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.

I have no experience with the Sleeve or DS but you should ask your surgeon how the DS will effect your medications.
I totaling understand the one surgery I had VBG back in 96 and a revision to bypass in 2009. Should have did the bypass the first time.


I will keep you in my prays

Susie...I am not super knowledgeable of either surgery to be totally honest but I have heard that DS has MEGA MALOBSORPTION issues.   That is a question that I would call Dr. Stewart's office immediately and ask for answers.    Bipolar meds is NOTHING to mess with ( I have great nieces who are bipolar ).   I have seen them out of control when their meds are off and it's not pretty....they are all pre teens to teens.     As far as the weight goes......You might be surprised what you will look like at the 150+ mark.     The weight seems to not look as big on us as you would think.    I am 59 and at my lowest I was 133.   Everyone told me I looked sick.    At my most comfortable weight I was 145.   I hate to say I am heavier than that now but trying to get back there.     PLEASE address these questions with Dr. Stewart or his staff today.    Don't go and have the DS if you are uncertain that is the surgery for you and for your meds that you have to be on for your lifetime.    I will definately pray for God's guidance in this situation.    The VSG is a awesome surgery......I'm pretty sure NO malobsorption goes with  it.    Good luck and I will be looking forward to seeing what you find out.     Don't worry .....everything is going to be OK.

 

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Vivian, you are such a sweetheart and I value your input and friendship. I have a call into Dr. Stewart's office as well as an email regarding my concerns. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

And Blessings to you, as well.............Susie

Oh Susie....I failed to say that I am 5'1" so I am shorter than you.   LOL   The main thing is to get the weight off.   The number on the scale is just that....a number.    We have to not let those numbers ( if we aren't at OUR desired weight ) that doesn't mean we are a failure.     I am just grateful not to be 273 lbs. and wearing a size 30.    I am not where I would like to be and may never be for that matter and having one WLS over another is no guarantee you will get there either.    The numbers the surgeons tell you about certain surgeries losing so much % of your weight is not a given you'll loose that much or not loose more than that.    I didn't reach my perfect BMI and trust me....I beat myself up for that but my body quit loosing and there was nothing I could do about it.    I honestly think I would look anorexic if i had reached that weight.     You can imagine...mine was less than yours.    Also at our age when you lose weight you also loose fullness in your face.    Trust me...the loose skin on the face can age you.    LOL OK...I will hush now.  What I'm trying to say is your going to feel SO GREAT getting the weight off....if you don't reach your goal weight....It WILL be OK and you will too.    Have a great day.

 

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Talk with Dr. Stewart about your Meds.  Yes, there are SOME meds that will mess up our system--some will not.  But these are things you will need to talk to your Dr.s about.  As far as being too old---no way.  I was 50 when I had my surgery. 

Brenda

Did you speak to Dr. Stewart? What did you decide???

Yes, I saw Dr. Stewart today. VSG it is !!  I'm scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at Frisco Forrest Park Medical Center @ 7:00 a.m. And I an EXCITED!! 

 Today was my Dad's 72nd birthday and my oldest granddaughter, Alivia, turned three. We're having her Bday party tomorrow and flying out to Dallas tomorrow afternoon for our youngest granddaughter, Scarlett's, Baby Dedication on Sunday. I will be staying with my youngest daughter, her husband, my almost 3 year-old grandson, Grayson, and his two month old baby sister, Scarlett, through next Wednesday. I wanted to get another short stay in with them to help my daughter out with the two little ones before I have surgery and can't help for awhile.

I've got a BUSY next week, but that's good because it should keep me from getting too nervous. I get home on Wednesday, the 27th, then my Mom and I will be driving to Frisco on Monday the 1st,  pre-op seminar @ Dr. Stewart's office @ 8:00 a.m., to hospital to finalize admissions on April 2nd, and THE BIG DAY - Wednesday April 3.  WOOOHOOOO!!! 

Can you tell I'm excited??  Laura, thanks for asking. I know you didn't expect this mini-novel, but you're the first one to ask. Again, thanks!!!!