So who wouldn't be ideal candidates for the DS?

the VSG will worsen the gerd more than any other wls,  but that can be addressed by the more skill full and caring surgeon.  Mile was,  Mine included maintaining a Fundi Nissan wrap, to prevent recurring barrettes.  I have no gerd, or even burbling.
  BETTER SURGEONS = BETTER SURGERIES.

 I agree with your reasons, and would add that you also have to be able to self advocate, and explain things to your doctor.

I will say, that my gerd and IBS both resolved after my DS, but I didn't expect that. I was fully expecting at least the IBS to get worse, so it's been a nice bonus.

I was also vegan/vegetarian off and on before surgery, and I absolutely could be again (vegetarian easier than vegan), but it is a bit more effort, and frankly I'm lazy. We already have to commit to staying on top of the vitamins and protein, and I'm just not at the point, at least right now, that I want to add alternate protein sources to the mix. Besides, my sweetie doesn't really like many of the different soy based foods or things like textured vegetable protein, and he DOES like the DS type diet, and is healthy on it, so it's just easier if we can cook the same stuff for meals too.

Hello All,

Joined awhile back, but haven't posted much.  I am so on the fence about VSG vs. DS.  Don't know if I can keep up with the vites and other after care for the DS, but since a PCOS diagnosis not sure if just the VSG will get the job done.  I don't know...risk needing (and maybe not getting) a revision, or risk nutrition issues and maybe not having sufficient health care?  I need to lose 115 pounds to squeak into the top of the normal weight range for my height.

P.S.  I'm honestly suprised they are still doing lap band with all the side effects...did you read they are expanding it to less obese people now?

There are a few things to really think about comparing the VSG and DS. I really like the sleeve, and would have gotten that if I thought I could make it work. Like, if my main issue was volume eating, and I simply needed help eating less, the sleeve is perfect.

It sounds like you are already aware that the DS would be more useful for metabolic issues. Unfortunately, not only did I have PCOS, but could eat a very calorie restricted diet, and not really lose much, if any. Both diets and genetics left me with a really efficient metabolism. That's great if you are living as a hunter/gatherer like our ancestors did, or surviving a famine, but not so practical now. I always lament that people like us were the rock stars of caveman times.

The vitamins aren't as big a deal as I had though they would be, and I take them 2 times a day, and it's just second nature now. Some people DO have issues keeping some levels, like iron up and may end up getting infusions, and so I went into this knowing I was ready for that if I was one of those people. 

Take all advice with a grain of salt, EVEN THAT OF YOUR SURGEON, since they are biased to what they perform, and aren't known to turn away paying customers. Only you know what your system is like, and what you can or want to deal with after the surgery.

It might be helpful to ask on the VSG or DS boards for people with the specific things you are worried about, and see how/if it has worked out for them. Whatever you do, good luck.

Hi ilex,

I have pcos/syndrome x/IR and I'm convinced it prevented my weight loss during all those years of dieting and eating right (which would pretty much be all my damned life). My metabolism would just slow down to compensate for any caloric defecit, so frustrating. But this is exactly why I got the DS, since food restriction wasn't doing anything when I was dieting I knew the VSG would just be more of the same epic fail. I'd noticed a lot of PCOS ladies on these boards had success with the DS, it seemed to be the only one with a track record of working in cases of metabolic obsticles and offered the best quality of life post-op (no dumping, no more dieting, but normal diet). At almost 7 and a half months out I'm almost 100lbs down, so it was the right choice in my case.

I'm on the forgetful side, and worried a bit about taking vites on time. So far I haven't had a problem. I take half in the AM with my BCPs and the rest with meals during the day. It didn't wind up being hard to get into the habit, and now it's almost an afterthought of daily routine rather than an inconvenience.

I copied and pasted this from a post I wrote a while ago.

You should not get a DS or had a DS if...........

...you cannot afford to buy vitamins for the rest of your life.
...you are unwilling to change how you eat and what you eat.
...you have no plans to be compliant with regards to taking enough vitamins to keep you healthy.
...you say "I can't change because I'm a sugar addict, carb addict, night time eater, boredom eater." etc., or admit that you have an eating disorder that you are unwilling to address before surgery.
...you find that you can't get enough protein in with food, yet refuse to find a protein drink that you can tolerate.
...you have no plans to follow through with seeing your surgeon or another doctor after a year.
...you "cannot" lose weight before surgery because it's oh so hard that you just won't try, but yet you will whine about it.
...you are high risk and 4 doctors have told you NO, yet you persist and when you have serious complications it's everyone elses fault but your own.
...you refuse to take responsibility for your own eating habits and you refuse to change or you won't even try.
...you are given great advice by vets and others on the forum yet you refuse to listen to or take any advice to heart or even give it a go.
...you complain that you are not losing weight after your DS because you are not following the rules.
...you refuse to address body dysmorphic disorders about your body yet you still continue to whine about it citing that you are STILL HUGE even though you lost 150 pounds, wear a size 10 and look fabulous, but you can't see it because you psychologically need help.
...you don't do the research that is necessary to know what the DS (or ANY weight loss surgery for that matter) is all about and how it will effect you.
...you expect others post ops to educate you completely on the DS
...you are asked "what kind of surgery did you have?" and you have NO idea.
...you don't minimally understand how your new configuration will be.
...you think that WLS is a MAGIC PILL and that you don't have to work at it.
...you just pick a surgeon without finding out if he is a vetted DS or Revision specialist then you complain and have buyers remorse because your insides are all screwed up (not pointing fingers at anyone.)
...you don't listen to your surgeons advice and do your own thing.
...your labs are tanking and you are given sage advice on things to try and you just blow it off.
...you think that the DS is a quick fix
...you get scared hearing about complications that can happen if you if you have WLS instead of looking at it as education and accepting that not everything is always text book.
...you think that WLS will fix all your problems or relationships.

I'm sure that there are more,  but that is what  Icame up with.

Maddie

Just want to reiterate the intention of the post since things seem to be getting off track, I'm curious about medical reasons not to get the DS, not personality-related ones. I've already read all the "who should not..." long ago, while they're a good primer for newbies they tend to be scant on medical reasons, yet emphasize the personality ones. If you know of medical reasons why someone wouldn't be ideal for the DS feel free to share it since that's what I'm interested in learning more about. A lot of my in laws who are asking about the DS have a multitude of health complications (they're not undisciplined sheeple, just for the record) , and I'm hesitant to recommend the DS without a little more knowledge about which medical conditions would make them a poor match for the DS. I'm not looking for the typical newbie info.

Also if anyone knows of any literature or studies out there that lists some info on what determines  whether someone is healthy enough for the DS feel free to post links or suggest any reading. Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!