Hi all.. fairly new to OH and researching WLS!

Hi everyone.. I have been on this site for just over a week now.. and probably here for a couple hours every day! I just found this board.. and I was like.. hey.. that's me.  I am researching WLS and specifically the duodenal switch surgery. I have my first appointment with the internist on February 19th, and I can't WAIT. I have a sleep study the night before.. I am pretty sure they are going to tell me I am a snoring machine.  Have any of you had the DS surgery? Was it open or laparoscopic? If not the DS.. what kind did you have, and did you lose the weight you wanted to lose.. or at least are on the way? My BMI right now is just under 65.. and I probably have about 200 pounds to lose. My original thought going into the whole process was lap banding, but I have learned a lot about it. I don't think it will afford me the weight loss I am looking for. So.. hi everyone!

Welcome Jodie!  My first choice was the DS as well but my insurance covered only the RNY.  The RNY is working very well for me and I have no regrets at this point (six months out).  There are things that make me feel this may have been the better choice for me.  For example, I like the feeling of control that my pouch allows me.  When I eat with other people, I eat small portions but not so small as to make me stand out.  It is more the way a normal sized person eats in my experience.  Also, not on OH, but another site for DS only (I found it using Google in my research and I know I am going to get flamed for this) the main topics were how to deal with frequent, very smelly BM's and gas due to bacteria over growth in the by-passed bowel.  It was bad enough that people thought twice about using public restrooms and compared the effectivness of different room deoderizers.  I say this not to influence your choice but to encourage you to do plenty of research and not at just one site.  Best Wishes in your decision.  It is a tough choice.  Donna Kay

Hi :) Welcome to the board.  This is a very nice and helpful place to visit.  Congratulations on making the decision to pursue surgery.  I had lap RNY, but there are a couple of people who post here who had DS, and one who is going to soon I think.  One of the regulars, JoTeddie, had DS lap.  She is doing very well.  I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to hearing updates about your progress! Jenn

Jodie, Congraulations on educating yourself on the choices you have for WLS and in the help thats out there for Obesity. I had open Fobi Pouch its very similiar to the rny and I'm very Happy with my choice thus far. I will be honest I didn't research the DS at all But I do think that it is a choice that should be made with as much education as possible so that when you get out of your surgery you won't say "i wish I had" Stop by often and post when you can there are many wonderfull people on this board Welcome! Estelle

Welcome to our little corner of the internet - we're a friendly, supportive bunch, and always happy to welcome members to our fold, so to speak.   Congrats to you on starting this journey.  Keep doing lots of research and asking questions - that'll help you be more comfortable making decisions along the way.  I had a lap RNY and have been happy with my choice.  For me, I wasn't sure I could handle some of the dietary rules that DS requires and I didn't want to deal with the BM issues either.  But for some folks, it's really a great option.   Good luck on your continuing journey - we look forward to sharing it with you! Kellie

Hi Jodie. I havent had my surgery yet, but im having the Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG).  It is only restrictive, not malabsorptive, which means none of the bowel is bypassed as with the RNY or DS. I dont think there is One surgery that is better than any others. Its a very personal choice. Theres several different WLS, so just do ur homework...Read, Read, Read...tons of research. I read lots of profiles of people with various surgeries. Most are happy with the one they chose.  heres a good link that compares the various ones: http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html theres a few it doesnt list, but only bc those others arent as widely used anymore. but, its a good place to start.  Also, u can visit the other forums for the various surgeries...they all have thier own forum. Visit us over at the VSG forum...u will get tons of info from everyone there...as well as the RNY, DS, etc.. Good luck. My surgery is March 17 and im looking forward to it...its so hard to wait..

Yes, research and open communication with your surgeon is the way to go!  I have the lap RNY 3 months ago and I feel great!  I'm not having frequent smelly BM's, but I do seem to pass gas especially when I eat beans or peas...but hey...doesn't that happen to everyone?  LOL  Many insurance companies won't cover lap band because its reversible and one could put all the weight back on.  Good luck in your choice and stick with us for  support and friendship!  Jeanine

Hi Jodie, Welcome to the BMI over 50 site! I had RNY for a couple of reasons - first, that is the surgery my insurance would cover, and second, for me, the DS was too scary. I am very concerned about the long range possibility of vitamin issues with bypassing so much small bowel. I have issues already with B1, and the thought of the amount of mal-absorbtion with the DS was too scary for me. This is something that everyone has to deal with and make an informed choice on, and hwat was right for me, wouldn't necessarily be the right decision for everyone.

Hi, Jodie! "Weightloss Surgery for Dummies" is a great book.   You look so sad in your pic.  I can't wait to see you smiling.

I love the DS...it's beena  life saver...come to the DS forum...we'll supply you with so much info you're head will spin!  Scott