Why did you choose DS over VSG?

I have been meeting surgeons and I am new on this journey.  I was positive that all I wanted was VSG, but after talking with a few people who are happy with DS, I am now considering looking a DS surgeon in my area. 

 

Sis any of you first consider VGS and then change your mind to DS?  If so, why?

For me, the VSG was not an option. Medicare paid for mine and at the time, Medicare did not cover the sleeve...that is NO longer true, it does cover it now.

But the lapband was NEVER an option.

The RNY was a second best option but I would have preferred to stay fat.

The DS was my only choice.

Liz

I had a VSG 2 years ago. I lost 80 lbs but after 6 months I stopped losing weight. Then no matter how little I ate or how many days a week I worked out (5-6 days!) I couldn't lose another pound. In fact, I gained 13 pounds! It was clear that my metabolism was not restarted with the VSG. I had the second stage of the DS two weeks ago- and while there is no guarantee that I will continue to lose or that my metabolism has restarted - this is the best chance to cure my Diabetes for good.

I'm very excited about this new chapter to my story - but I also was truly hoping that the sleeve would've been enough. Thankfully, the switch was available.

This is a huge decision - keep doing your research!

I had the band in 2009 and when I had complications and had to have it out I started doing some serious research on the RNY, Sleeve and DS. What I kept seeing with the sleeve was so many people struggling to lose additional weight or dealing with a big weight regain. That sounded too much like the struggles I saw people (myself included) experience with the band. I ended up going with the DS, because I liked the sleeve stomach MUCH better than the RNY pouch "stomach" that does not have the pylorus valve to regulate how fast food gets dropped into your intestines and because I know I need the malabsorption to achieve and maintain the best weight loss for me.

98% cure rate of diabetes (runs both side of family and i had it)

ds has best stats for losing most and keeping it off

could eat lots of fat

eat lots of protein

not limited by any foods unless i am trying to avoid some food that cause gas or bloating

 

IF I had had just the sleeve I would have already gained all my weight back.  I can eat as much as I could pre-op.  I have 0 restriction as far as I can tell.

The switch is what allows me to EAT and keep my weight off.  Well if I eat right and not eat carbs.  If I eat carbs my weight starts sneaking up on me.

The sleeve would just have been worthless for me.  They say the sleeve is what helps you loose the weight and the switch is what helps you keep it off and I believe that 110%.

~Becky

With gastric bypass, I feared "dumping" and the possibility of gaining weight in a few years.  I also almost always take Ibuprofen for pain and could not picture living with out it for the occasional pain.

The band was out of the window for me.  There was no way I would want to visit the office almost every month to get it adjusted.  In addition,  a lot of the calories (soda), I take is liquid which would be no help whatsoever.  The benefits weren't there when it came to banding.

VSG was what I was also interested in as a friend had recommended it for me.  After more research I ran in to the DS on this forum.  It was a surgery also offered by my surgeon.  After talking to my surgeon, he highly recommended the DS.  My BMI is over 50 and I didn't want to come back later on down the road for a revision as some of the VGSers have now that they have gained some of their weight.

This is what made me chose the DS.  It is not an easy decision and one you must discuss with your doctor.  Whatever you chose to do, I wish you the best of luck. ;)

I was going in for the VSG.  I personally knew many people including my BFF and her husband (who are both 3 yrs out) who have had great success.  About 5 people at work have had it, all but one with great success.

The surgeon who I was going to use says it's either the VSG or RNY (she was trained at the Cooper Clinic).  I asked her about the DS Switch, she told me that she would not do it, it is the riskiest surgery.  She did not recommend it. 

I then decided to have a consult with the Dr from the DSFacts website in my area regarding it.  I went in for a consult (he does the sleeve as well).  He said, "I didn't have a choice but should do the DS because my BMI was at 53".  In that consult, he swayed me to this surgery.  My insurance required 6 months of dietary training.  It was a joke with his dietician.  10 min max, you are in and out with questions hanging. 

I have had complications.  Too many to name here.  Bottom line is this, please please please do a lot of research.  This is not an easy surgery.  It is not for the mild person.  My understand is that after the 1st year it gets easier.  The lifelong commitment is just that - the rest of your life.  You must be diligent about Vitamins and bloodwork.  More importantly, until you have this surgery, you have no clue how your body will react.    When you see "Your Mileage May Vary", it is the truest of all statements. 

Remember one thing... It is your choice...  You seek out what you feel most comfortable with. 

I have had so many complications that if I had it to do over again, knowing what I know now, I would just have the VSG.  Even though I have had great weight loss success in 4.5 months - 110lbs. 

I am living and learning with my decision everyday.  Determination is the key with either surgery.

Good luck w/your decision!

 

It is a serious surgery, but mentally I could NOT handle another failure....I don't know what I would do if I had the VGS and then regained my weight or didn't lose enough. I didn't want to worry about a "revision".  So, decided that the vitamins and bloodwork were something that I could live with.

My answer is simple. I am no longer insulin dependent. I am no longer taking high blood pressure meds and I no longer have high cholesterol. I am now skinny LMAO. I laugh everytime when someone tells me I'm tiny. It takes very little effort to stay thin. I have no regrets and would do it again!