Would you recommend WLS to someone?

YES! I had RNY surgery. I wish I had done this when I was smaller in size, but I think these things have to happen when we are emotionally, physically ready and let's not forget educated about the type of surgery we are getting. I started my journey in 2010 & then didn't finish (used all my vac/personal time for appts) then life got in the way & my being scared about the whole thing. Started the journey again in 2011 & had my surgery Aug 2012. I had my gallbladder out at the same time & that was really bad & was stuck to my liver (so the 3 hr surgery was 7 hours) then I overdid trying to pick up the house; ended up feeling my deep internal sutures (let me tell you that was more painful than anything) but it did go away after about 2 weeks. Then I struggled with eating & drinking (dumping happened more than not) but now that's much better. I still have lots of foods I haven't tried & foods that I won't try (cause I don't want to get back into bad habits) but I am over 100 pounds lost in 5 months. I don't have any of my medicines that I had prior to surgery (HBP, Acid Reflux, anxiety, no CPAP machine) and I am doing good (still struggling with my protein) but feel 100% healthier! Even though I struggled and all of that.....It was worth it!

To explain why *I* had the DS (MsBatt gave you the best info).

I was an type 2 insulin pump dependent diabetic, now I control my diabetes with just diet and exercise.

My cholesterol, pre-op without meds was 250 (with meds 175). My cholesterol now is 179 and that is NO meds. And eating FULL FAT FOODS like butter, sour cream, cheese, red meat, etc.

I was on 11 prescription medications pre-op, two now and those have NOTHING to do with weight (my thyroid meds).

I needed NSAIDS and the RNY would not allow me to use them.

I'm use to drinking with my meals, with the DS I can do that.

I already watch carbs, eating meat & veggies mostly due to my diabetes. The meat/fat first rule that is part of the DS is perfect for me.

I absolutely ABHOR counting calories. I don't bother now, I do however, count protein and carbs.

I didn't want to chance dumping and yes, I know that only 30% of RNY'ers dump but that was not on my "want" list.

I also did not want to chance reactive hypoglycemia...

My primary care told me that the lapband was NOT the one he would recommend and if I wanted that one to find a new PCP...however, I knew that one was not among my options.

I was originally on track for the RNY but thanks to a few people here, they convinced me to really look at my options.

While many are trying to revise, the DS is not among them...in fact, most of us only regret not getting the DS sooner.

Downside: I became lactose intolerant (mainly milk)

I have to take a boatload of vitamins. Not so many now, after looking at my latest labs but still far more than I ever did before.

I am carb sensitive...too many and I get gas/bloat. (But then so are most who have the RNY)

Read posts on all four surgery boards...and make sure you read the regrets board and the revision board.

Liz