Revision from VSG to DS Wednesday May 29--scared

Hello All!

I am having a revision from VSG to DS on Wednesday May 29.  I'm 5'3 and weigh 155 (highest 200 in December 2011 when had sleeve).  I lost 50lbs with the VSG but have also lost a lot of restriction and am gaining weight.  My sleeve will be oversewn a bit so a little more restriction--said it was dangerous to redo the sleeve completely after reviewing my UGI from November 2011.  However, the doctor agreed that since my sleeve was a bit bigger he would do a 100 cm channel.  I decided on the revision once I was told that I am still glucose intolerant (mother, father, two brothers affected by the disease and heart disease as well) and getting to a low normal BMI and, more importantly staying at that weight is paramount.

I had all the hopes in the world that the first surgery would do the trick and am scared that the DS revision will be the same disappointment.  I wish I had the DS in the first place though!!

I am inspired by all of your posts and hope to have similar results.

Cheers for a great Memorial Day weekend!

jns

I was insulin resistant with hypothyroid. I had the band too. I walked 20 miles a week and worked out up until two years ago. I had issues with not being able to get my weight off. I had a trainer that worked with me 5 days a week tell me that I had the worst metabolism he had ever seen. I personally think it was from having the band and living off of 500 calories a day for so many years. I think it screwed me up. I had the same thoughts about the DS. In my mind nothing would work. I still get that fear every now and then but so far the weight is just coming off and I am eating way more than I ever did with the band. It changes you. You will lose. 

I think my body was in starvation mode and with the DS diet it finally kicked it out of starvation mode. OMG I eat five or more times a day now. I use to eat a yogurt for breakfast and then one big meal at about 6pm. SO really once a day. Anyway the DS has definitely improved my life and changed the way I burn calories. 

Thanks so much!  Your experience gives me much hope.  I am so glad to hear that you've had such a good outcome and hoping mine will be similar.

It's difficult when you put all your trust in a surgeon the first time only to find out that it was not the right surgery for you.  Difficult to trust again.

The DS will improve (probably resolve) your glucose intolerance by altering your metabolism, rather than by your getting to a low normal bmi. There are metabolic changes caused by the food no longer being in contact with the duodenum that will do this for you. Of course, getting to a normal weight is beneficial in many ways, but the high rate of resolution of type 2 diabetes that the DS has is from more than just weight loss.

Best wishes for a safe and successful surgery next week.

Larra

I just revised my VSG to a DS 3 weeks ago, it was SO much easier the second surgery. The VSG had me in pain for 4 weeks, with the second stage DS I had no pain at all. I was walking around the next day like nothing. Maybe this will be the same for you too! I have heard of other 2 stage DSers having the same reports of a much easier time with the second half. I also have a 100 cm cc, and am a light weight at 175 pounds. And am 5'3"!! My lightest weight was 150 after VSG, then I regained to 185. My highest weight ever was 246 at the time of VSG. Good luck to you!!

I had originally waivered between the VSG and the DS.  I went with the DS because Dr Rabkin made such a compelling case for it.  I am so glad I did.  I know that I would be gaining my weight back if it wasn't for the malabsorption.  I eat a large volume of food and I like it that way.  I have never been good at portion control and I don't have to be.  My habits or issues never really left me after surgery (liking volume, liking carbs too much, emotional eating).  I still work on them but I'm not dying of obesity and humiliation.  I'm not wearing my problems for the world to see.  I enjoy my life even with these issues.  I'd rather deal with them in a smaller body.  They don't seem as paramount.  It also solved all of my obesity health related issues so what's not to love.  Good luck with your surgery and your new life.

Cheers,

Cathy

I am curious, not trying to scare you or anything.  Dr Kim has just started doing the DS.  It is my understanding that he was trained by Dr Stewart.  Have you checked with him to see how many revisions he has done?  Although Dr Stewarts bedside manner is a bit lacking, he has been doing the DS as well as revisions for a long time.  Since you are in the DFW area, I just thought I would mention it. 

I wish the best for you!