NC -Should I get Duodenal Switch of Sleeve- need to lose 150 lbs.

Hi all,

 

I am in the process of trying to figure out which surgery I should get. I have had some folks tell me to get the sleeve and others tell me to get the DS. I am 5'2 and weight 300lbs and feeling nervous about the whole thing but I know I have to do something different. Dieting does not work.... I would love to hear your experience with the DS-good, bad and the ugly :) What has been your experience with this surgery and are you happy. I was also wondering about hair loss etc and any other complications...

I would also love to hear if you know a good surgeon in Durham NC area that performs the surgery. 

 

Look forward to every ones input..

I have to start by saying that I haven't had my surgery yet and that I'm not a doctor. That being said, everything I've read and learned about WLS points to DS as the best option.

It all depends on your individual situation, but when I met with my surgeon, he said DS was the best option for most people (but not necessarily for everyone).

Find a surgeon who performs both surgeries and discuss with him/her.

Good luck!!

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm in the process of investigating. I had one doc rec duodenal switch because I had so much weight to lose and another recommended the sleeve so it's confusing...Still trying to figure it all out...

It has its ups and downs but the ups are more than the downs. You normalize over time. I enjoy being able to eat more normal and still lose weight. IF you follow the rules and do what you are suppose to then the bathroom stuff is not really an issue. The question is can you follow the rules? Can you handle the responsibility? It is really not hard but it is important. I love my DS. Easiest weight loss I have ever had in my life...(once you get past the first month of learning)

Thank you so much for your reply. Could you please give me and idea of what the rules and responsibilities are?  

You need to be on a high protein (100g+ a day) Atkins diet and you need to take vitamins - the Vitalady pre-packaged ones here https://vitalady.com/vitanews/pre-packaged-regimens/ plus vitamin K2 which you can also buy there, are a good starting point.  You then have to tweak once you've had labs done and don't just take your doc's "they're fine" - you need to see the values yourself and check what's trending down or only just in range.

Dr Sudan is your man!  : )  I understand the practice might try to steer you away from the DS, so you have to do your research and stand your ground. Be strong!

Almost 6 years post-op no complications and no issues I can't overcome so far.

--gina

I am a sleeve to DS revision so I've experienced life with both. But I'm only a few weeks post-op with the DS. What caught my eye about your post was "dieting doesn't work." If it truly doesn't work for you, then you will likely struggle to maintain with the sleeve. That was exactly my issue. You have to eat like you're dieting for the rest of your life - low calorie, low fat, low carb, etc. And exercise pretty intensely on a regular basis. It's work. Some people are very great at that but I was not one of them. Now, don't get me wrong, the DS is work too but it's more of a lifestyle type of work, not working to constantly diet. You have to figure out what your body will tolerate food-wise, what vitamins are best for you, stay on top of lab work, and still get in some exercise. I'm certainly not far enough along with my DS to be an expert but it seems like most DSers end up being normal sized individuals who know their bodies so well that if they gain a bit, they can make adjustments and it will start to come off again. It's not starting from square one running your tail off at the gym and eating like a bird.

Again, many people do very well with the sleeve. It's just a matter of being really honest with yourself to figure out if you will be one of those individuals. Keep doing research. That's a huge help. Good luck!

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply and for your honesty. I was scared to get the sleeve only to regain the weight so I thought DS would be a better option. I know me. I'm a binge eater. I eat very little during the day and eat a large meal at night. I can't stick to a diet for the life of me or I wouldn't be considering surgery to begin with. I need a surgery that is going to help me. If I have to diet the rest of my life without assistance it probably won't work...I need a tool that will give me the best shot. It sounds like you are similar to me and I'm so excited to hear how well you do in the future. It seems the DS really has helped so many folks.

If you choose to have the DS Switch, you are in the right area of the country.  Dr Sudan at Duke is one of the best in the country.  He has great results with his patients.

I am nearly a year out.  I would never wish what I have gone through on anyone.  Those without complications/issues are the lucky ones.  Those like me which were in your size range, I feel that I would have done just as well with the sleeve.  What I go through, the bathroom issues, have not stopped and probably never will.  This is not living life for me.  I wish I would have never done it.  This is just me!  I have been through h$ll and back.  I am being truthful with what has happened to me.  I had a "vetted" surgeon do mine.  The one thing that you have is Dr Sudan.   There are many people on the Facebook group who have used him.  I have heard of very few complications and great success.  That is to your advantage!  Plus, Duke is awesome!!!

I would rather go back to my life as a fat person before surgery than my life now.  

If you were to meet me, even in my darkest days since surgery, I am the most positive person.  This surgery was wrong for me.  I have friends who it saved their lives.  I did not have the co-morbities.  

It is a trade off.  My arthritis is not any better.  In fact, my one knee is worse.  I've had great success with weight loss.  That's the only success.  I have lived the life for nearly a year now.  I would give anything if I could have my old life back.  

This surgery is a trade off.  Would I rather live the way I lived before or the way I live now?  Before hands down!!!

Yes, I look great!  Today is a prime example.  I have had a protein yogurt, 2 coffees, water and bacon.  NO CARBS or very little in the "plain" greek yogurt.  Sugar free everything.  Out of the blue, my stomach is talking to itself.  Loud enough at times that my dog starts barking.  Just be prepared if you have this surgery.  Weigh it all out.  Yesterday, I had the same thing for breakfast.  I didn't have the talking stomach.

I went to a job interview, was careful not to eat anything, only drink my protein shakes that day.  My stomach talked the whole time.  I do think that's why I didn't get the job.