This is overwhelming :)

With my DS it is physically impossible for me to "gorge".  My stomach sleeve will hold 10 to 12 ounces of food at one sitting, depending on the density of the food.  Some stuff is just harder to digest. If I eat too fast, or push in that last bite, I usually end up losing that meal, which I have to make up, with a shake.  The shakes are my insurance against protein malnutrition, which I went through early out

My dinner plate is now a salad plate, or saucer,  which means my portion sizes are not at gorge level.  Most of us eat small meals throughout the day, as opposed to big (normal sized) meal at breakfast, lunch and dinner

Following the plan is non negotiable for DSers.  Because of higher malabsorpton, which in our case is for life, we have to be very diligent about taking our vitamin and mineral supplements.  DSers can end up with very serious vitamin deficiencies if the supplements are taken in a "hit or miss fashion. RNY's have a little more leeway, because they absorb more.

The DS is not for everyone, which is why selof-research is so important.

Here are a couple of links that might help:

www.dshess.com ; www.duodenalswitch.com, www.dsfacts.com

No, what you are SUPPOSED to be teaching your children is that they need to eat what is healthy for THEM, not what is healthy for YOU.  They need to learn that everyone is different, and that they are responsible for learning what is right for THEM and how to take care of THEMSELVES.

If you are diabetic, or gluten-intolerant, or have a stone-fruit allergy, or are lactose-intolerant, does that mean that they have to eat like YOU?  If they are athletes and need more calories to MAINTAIN their weight, would you stop them from eating so much?

Your statement is nonsense.  A DSer can teach their children to eat healthfully as well as anyone else, for cripe's  sake.

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Malabsorption is the key to losing and keeping off the pounds as a DSer.  The DS is the most malabsoptive of all the bariatric surgeies, according to the information given at my seminar and pre-op classes. 

The breakdown of average absorption rates are 50-60 % of proteins and complex carbs, 18-20 % fats, 100% simple carbs, like refined white flour and sugar. What we count as DSers are Protein grams and complex carb grams, not calories, unless, like me, you have to do a few more to maintain your weight.

Because of my own hypermalabsorption, about 4,000 calories is required to mantain my weight, and I'm not an exercise freak.  I do moderate exercise, which I was doing pre-op  to help ease lupus and fibromyalgia symptoms

Please research all four surgeries, then choose a surgeon. It may be overwhelming but this is your only body.

Thank you everyone. It's still overwhelming but as I get more into the research aspect (and determine what's realistic for me--i.e. the closest surgeon who does the form of DS my insurance allows is in Montreal...out of the country...probably not realistic for this single mom of two) it'll all make more sense and some things will clarify in my mind.

FWIW, please let's NOT turn this into a DS vs. RNY discussion...

A discussion you will always see when people are compassionate like we all are. Please make sure you read the revisions forum as well. That gives a whole different aspect of all of the WLS. I am glad you are researching so you can make an informed decision.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide.  I learned (and continue to learn) a lot.  

Find  local support groups for WLS and see what's happening with them and visit the forum's for each surgery you are considering here on OH.  Some veterans have lots of good advice to offer.

There are several (who don't post nearly often enough) who are 10 years plus out from their WLS and are such an inspiration and font of knowlege when they are here.

I felt lucky with my surgeon because they offer an abundance of good information and guidance.  Their nutritonist is very good.  It was a comfort to know I was in good hands because of the information I got from the post-oppers on my forum. I kind of knew what they should be telling me (and not telling me).  There are a lot of myths.  

Many people run into trouble because they don't seem to know the basics of what they should be doing, so make sure whoever you go to doesn't just do the surgery and not give you the tools you need to succeed  

Visit any seminars the consultants do in your area so you can compare the information they are giving you.  


Again good luck with whatever you decide.

REgards,