which one to choose??

Well I have been browsing on here a lot and have noticed that there are a lot of people that have had the RNY.  I have been researching the RNY and the DS and had thought I decided on having the DS.  But I have noticed that a lot of people have had huge success stories with the RNY.  I have a cousin that had the DS and had done a lot of research and was dead set against the RNY because of all the complications afterward.  I have done tons of research and I am just hoping to hear from actual people about how their RNY was.  Can anyone tell me about their journey and any complications?  What about the "sugar shock" I have been readind about?  How long does that last??

I had a post-op infection after my RNY, but other than that I have not had any complications.  I did not do a lot of research on DS before deciding on RNY, in part because of the gastrointestinal issues that come with the DS procedure (frequent, sometimes very foul-smelling stool).  Also, my insurance did not cover DS, so it really was not an option for me. 

In terms of "sugar shock," I'm assuming you are asking about dumping syndrome.  Some people never dump, some people dump on even a minimal amount of carbs, and some people can have small amounts of processed carbs without ill side effects.  For people who do "dump," I think it helps them kick the processed carb habit to the curb because of negative reinforcement (if I do this, I'm going to feel like crap, so I guess I won't do it).  Some people also develop reactive hypoglycemia, and they spend a lot of time/energy learning how to manage their food needs to avoid having hypoglycemic incidents. 

I can have a small amount of processed carbs w/out any side effects, but if I eat too much or have something sweet on an otherwise empty stomach, I get extremely lethargic and my pulse races.  I hate the feeling, so I've learned what my limits are and I stick to them pretty closely. 

I consider myself an RNY success story:  my highest weight was 409, my surgery weight was 386 and my weight this morning was 187.  I've been maintaining in this general range for 7-8 months now, and I feel fantastic. 

Good luck researching what procedure is right for you, and good luck on your continuing journey!

Kellie

I had RNY last Nov 13th. My starting weight was 284 and after a 6-week pre-op diet, I was down to 252. My weight today, 8 months out is 167. I want to lose another 30 lbs. but if I only lose 20 more lbs I will still be happy. Other than a minor infection at one of my lap sites, I have literally had NO complications. Bowels, tummy, health...its all good.  I got rid of diabetes, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. I have never "dumped" and can tollerate small amounts of sugar & processed carbs, though most of the time I avoid these. Do all your research and talk to your surgeon so that you can make an educated decision thats right for you.  Good luck!  Jeanine

The DS and RNY are both highlty successful.  Both put diabetes in remission.  I glossed over researching the DS, I don't know why, and had the RNY.  I have lost 190 pounds in a little over 3 years.  My weight is 154 at 5'2" and my BMI is now 28 or so.  I have lost 11 pounds since Feb, but lost most of the weight the first year and a half. I would be at goal if I tried a little harder.  I am pretty complacent at times. I am working on losing 10 more pounds.

I would talk to a few surgeons and seek their reccomendation on the best surgery for you.  Listen until they are done talking.  They will answer many of your quesions before you ask them.

I tolerate most foods well.  I am now lactose intolerant, but no biggy.  Too much sugar causes my blood sugar to drop, but that can be avoided.  Good luck to you.  Loris

I am pre-op and having done my research I decided on the DS.  There were a number of factors involved but one big one for me was the abiilty to process NSAIDS on the DS, and not on the
RNY.  Since I have had arthritis in both knees since I was a teen this was an important consideration -- while I dont need them now, family history and my ortho both feel that they will play a part in my future.

I also like the fact that the long term DS diet is far less restrictive of the RNY and I do like to have more choices than less.

In the end -- I am sure you will find the right answer for you.

Hi. I had the DS and at almost a year out I am very pleased with my choice. Some of my friends had lap band and some had RNY and some had other types and they are all happy with their choices too. I researched all of the different wls options and the DS seemed to be the right one for me. We all have our own reasons for being comfortable with the wls we choose. I would just encourage you to do all of your research and as long as you are comfortable you have made the correct choice then all will be well. Regardless of whether there are complications all wls have an impact on your life. You want to be very sure you are ready to deal with those changes. Good luck to you and visit the DS forum to get more information or feel free to PM me and read my profile. Good luck. Joteddie