DSfacts.com

 I mostly hang out on the DS forum.  I have to tell you, I am amazed at all the bands and RNYs on this board.  Don't you all know that the DS has the very best stats for those with BMIs 50 and over??

Please, please do your research if you are considering surgery.  Check out DSfacts.com

The failure rate of other surgeries for  BMIs 50 and over is high.  Do everything you can to ensure your success!

That is why I chose the DS. Because of all the people I saw revising from the band, VSG, and RNY to the DS when they didn't lose or regained the weight.

With DS, it's permanent.

 I  chose the DS because of the long term EWL% and resolustion of comorbids and frankly because of the food that is GOOD for me after the DS. ( Real cheese, marbled meats, bacon,  and such and not low fat)  
   In addition my husband is 6 ft and weighed 511 lbs when he had RNY on 10/31/06. He lost down to 340 and is now 378. He started with a BMI of 70 and at his lowest he had a 46 BMI and now he has a 50 BMI again. Even though he  has maintained a loss of over 100 lbs.. He is VERY unhealthy still and has high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, diabetes. He also now has dumping syndrome and food getting stuck issues. Frankly at the time he had his RNY we didnt know about the DS.  Hindsight is 20/20.  He is having a revision to the DS  this year as he wants to live. Hes only 34. 
  I wanted the right surgery the first time. I want to get to a normal BMI for the first time in MANY MANY years. I HAVE to live so that I can care for my special needs kids long term. 
   Im VERY happy with my DS so far..  Just shy of 8months out and have lost 142 lbs.. and now have a 29 bmi...started with a 53.6. From a size 26 to now a size 10. I have lost my chronic back pain, edema of feet and ankles, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre diabetes, sleep apnea and I have gained my life. Not too shabby.
 

I feel better than I have in years.  I am very thankful for my DS and know that I would not have been as successful so far with the RNY that I was originally scheduled for but CANCELLED and traveled 400 miles  so that I could have the DS insead.  I decided to switch instead of settle.

Ami

I want to support chooseing the ds , i would no go anyother way I need to make sure this works I am done with being fat and I am not failing again!!!! I will have my ds on tuesday<<<

BTW how did you get 1200+ hits in 2 hrs with 2 responses thats insane :P

I cant wait to have success via my DS !!

I admit, I was afraid of the malnutritional potential associated with the DS.  On this end of surgery, I am not so afraid of it anymore because I see it's managable.   However, the final deciding factor for me was which surgery my insurance would pay for.  They would not pay for anything for me except the RNY.  Still, I'm happy with my progress so far, but I know the biggest struggle is yet to come...after I've met my goal, and I'm 2 years down the road.  Maintenance is the real bear.  I'm glad you guys were able to get what you really wanted!  Take good care!  connie

 And, that is the rub.  Insurance companies should not be able to dictate what kind of WLS a person gets.  That should be between patient and doctor!  

I am glad your surgery is working for you!

 You rock Diane! Way to spread the word!

I totally agree with you about people doing there research. I chose the DS because I knew it was the right choice for me. I knew the RNY was just not the right fit. I could not spent the rest of my life counting calories. 

My BMI was 58 pre-op and just today I am at a 34 BMI. I no longer qualify for WLS. I love my DS!!

 Ginger, way to rock your DS!  I am so happy for you!

I am happy with my VSG but if my BMI had been higher as a pre-op I hope I would have found the DS and recognized it as an option.

when pre-ops talk about the surgery types I always say, do you need malabsorption? figure that out first before you choose a surgery, surgeon, etc.

I so don't agree with having to get the surgery your insurance lets you, crap, that's messed up!

I had an RNY in 2002 - lost 175lbs and gained 175lbs.

Did you know that 30% of people with a BMI of over 50 regain their weight with the RNY.  I wish I knew that in 2002 - so I have since reviwed to a DS.  Take it from me, it's better to cut once and not twice.

I'm convinced the only reason someone would choose an RNY is because it's the only surgery the doctor they saw knew and it's easily approved by insurance.  It's a shame, hope that changes one day and the DS becomes the new norm.  The quality of life is so much better without a pouch.