Hello, I'm new, from Spokane and have some questions

Hi, Im 40 and have been overweight since about 6 years of age. I'm researching wls and I am going to an information session on Wednesday. I was looking around the site and found the forum on failed wls and several had gained all of their weight back. I was so excited about starting this process after reading profiles and seeing pictures. I do not want to start this process and fail. Some who had failed RNY were considering DS. I was wondering what peoples opinions are about these 2 surgeries and how those of you who have been successful have maintained weight loss?? ANY advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi  welcome to OH.  This place and the people have been an invaluable source of information, advice, comfort ande support!  I just had lap RNY about 3 weeks ago, and Im down about 25 lbs (my highest wt was around 300lbs, surgery 230ish BMI 38, and 208 now, and Im 5'10-considered a lighweight, with an XL bone structure/frame) 

I dont have any advise for RNY vs DS.  I looked at RNY vs Lapband, and decided I didnt want to deal with the band. So far...I was actually wondering is they did the RNY for the first week and a half...but I know/feel it now.  I had a good surgery, good recovery, no complications per se.  The only thing I can advise you, is whatever you decide...follow your doctors orders (for food stages, vitamins etc) I tried things (food items) too soon (passed liquids to soft foods)...and I paid for it in dumping! But, good luck to you in whatever you choose.  You will find that whatever route you choose, you will be happy that you did (and healthier!)

  Are you going in to Rockwood clinic?  If you are you will be very impressed. I went to bothof Dr. Pennings informational work shops.. for both Lapband and RNY..He is here in Post Falls..   Like you I did not want to deal with the lap band... I have not regreted my choice .  I do not  know anything on the DS.. but it doesn't hurt to get all your ducks in a row.     Good luck to you.  Alice

I am hoping to get surgery... I am month 2 of 6 month diet. DS is not an option for me... well... if I paid for it myself it would be. I am hoping to have RNY.  What I have heard that can be hard to find a DS surgeon... and even harder to get some insurance companys to pay for it. Good luck... Helen

 

 

 

Hi.  Welcome.  I really don't have any info concerning DS, and can only speak of my experience with RNY as that is what I had done.  My surgery date was 6/23/2006, so I am on my way to 2 years post-op.  I could not be happier with my results.  My starting weight was 260 and I currently weigh 125.  I lost all of my weight by 11 months after surgery and have maintained ever since.  I could not have asked for a better surgeon than I had. (Dr Rawlins Spokane Rockwood South).  He is fantastic.  He is very compassionate and understanding.  He has no problems answering any and all questions. Their office has an extremely high success rate.  I too have heard of others who have had surgeries fail.  I have to say that if you do your research and know exactly what you are getting into, and follow ALL of your Dr.s orders, it would be very difficult to fail.  This is not an easy thing.  It is not just changing how and what you eat.  You have to change your whole life.  But it is well worth it, and can be so rewarding.  I just wanted to add another success story to your searches.  I would highly recommend this surgery to someone who is ready for it.  But I will also say that I don't believe it is for everyone.  Not sure if this helps, but I hope so.  Good luck!! Nikei

Thank you everyone for your comments and support. I am going to Rockwood clinic info on Wednesday and considering RNY with Dr. Rawlins!! I'm so glad to hear responses from those of you who have had him as a surgeon. Congrats to your success! I think this website is a blessing. Im going through this process with the support of my husband and close friends but do not want to tell my family until afterward if at all as they would not understand. Thank you!!!

Hi-I think with everything that you have to keep in mind is that wls is a tool not a cure all.  It is a major life change and you have to be willing to make the changes.  I had the lap band on 2-28-08 and I am happy with my decision.  So far I have lost 20 lbs.  I too have read those sights but I also keep in mind "can't make everyone happy"  I know that I have to make changes and it is up to me to make my surgury a success.   Have you gone to a seminar yet?  Do your research and you will make the best choice for you.  Good luck and hope to talk to you soon.

I think that RNY and DS are both good surgeries.  It really depends on you, your food choices and what you can live with long term.   Yes people do gain weight back after surgery.  There is the normal 5-10 lb bounce where you hit your lowest weight and the bounce up a few lbs.   You can also eat around your surgery.  Lots of people "dump" but not all, if you eat a lot of high calorie slider foods you will gain the weight back.   Either surgery you have to make a commitment for the rest of your life to take vitamins, eat protein first and watch the junk.  Along with regular Dr appts to moniter your blood levels.   Read, read, read and ask lots of questions. Good luck with your decision.