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Alissa

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May 12, 2018
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Hi everyone. I am trying to research all I can about the different types of surgeries. I am in the testing phase now. The doc suggested DS first or bypass. I really wanted the sleeve. I have soany heath issues that can be sure or become so much better with the DS according to the doc. I am just scared to death.
HW 212
CW 202
GW 135
 
Welcome!

You are so very fortunate that your doctor suggested the DS. Over the years, we've seen just the opposite - surgeons not even mentioning the DS because they don't offer it, despite their patients having many comorbitidies that are much more likely to resolve with the DS than with any other operation.

The DS has the best statistics of any bariatric surgery not just for percentage excess weight loss, but also for maintaining that weight loss. This is crucial. We see new people all the time who had sleeve, lap band, or even gastric bypass who either never lost much (lap band, mostly) or who did well for a few years but either never lost enough or now have regained significantly. The DS also has the best statistics for permanent resolution of all major comorbidities - type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, etc.

You don't say what other medical problems you have, or what it is that you are so afraid of. Yes, it's a big operation, but there is no point in having any major surgery if it doesn't work. Weight not just the potential risks but also the potential benefits, and IMHO the DS wins hands down.
 
Hi and welcome Alissa ! I had the DS six years ago and my only regret is lost time for not not having done it sooner. There's a ton of information already out on this site, but please feel free to ask questions as you explore options. I look forward to following your journey!
 
Welcome!

You are so very fortunate that your doctor suggested the DS. Over the years, we've seen just the opposite - surgeons not even mentioning the DS because they don't offer it, despite their patients having many comorbitidies that are much more likely to resolve with the DS than with any other operation.

The DS has the best statistics of any bariatric surgery not just for percentage excess weight loss, but also for maintaining that weight loss. This is crucial. We see new people all the time who had sleeve, lap band, or even gastric bypass who either never lost much (lap band, mostly) or who did well for a few years but either never lost enough or now have regained significantly. The DS also has the best statistics for permanent resolution of all major comorbidities - type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, etc.

You don't say what other medical problems you have, or what it is that you are so afraid of. Yes, it's a big operation, but there is no point in having any major surgery if it doesn't work. Weight not just the potential risks but also the potential benefits, and IMHO the DS wins hands down.

I have type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high triglycerides, Gastroperesis, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis...I think that's it. I am just afraid of purposely undoing and rearranging the way that God gave me. I don't want to pass away from complications and leave my parents and my daughter. BTW...I am also Bipolar with Generalized Anxiety. I am still learning that the past has already happened and I can't change it and the future may or may not ever happen so why worry about it...I can't enjoy the present with all the what ifs. I just hope the positives far out way the negatives. I am a Pepsi-holic and I hate protein shakes. Plain water makes me sick because of my Gastroperesis but, I have found some water marketed towards kids and it is great!
 
Welcome! I had my DS less than two months ago. I'm not even completely healed yet and I would already say that the positives outweigh the negatives. My worst comorbidity, one that was causing me vision loss and seizures, is gone. I also haven't needed my bipap machine and I'm actually having regular cycles for the first time in over 17 years.

I was originally going to go for RNY but was lucky enough to have chosen a doctor that also offered DS. I thought at first that DS was too radical and dismissed it outright. After looking into the details of each surgery though, it became clear that for me it was the best choice. I might be evangelizing, but I think it's probably the best choice for anyone willing to be compliant with the nutrition and vitamin needs. The rates of comorbidity resolution, of weight loss, and of eventual regain are superior to any other option.

I liked protein shakes before surgery but hated them afterwards. It takes some experimenting to find a tolerable one. If you like fancy coffee, Syntrax Nectar latte flavors mixed in Fairlife milk are what ended up working for me now.
 
Let me be really honest. The sleeve is just another diet with a smaller stomach. Your doc gave you the best possible advice, to have the DS. It would be worth it JUST to get rid of the diabetes.
 
I have type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high triglycerides, Gastroperesis, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis...I think that's it. I am just afraid of purposely undoing and rearranging the way that God gave me. I don't want to pass away from complications and leave my parents and my daughter. BTW...I am also Bipolar with Generalized Anxiety. I am still learning that the past has already happened and I can't change it and the future may or may not ever happen so why worry about it...I can't enjoy the present with all the what ifs. I just hope the positives far out way the negatives. I am a Pepsi-holic and I hate protein shakes. Plain water makes me sick because of my Gastroperesis but, I have found some water marketed towards kids and it is great!

My guess is your Dr is pushing the DS or bypass becasue they are good for diabetes. I got the DS for health reasons. I had diabetes and as soon as I read it reversed diabetes that made sense to me.

Read about Diabetes and then know you have a 98% chance it will be reversed. Who cares about some blood tests and pills if Diabetes is the alternative. I had most of the other stuff you had too. All gone.

I can drink soda without a problem, but waited a year to try it. Try Hint for water.

We want to help, so ask questions. I love my DS. Wish I did it years ago.
 
There is ONE very different protein "shake" and it is the only one I can tolerate - Unjury Chicken Soup flavor. It's a hot drink, and tastes like a mildly flavored, slightly creamy chicken broth. As far as I know, the only place to buy it is online, but they will send you samples.
 
I had the sleeve years ago, and was a self-pay. It was a breeze to walk in, metaphorically slap down the cash, and get the procedure I asked for. I lost a lot of weight but never made it to goal, and then the sleeve stretched out (as it does with time) and other life things happened, and I gained back a lot of the weight. I knew there was a part two to the surgery I had, and I started researching it. I was certain that the DS was exactly the right surgery for me, BUT OH MY GOD the insurance process for a revision, for the DS that my insurance didn't like to pay for, and all the other hoops was intimidating. With all the perspective of hindsight, I wish I had had one surgery and had the DS outright. I would have saved myself a lot of grief. BUT I have it now, and I am absolutely thrilled. If you're being offered the DS right out of the gate, and are able to commit to the self-care (supplements, vitamins, protein and hydration goals, etc.) I would highly recommend that you take it. It's been three months since my DS and I've already lost 26% of my excess body weight, feel wonderful, and most importantly feel like I have a grip on my life.
 

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