New and need help deciding on a surgery

Hello all,
My surgery is scheduled for Feb. 15th and I still don't know which one I want to have. Help! I'm 30 yrs old, 5'9 and weighing in at 277. My BMI is about 41 and I really, really want to get down to 170. I've pretty much decided against the RNY because of the dumping and issues with anitinflammatories...I have issues with both of my shoulders. I have hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, high BP and pre-diabetic. I've always had problems with losing weight and keeping it off which is why I'm leaning towards the DS. The sleeve appeals to me though because little to no issues with vitamin deficiancies or malnutrition but I want to lose this weight and keep it off. I worry that the chance of gaining it back will be high with the sleeve. I also haven't had children yet and plan to in a few years. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Im 30 also and just had my first surgery (sleeve) July 25th, then RNY Sept 28th.   I didnt want the RNY for the same reasons you stated, so thats why I went for a sleeve, my insurance doesnt cover DS.  Although now that I had to have an RNY to correct my complications I am very happy, and stay on top of my vitamins and protein and my PCM just told me yesterday that all my labs look really good.  So staying on top of it has worked so far for me.  There a a few DSers on this board who can give you more info on the DS.   The main thing with any WLS is dedication and keeping up your protein and vitamins.  I am really happy with my RNY.   I listened to all opinions on what surgery was best for me, but I also did tons of research.  Which ever you choose is your decision, and the lightweights here are so informative and welcoming, whatever you choose.  Good luck on your journey.  

It's a tough decision.  If I were younger and hadn't had kids I might lean towards the sleeve because there is no malabsorption.  But I'm not sure I would trust the sleeve for permanent weight loss.  The data is just not there and I have seen many who haven't reached goal or who have regained.  Basically it would mean you have to pretty much diet to lose the weight and keep it off, with the help of a smaller stomach and less hunger.
If you are looking for the best odds of keeping the weight off then the DS is for you.  It should be perfectly safe as long as you are able to keep up with the vitamins and lab work.  I have seen many post ops have successful pregnancies after the DS.
You know yourself and know how likely you are to be able to comply with the nutritional requirements of any surgery you have.  It's a life time commitment and at 30 you have a long life to deal with whatever your needs are.

Hi there. I've heard good things about your surgeon but no so much for his aftercare nutrition info for the DS. That's pretty standard though. You definitely have to be your own advocate with the DS because most WLS practices just don't have us supplement enough or test enough of our vitamin levels. The DS has been proven to give you the best chance at maintaining your weight loss long term and resolving diabetes permanently. A great place to research is www.dsfacts.com . I'll also send you a PM with a link to the board where many of the vets have gone. 

Welcome aboard!

--gina

Welcome to our LW board!!!

It's great that you are checking everything out.  I had the RNY because that's what my friends had and by the time I even heard about the DS it would have been too late to switch Surgeons or get Insurance Approval.

Major Mom is our resident DSer and she can give you all the details on that.  Not sure about the sleeve and the success of it.  DSer's do have to take a lot of vitamins and supplements etc. but on the plus side they do seem to eat more.

I love my RNY and I only dump if I over do the sugar or fats which is exactly what I need help with so it works for me. 

I was getting shots in both of my shoulders but within the last year my pain has almost completely gone away so maybe losing weight will help you with that problem too. 

I do take ibuprofen and so far I haven't had any problems with it.

Keep us updated!

 If you have reflux, RNY is the way to go.  I don't know if you do, but that was my deciding factor.

i chose RNY because my insurance would only pay for that and bands.  I wanted a sleeve for the NSAIDs and absorption issues but no way I could pay out of pocket.  I have been very happy with my RNY, have had no complications, labs are fine, etc.  I've found some homeopathic things instead of the NSAIDS.  I didn't think I dumped, only 30% do, but over the holidays I ate a whole piece of pecan pie and had a mini dump.  That's good, it will keep me from being so stupid again.  All of my co-morbilities, high BP, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, pre-diabeties are gone along with 100% of my excess body weight. 

Life changes after surgery, no matter which one you chose.  You just need to adjust to the new life requirements.

 How long after surgery was it when you were able to not use a CPAP?  I've already decreased my meds from 10 a day to 5.  I will probably be down to 3 in the next couple of months.  The doctor has given me permission to stop them I'm just not ready yet.  But, I would love to shed the CPAP.  Not the sexiest thing I've ever worn to bed.

My dr didn't want us using the CPAC right after surgery because he said to could blow air into our new tummy.  At the first check-up I asked and he said if I was doing ok without it, to just not use it.  I haven't used it since surgery.  DH says no more snoring, hesitation breathing and I sleep great.

 I had the RNY after a failed lapband.  My insurance didn't cover other surgeries and my doctor did a good job of explaining why it would work for me.  I've been very happy and have had no complications.  The biggest issue for me is remembering to take my afternoon calcium and vits.

As for CPAP, I was a severe case and used to stop breathing 55 times an hour.  A year after the RNY I did a new sleep study and now only stop 10 major times an hour.  Incredible difference.  Still need the CPAP  at a lower pressure.  I also have two new masks by RESMED. One is called the Mirage For Her and one is called Swift.  Both are much smaller and more comfortable.  Not sexy, but not like wearing a flight mask either!  Doc thinks as I lose more weight I will be able to get rid of CPAP altogether.
Janet