Dr. Pomp

Though I generally agree with the intent of your statement I disagree that morbid obesity means you are dying. Morbidity in medical terms means increased illness or disease risk and mortality refers to death risk.

Thanks for picking up on the intent.  I think that most of us--but I'm only speaking for me--understand that morbid obesity is a diseased state which leads to a higher than usual mortality rate...that the mobidly obese have surgery to stop the disease which is (perhaps slowly, perhaps not so slowly) killing them (because that's what these comorbidities do) and not because they are 40 pounds overweight.

It's not that I have no sympathy for people who are 40-50 pounds overweight.  It's just that the DS is a REALLY BIG GUN that changes how your body works for the rest of your life...and it should be used with caution...not just because you don't want to shop at Lane Bryant. 

It's pretty much a given. Frankly, I've NEVER seen a morbidly obese old person and I've spent some time in nursing homes.

I copied this from another thread to save myself time:

Also, if you think your morbid obesity isn't killing you, you are sadly naive. You may not see it now, it can be slow and insidious, but it's right there working on it every moment.

While obesity is an independent risk factor all on its own for premature death, most mortality is the result of co-morbid conditions brought about by the morbid obesity. It is obesity related diseases like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea that are the most common causes of death.

That is why they approve a lower BMI of 35 if you already have two co-morbidities. Your fat is already showing signs of actively killing you

I'm about to shove some food down my gullet. Look, it would be a cold day in hell, before Pomp, Dakin or even Rubino will ever give you the DS. They barely want to give seriously obese people the DS. Cornell Weill has a reputation to uphold and there isn't enough cash on the planet for them to give you the DS. I know this as fact. Moreover, you would be hard pressed to get an RNY from them. So, FYI, you need to find a negligent surgeon to touch you or else revisit this DS issue when you've doubled your bmi.

If Pomp doesn't float your boat, go see Roslin.  He'll be glad to take that piece of **** out of you and convert you.  He is very pro-sleeve and pro-DS (and in one stage if possible).

Maybe he means a smaller sleeve is given for people who end up with a "2 stage" DS, since that really means people are getting a VSG and have to hope it works, since their chances of actually getting that revision to a full DS may not be so high.

In any case, why are you asking us what he meant? The only person who can tell you what he meant is him. For VSG'ers, I think there is some research to show that smaller sleeves give you better EWL. For DS'ers, that research may exist, but I don't know of it. In fact I believe there is research to show just the opposite, that sleeve size does not matter.

Sometimes, due to the scarring from a Band, the sleeve has to be made a little bigger.  I have no idea if that is what he was referring to.

If your band has to come out for some threatening reason like a slip, erosion, esophageal issues etc.  it does not matter that your BMI is 30 or 35 or whatever.  I could have basically been revised to any WLS I wanted at the time my Band was removed.

Your Band is unfilled right now . . . right???

Good luck,
Leila

I had my DS about 21/2 years ago. Was a 34 BMI at time they laid me on the table. Had a major surgery 6 months before the DS and lost weight to get to the low BMI.  I made sure my DS doc knew my true weight gong under the knife. She knew my weight loss was from my previous surgery and on going medical problems. Fast froward, today. Eating high protein, and protein shakes all day long. Keep my sugars low as they cause me trouble if to high,  do not engage in heavy exercise, strength and tone is all I can do anything more  will kick me in high overdrive to burn more of my body fat and muscle. I have been trying to eat out a revision for 21/2 years. I am on enzymes have been most of this time. I take massive amounts of vits. 300,000 of both dry A&D. My labs are drawn every 6 weeks to 3 months, that is 18-21 vials of blood, and Iron infusion are a must. Many things going on with my health that may or may not have anything to do the having the DS. The point is I am able to have good medical insurance, good specialists close by me, Good family and friends support, and the wisdom to know that between my own research, this OH board, and a good surgeon, I would not be alive today. My system will eventually adapt. Things change, I have the time and the resources to ride it out.  

My sleeve at time was 3oz with 100cc. I eat every 2 hours. After surgery went into mala. not being able to tolerate protein shakes, could not get enough food in. A bigger sleeve I think would have helped me here coming out of the gate with lactose, gluten, wheat issues. I would do this over again in a heart beat, If things were the same now as they where then. At this point in life I think of myself as a 51 year old with some health issues, but am alive to take care of them. If I had not had the DS, my life was going to be short for sure. Stop playing head games with your life. Karen