Talk to me about DS.

Your facts do not upset me.  What upsets me, and others is you calling people morons--and yes, you are putting people down for their decisions.  What do you call it when you say that anyone who selects RNY or band for whatever reason and their BMI is over 50 that they are morons.   

WLS, no matter what type you choose, comes with risks.  For you to come out and say that it is a no brainer if your BMI is over 50 that this is the surgery you have.  It is an individual decision which only an individual and their surgeon can come to.
 
Facts change over time.  Technology and surgery is not a stagnant field.  I know people who have had WLS in the 80's (the old stomach stapling).  Surgeons don't use that type of technology anymore. 

This is a support board--learn to treat it like one.

Sylvia

You sure like to sit on a high horse for someone who likes to post snarky posts and then delete them. Yes technology changes, that's why it's awesome that the old tech. DS still rocks. The 15 year studies show that most people maintain their weight loss, compared to the 50 percent of RNYers that regain their weight, or the over 60 percent of lap banders that regain theirs.

You're already sliced and diced with the Ruined and why? Isn't it better that we tell people that there is a better way now, so they can consider their other options? Some surgeons tell their patients about the runied and why and the crap band, but never metion the DS, this OP asked about the DS, so we're telling her about the DS, I don't see how you saying that a surgery where only 50 percent remain successful long term is at all relevant.

The reason for this is because of your arrogance.  The facts are the facts--and I did get the facts on DS but I chose what I chose due to many different reasons, some having nothing to do with the facts but are personal.

You have accomplished a great deal; and for the record, I am editing this because I do not want to stoop to your level.  Your accomplishments are, however, overshadowed by your arrogance and fortunately 90% of DS'ers do not call people who make other choices morons for doing so.  That is what irritates me and I believe others as well.

Your message probably would get across better if you were not so arrogant.   I'm not on the high horse --you are. 

People are successful with the Rny but it isn't as likely as with the DS - especially with people who have BMI's over 50.  Check out www.dsfacts.com for great specific info on the DS.  Plus there is a great comparison chart of the Rny and DS.

Definitely check out if there are any surgeons at your hospital who do the DS before talking to your doctor (dsfacts has the most up to date list of surgeons who do it) because you don't want to end up with a doctor who says they do the DS and they really don't (and there's a bunch of them apparently).

I'm fairly new post op and in my first month I lost 50lbs!  It was definitely a great decision for me - though I'm still struggling with the post op life a bit (trying to get the fluids and vitamins in is where I'm struggling.

I hope this helps!  GOod luck with whatever you decide!

Please continue to do your homework and make up your own mind about what will work for you.  We DSers are very biased about our choice being the best, but most of us will also just say do your homework and make up your own mind.   Good Luck whatever you decide.


DS was the only option I seriously considered after reading up on all the possibilities.  It's also the only surgery where regrets are difficult or impossible to find.   I lurked on OH for about 5 years after finding out WLS was not covered by my insurance and I didn't see any regretful DS posts during that time (I was looking for them).   Then last year I was able to start exploring a real chance at getting it with a different insurer and now it's done and I'm losing a lot and love my DS. 

My BMI pre-op was 62.  Now it's just dropped into the 40s at just 4 months out.  Within a few more weeks I should reach 100 lbs lost since surgery date.  The only foods I really have to avoid completely are white breads, white pastas, flour tortillas, etc due to serious gas issue (sometimes painful).  Avoiding those foods is a small price to pay for what I'm getting back.  For exercise I'm walking 20 or more consecutive minutes at least once a day - most days it' s just one brisk 20 minute walk.



Just so you know everything is not all wine & roses all the time.   I'd still do it all over again even though I've had 2 major complications from my surgery.  One in the hospital - bleeding would not stop initially after surgery due to blood thinners.  Second was blood clots a couple of weeks later which are VERY rare.  My surgeon requested and IVC filter be installed pre-op and it probably saved my life.  I had a couple of small pulmonary embolisms and a large clot in my right leg (also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis).  The DVT is still there in my leg.  There is a surgical option that might work to remove the DVT, but vascular surgeon won't consider it until I am much farther along post-op.  These complications could've happened with ANY weight loss surgery though.

After doing some research, I am going to stick with RNY.  I do feel that DS would be an excellent option for me, but the only way I could make it work is with self-pay, which simply isn't an option.  I am going into the RNY completely aware of the risk of regain and the statistics for people with SMO BMI, but I am determined to make it work for me.

That determination will serve you well.  You can do it!!!

The long-term stats scare me too, sometimes, I'll admit.  I think a lot about long-term sustainability and I know that for me it will be exercise that is the key to my success.  I never cared for exercise much before surgery, but now I love it and actually miss the gym if I don't get to go. I have walked a 5k already, have plans to do a few more, and my goal is to do a triathlon next year.

Good luck with everything.  You will do great!

Lesley

I'm learning to love the gym.  In fact, between Friday and Saturday, I logged 10 miles on the treadmill (the treadmill at my gym has a 99 minute program and I completed it both days).  I do, however, have a horrible blood blister on my foot and have to take today off which irritates me.  Anyone have any tips to avoid them?  My shoes fit ok but it may have been the socks.

Oh well, I have a lot of clothes to sort out which I have done.  I've already given Goodwill and Sal's Boutique (aka Salvation Army) about 10 trash bags full.  I have also sorted out some to give to our support group's upcoming clothing exchange in September and some I may try to sell to a consignment shop after I freshen them up a bit (some have never been worn or haven't in a long time and have been in my closet).

I think you risk regain no matter what choice you make.   There are people in my support group and I know of others who have maintained for 3-5 years and the first thing that they will tell you is that the rules apply forever. 

Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Sylvia

Sylvia