VSG or DS

 

I have a surgery date of April 3, 2013 for a DS to be done by Dr. Stewart out of Denton TX. I am definitely ready for WLS, but am just getting a bit nervous about having the DS. Initially, I was going to have the sleeve done, mainly due to the cost since I am paying out of pocket. However, the money aspect has worked itself out, and after my consultation with Dr. Stewart, I began feeling like the DS was the way to go for maximum weight loss and maintenance. I don't want to do the sleeve and then go back in and have the second part of the DS done. I only want to have one surgery. I currently weigh approx 255 lbs, am 5'2" and think my BMI is 45ish. According to my build, height and past maintaining weight, I need to weigh between 115-120. I do NOT think I will be happy at 170-180 versus - sleeve versus the 120 with DS. This is my main reason to choose the DS.

 Fears/Questions:  Am I too old for the DS? I will be 53 later this year. Will the DS allow absorption of my medications. The main medication I worry about absorbing appropriately is lamotrogine, that I have been taking for two years to stabilize bipolar disorder. I most certainly do not want to get this out of balance. I also take benicar for high blood pressure, armour thyroid, and simvistatin, for high cholesterol. I am hoping the last three for high bp, high cholest, and armour thyroid will go away with weight loss. However the lamotrogine is here to stay. Will I have additional health problems with the DS that I won't have with the sleeve?

I am just throwing this out there for the veteran DS AND Sleeve patients, as well as the experienced OHers. Ultimately I know it is my choice and I have to make the final decision. However, I would appreciate  your input and WLS experiences with one of these two surgeries, VSG or DS. I also ask all of you that are Believers in Christ, to PLEASE pray for me to seek God's wisdom, His best for me, and for me to LISTEN to His voice instead of my own. My surgery date is quickly approaching and I've GOT to make a decision  ASAP.

Thank you for your input and prayers.

Ask yourself this question:

Will eating less be the only thing I need to lose weight?

If you think that's all you need, then the sleeve may be your answer.  If your body fights you tooth an nail against any effort, then you will likely find your largest benefit with the metabolic changes of the DS.

You may find that your med levels could need tweaking, so as you're post-op and start to feel the slightest bit 'off', be sure to communicate it so you can address it before things go out of control.

Thank you, Valerie. And, as always, I respect and value your opinion more than you'll ever know. I've just got a lot of thinking and praying to do. Thanks for all the information you've already given me regarding the DS. You have been an awesome resource and encourager. "Thank you" is quite inadequate for all you have done for me.

Blessings.

 

I am also in the same fix...I am 41, 5'4" and 290lbs with bmi at 49. I have been morbidly obese for roughly the past 10 yrs but have gained over 30lbs in the past 6 months and there seems to be no stopping my wt gain. I have insurance that will cover 85% after deductible but have got to decide between the vgs or ds.  I am ready for this new chapter of my life and would appreciate ANY advice.

Thanks so much.

Amy

Amy - I hear you!! I will be praying for you, too. Please keep me posted. Message me if there is anything I can help you with.

blessings....Susie

I was not too far away from your measurements....5'2, 240 on surgery date. I had a lapband to DS revision on 1/24/13. I was originally thinking sleeve but I knew that the amount of food was not the problem. I knew I needed help with metabolism and yes, I was scared of the re-routing but I do not regret it so far. Down 36 pounds. I have 5 more lbs to get to onederland. I am 41 but I know patients who have had this in their 60's. Hope this helps

Lizzie, thank you. I'm sure I need help with the metabolism, too. I'm just afraid of too much malabsorption, the cost of after care with the DS (vitamins, expensive labs, possible vita or iron infusions), messing with my intestines, etc. Again, thanks for your input.

You don't have to spend a fortune on vitamins.  I scope out the BOGO deals and stock up where I can on the cheap stuff.  My biggest splurge is the dry vitamins.  I get my labs done during my annual (no deductible-no copay) physicals and I've never needed an iron infusion. 

That all being said, there are certainly no guarantees, but most aren't spending a fortune on stuff.

Valerie. What is a dry vitamin - is this chewables? I have seen this before, but never asked. Thanks

Melissa, I'm not Val but I can answer your question. The dry vitamins we speak of are normally the vitamins that are packed in oil, little football shaped soft pills.

We need the dry form of those vitamins so that we can absorb them better, because we absorb so little fat/oil.

The vitamins are: Vitamin D, A, E and K

We need Vitamin Dry D3, Vitamin Dry A, Vitamin Dry E and Vitamin Dry K1

I hope this helps.