Why did you choose the DS?

I chose the DS because I know I will need to be able to take NSAIDS. I also only wanted one WLS. I wanted the best chances of keeping it off. My BMI was right at 40 and only had high cholesterol. That being said my mother has EVERYTHING wrong with her-DM, RA, asthma, sleep apnea, two knee replacements, high cholesterol, and is MO. I do not want to be her, suffering all the time. I am terrified of DM-my mothers mother and my mothers sisters have it too.

I was going to have RNY 5 min from home and insurance was going to pay for it. I wanted the DS and opted to pay out of pocket and went to Belgium to get it. No regrets.

I didn't have a DS but I think the reason people are giving you a hard time is because of a common misunderstanding about WLS surgery in general and the DS in particular. People think that, if people have this surgery and lose 150, 200, 300, etc. pounds that *everyone* who has this surgery will lose that much even if they only need to lose 80!

Well, it doesn't work that way. People lose what they need to. If you get down too low, you just eat more. There are some cases of people who just can't maintain a good weight. But they are rare and they no more likely to lightweights to begin with than heavyweights. It's just how their body reacts to the surgery.

 I want to thank you all for your responses I really appreciate it. Many of the reasons you have all choice the DS is the same reasons I'm also going for it. I don't want to be down the road trying to redo what I should of done in the first place and at almost 55 years old I'm not sure i'd have it in me 10 years down the road. You all had some great points!

Thanks,
Trish

 Hi Trish,
I'm a Mi D.S. er, Dr Kemmeter is my pick. I hit the one year mark the end of Aug. Reached my goal weight, feel great, work out at the gym, have energy to do anything I want. I'm in my late 50's. I wouldnt want to have this surgery in my 60's, or any major surgery for that matter. Traveling for the best surgeon is the right way to go. This summer we traveled with my son to the best dr.s for his health issues. So glad we did. He has recovered because of their superior care. Having the right Dr makes all the difference. No regrets, I love my D.S. and the team approach at GHP, Grand Rapids.

Yes, I would choose the D.S. again, and do everything just as I did it- researching lots, interviewing surgeons, going to their lectures,( do a phone conference if you are too far to visit them). Ask all the questions you can, to make the best choice for you. My first year with the D.S. was filled with discoveries about getting healthy, food choices,  protein shakes, and vitamins. Lots of psychology to quiet my personal food demons, and joy watching the scale drop drastically. This was the encouragement to keep working my D.S.