Why DS???

Hello,

I am just wondering if you can personally tell me why you personally chose DS?

I have been doing my research but it would be nice to get personal oppinions why.

Thanks for any information you can give me.

Tracy

Tracy, it will prob serve you better to ask this question on the DS board.

I chose the DS b/c
- I've lost and regained massive amounts of weight before and wanted the surgery with best statistics for long-term weightloss.  
- I was already borderline anemic pre-op and DSers absorb both iron and B-12 more efficiently b/c you a left with a portion of your duodenum. 
- Pre-op I had glucose tolerance tests and glucose clamp studies which revealed that I have a very healthy and efficient pancreas.  I was informed that I would be a prime candidate for hypoglycemia post-surgery.  Hypogylcemia is much less common with the DS (although it can happen).
- I travel internationally quite often and need a more flexible diet as I will not be able to prepare my own meals 40-50% of the time.

These are 4 reasons off the top of my head.  I encourage you to consider your current medical condition and family medical history, as well as what type of lifestyle you are willing to commit to long term.  Go over and check out the DS board.  A few can be rough, but most folks really are helpful and wont mind answering your questions.

Hope this helps!

btw, I know your surgeon performs all of the surgeries, so hopefully you are discussing which procedure may suit you better with him as well.

I'll start by stating I had an RNY, not a DS. 

If you have metabolic issues that make wl difficult with proper diet and exercise, DS may be your best option.  No surgery cures all metabolism problems, but the increased malabsorption for DS can work to your advantage if you are a chronic steroid user or have persistent thyroid or adrenal problems that cause weight gain even when you're dieting.

I chose to go with RNY because the cons of DS were outside of my personal comfort zone.  I have no regrets.  However, my wl may have been easier and more consistant with DS. 

 (I answered you over on the DS board but I'll post it here too just in case you miss it!)

Hey Tracy. I had 2 main reasons for getting a DS, I'll give you da short and sweet.

1. Before I came on OH everyone I knew that had RNY either never lost all thier weight or gained it back......was NOT gonna be me

2. Didn't want to diet forever. I thought to myself...a WLS where buffalo wings is diet food? Sign me up!!

If not done already, it might be a good idea to view both forums for DS and RNY...I have no regrets but I hear a lot of good things about the DS as well as RNY...The forums might help better. Good luck in whatever you choose.