DS'ers on the LW Board?

Are there any DS patients with a BMI of ~35 on this Board? I'd be interested in hearing their / your stories. I'm having this surgery primarily to resolve diabetes and high triglycerides with weight loss as a secondary goal.

Thanks!

Patrick-in-Texas

Hey Patrick!  I'm a DSer!  I would have to think back and recalculate...but I was about a 38BMI when I had my surgery!!  I wanted to lose 100 lbs and cure my diabetes, so I choose the DS.  IF you have any questions ask away!!!  MajorMom is a DSer too....I'm surprised she didn't chime in yet!  I've been away awhile, so I'm not sure who else has had the DS!!

You can read my sig line and that gives a basic run down.  But I did a ton of reach and could've "settled" (in my eyes) for a RNY, but decided to wait it out for the DS.  And I am sooooo glad I did!!  I feel great!!  You can read my profile too!  Its not up dated, but not much has changed.  Except the actual weight "number".  But I've learned that isn't important....as long as my clothes fit, I'm fine!!  The scale will Never say the number I want it to say!

Hit me with any questions!!!!

Hi and thanks for replying. My health insurance provider, BCBS of NJ, approved me for an RNY, but at this time only approve DS for higher BMI's than I have. My research uncovered DS and its benefits and bettter post surgery quality of life. I'm scheduled to have a Lap DS (self pay) done in Hermosillo, Mexico by Dr. Ungson on Jan 24. The stats all say that DS has better resolution percentages for my co-morbidities -  type 2 diabetes (first diagnosed 1987), high triglycerides and sleep apnea than RNY and the other procedures. Like I mentioned in the orignal post, taking my best shot at resolving or least improving the life threatening co-morbidities is my primary goal, with weight loss as a secondary goal. I believe in the long run, DS will prove to be worth the extra $ and the risks for me. The risks of complications from DS are all less than 5%. I have a 100% risk of developing loss of eyesight and / or other life threatening complications over time if I do nothing about the diabetes. I can't put a price on my life and health.

Best of luck to you and Godspeed in your continued weight loss journey!

Patrick

Hi Patrick! 36.8BMI when I weighed-in at the surgeon's office, 5 or 6 comorbidities and a lifelong grazer. The dietitian at the time actually spoke to the surgeon on my behalf because I was a LW and wanted the DS. I lost the 80 pounds I needed to lose and stopped losing at 11 months post-op. I follow Vitalady's DS vitamin plan and protein philosophy and watch my labs closely. Wouldn't trade my DS for love nor money. 

--gina


Links:
Vitalady plan: https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AU46vLsRDC9rZGhranhtcXpfM TFocmh6OTJkNA&hl=en

Pre-op ideas: https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AU46vLsRDC9rZGhranhtcXpfM TNneHpzZmhkbQ&hl=en
  

Hi Gina, and thanks for replying. My surgeon, Dr. Ungson, was immediately aggreeable to approving me for the DS. I also appreciate the tip on Vitalady DS vitamins. Any thoughts or info on how Vitalady compares to the DS vitamins offered by Bariatric Advantage? I'm definitely going to check out Vitalady!

Take care and best of luck to you in your continued journey!

Patrick

Well, I am still pre-op but only by 18 days, :) My BMI is 35.2 and I am scheduled for the DS on the 24th of January. Had a heck of a time between my insurance limiting where I could go (had to stay inside TN) and finding a surgeon willing to do a LW. Only ONE in TN will do a LW. But we worked it out and I am getting there.

I am a type II insulin dependent (on a pump) diabetic who also has cholesterol issues and sleep apnea. My primary insurance approved the surgery without a hitch but didn't approve my first choice of facility.

Liz

Hi Liz and thanks for replying. You and I are very similar in BMI, insulin dependent type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. I also have high triglycerides, but cholesterol runs normal (about 150).  I'm also scheduled to have a Lap DS (self pay) on Jan 24 in Hermosillo, Mexico by Dr. Ungson.

I hope your surgery goes well and you meet all of your post surgery outcomes and goals. Take care.

Patrick

I had a revision to a DS. Last month. My last insulin dose was the day before discharge and my surgeon said not to restart Metformin. It took 2 weeks after that, but now my BS's are completely normal. I still can't believe it.

Good luck.

Gail