New here and need advice

Hi,

A little about me:

age: 40

cw:200

hw:220

lw: 190

bmi: 35

diabetic (for 10 yrs)

Lap banned in 2005

I am trying to decide which surgery to go with...RNY or DS. I am not a "big" eater, BUT I am still obese. I really want to get the DS, but do not know if I am "qualified". I am self pay (no insurance) I do have co-morbidities and they run in my family. I guess what I am concerned about is if I have the DS and I'm not a big eater, will I loose too much weight after surgery. My biggest complaint is that I think I eat pretty healthy and I am STILL OBESE. Is DS surgery designed for someone like me? If so, who do you all recommend that will do my surgery at a reasonable cost, I am willing to travel out of country.

My thinking is that, I feel that I have a failed lap-band, and if I'm going to have WLS again, I would it to be the last surgery I ever have. :-)

Thanks for your advice.

Kim

I am revision to DS in 11 days. I was banded in 2007 and lost 20 lbs with it. I feel as though this is the LAST time I will have WLS besides plastics I was to get for the tummy....I am going for the DS because it makes more sense to me anatomically. I am considered a lightweight as well....check on that forum. Good luck to you!

Since you are a "lightweight", you may do OK with just the sleeve, but there are a few things that would make me lean towards the DS.

I too was not a volume eater and ate fairly healthy. My metabolism was stubbornly sluggish, and hitting 40 just made it hopelessly so. Also, if I had type 2 diabetes, I wouldn't even consider anything but the DS. With co-morbs, you qualify for any surgery.

The RNY has the same drawbacks as the DS (having to take vitamins, and some bathroom issues if you eat carelessly) but DS also has advantages that the RNY doesn't have, like ability to take NSAIDs, no dumping, less regain, great cholesterol and a real chance at CURING the t2 diabetes.

If you want he best chances, and lowest chance of a future additional surgery, the DS makes a lot of sense.

The DS is the best surgery for those who are diabetic and metabolically challenged.  There is no better option.  Read and research.  If I were diabetic, it's the only surgery I would even consider.

I hear Dr. Stewart in Texas has REALLY GREAT cash pay rates.

I would say DS too, due to your diabetes. I was only 36.8 BMI to start and I wouldn't say a big eater either. I graze on fairly healthy snacks and us protein shakes to ensure I get enough protein but I can not eat a lot at a single sitting.

You won't lose too much with the DS.  A lightweight is just like anyone else, your body will decide when to stop and then you'll have a little bounce back. I stopped right in the middle of normal BMI and have bounced back a little so that I'm around a 22.7BMI--still normal. I have a standard 100cm common channel.

I would take a look at the DS surgeons listed on www.dsfacts.com for Brazil and Mexico. I've heard nothing but good things about Drs Marchesini and Ungson.

--gina

Come visit us on the lightweight board. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_lightweights/a,message board/

There are several LW DSrs there too.

--gina

In addition to the other benefits already listed, you're allowed to eat and drink at the same time.  Early out you may not want to do this much, but once you're further along it's a nice bonus.

Bugirl on the LW board had Dr Toon Sonneville in Belgium and she's doing well so that's an additional option to Mexico and Brazil.  The only reason I'm not recommending my surgeon is coz he only does 2 step DSs - if you were a 2 stepper then I'd definitely recommend him.

Thank you for your advice. Like many of you, this is a BIG decision for me and getting information from you is a GREAT help! :-)