what I've learned about the sleeve. I understand that it's done for ppl >500 lbs, and the bypass will have to be done at a later date. Please, as Stephanie says, do your homework and ask questions! Write down all the questions you have so you won't forget anything, and make sure he answers ALL your questions.
There are books that can help with your questions. I bought Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies.
I also heard that it's not a good idea for spouses to have surgery at the same time. You never know what might happen, and you need to take care of you.

 

The DS is highly recommended for higher BMI's like you and your hubby have!!!

Take a look at www.dsfacts.com for some reliable information on the DS (Duodenal Switch)

Sent you a PM with other info, too. 

Be sure to thoroughly research every WLS before making a decision.  You probably only want to do this once.  

Best of luck in your journey!!  May you choose the right surgery for YOU. 

Julie

For your BMI, the best WLS is the DS, it has far better excess weight loss than any other WLS and even better stats for keeping the weight off long term. It also gives you the best quality of life in regard to being able to eat normally.

I had my first WLS done in 1980, it was an early version of RNY; I lost most of the weight, but it was really hard to keep the weight off; even so, I was able to do it for about 15 years by always being on a diet and exercising every day. But I got sick and couldn't exercise for a year and that was the end of my weight control and I ended up gaining all the weight back.

I got a revision to DS in Sept. 2008 and it's like heaven; I've lost the excess weight and I eat like a naturally thin person; it's wonderful. 

Here's a link to my 1 year out post:

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/4024505/One-year-ago-today-who -could-have-known/action,replies/topic_id,4024505/page,1/

The DS is by far the best, most effective WLS there is, but it's a more difficult operation and there are not a lot of surgeons who can do it safely because they haven't taken the time to do the training. There are however some DS surgeons in TX; here they are:

Erik Wilson, MD * 
Email: [email protected]

UT Houston
6700 West Loop South, Ste 500
Bellaire, TX 77401
Phone: 713-892-5500
Fax: 713-871-0071

 

Daryl A. Stewart, MD *

Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas
Denton Surgical Group
3321 Colorado Blvd.
Denton, TX 76210
Phone: 940-382-9429

You should also check out www.dsfacts.com to learn more about the DS.

Kerry

I had my first WLS done in 1980, it was an early version of RNY; I lost most of the weight, but it was really hard to keep the weight off; even so, I was able to do it for about 15 years by always being on a diet and exercising every day. But I got sick and couldn't exercise for a year and that was the end of my weight control and I ended up gaining all the weight back.

I got a revision to DS in Sept. 2008 and it's like heaven; I've lost the excess weight and I eat like a naturally thin person; it's wonderful. 

I find it humerous that you were successful for 15 YEARS but then blamed your subsiquent failure on the SURGERY.  Maybe YOU didn't make the lifestyle changes necessary to stick with the program.  Come talk to us in 15 years when you have the same experience under your belt with the DS.  I'll be anxious to see if you once again blame the surgery for your failure cuz at less than 2 years out from the DS, you darn sure better be successful.

Do not misconstrue this as a post bashing the DS as I feel each person has to decide what's right for him or her.  Also insurance often limits the surgery people can pick from.  But I would bet my last dime that 2 years out from your RNY you were singing it's praises too.

Well here's the thing Stephanie. I was successful at keeping the weight off for 15 years, but that success had nothing to do with the surgery I had. The surgery helped me lose the weight, but after a year or so it was no help what so ever in keeping the weight off. I kept the weight off with diet and exercise and it was really tough to do because of the damn pouch. I couldn't eat dense proteins like steak or roast beef because they would stick and I couldn't drink milk because it would make me dump. I kept the weight off in spite of the surgery not because of it.

The difference between that and the DS Is like night and day, with the DS, I eat like a naturally thin person does. I lost and am maintaining the loss with ease, it's like heaven. Yes in fact it's like the DS bailed me out of RNY hell and fat prison, it's a dream come true. Two years ago I would never have believed the life I now have was even possible.

Kerry

WLS surgery is a TOOL not a miracle. 

Please make this decision based on your research and not what someone here may advise you to do.  Yes we all think that our surgery is best  but I would NEVER, NEVER, EVER tell someone that my way is the only way to go.  There are many options out there... not just the DS as some may lead you to believe.  Please do your research carefully!!!  And do what is the right fit for you whatever that may be.

I wish you the best!!!!

I agree completely, do your research, learn what the problems are before you decide.

It's also a very good idea to visit the Revisions Board and the Regrets Board and see how many people are looking for revisions from Lap Bands and RNY. You won't find any DSers looking for a revision, the DS works better than anything else so there's no reason anyone would revise from DS.

Kerry