I did extensive surgery and have worked in health care for 37 years. I do not need you to tell me what I did and did not do. I am entitled to my opinion and this is a screwed up procedure. Do not message me back I am not interested in debating with you. Good luck

I gave you the stats that fewer than 2% have your outcome. I am sorry you didn't do well. We weren't healthy when we came to DS. I was very fat, very sick and if I hadn't taken the risk, I'd be dead.

1. I have had anemia needing iron transfusions. I attribute it to the wrong iron (I needed heme iron) and not taking it with vitamin C. Now, it's 2 years without needing iron infusions, so for me, it was doing the wrong thing. I could have done better if I had asked enough questions. So it's a matter of education, using the right iron in the right dose, with vitamin C with every dose, without dairy food.
2. by definition we have short gut syndrome. Most of our small intestine is bypassed. Don't mess around with the DS. It isn't for people who want to just cut and go, and don't want to work at it. You have to drink fluids, eat protein, and think about it a lot. Fact.
3. People who who are morbidly obese die early. I was terrified when I weighed 300 pounds and had diabetes. That's why I had Bariatric Surgery. No guarantee I would survive after surgery, but I had NO chance as super morbidly obese with diabetes and hypertension at age 55 who couldn't exercise. Sure, I might have died after DS, but I knew I was going to die early as a morbidly obese woman with hypertension and diabetes. I took the risk and it worked out for me. I knew I had a risk of not doing well, but I knew I was going to die without taking the risk..
4. I don't know what you mean by archaic. The good surgeons evolve in their technique, but there are many patients who have done very well, including me. Patient selection is critical. Some patients should not get the DS if they aren't smart enough or compliant enough with aftercare. If you aren't going to work at it, stay away. I see my surgeon once a year and get blood tests twice a year. I work at it every day. I read studies all the time, I have a great bariatric nutritionist, and I ask a lot of questions. my surgeon says he wants an I Q test for patients, because DS is NOT for everyone.
5. there are terrible surgeons, as you know as a nurse. Picking the right surgeon is the key to long term outcome. Please tell us who your surgeon was. He either had a very bad day, or he just shouldn't be doing D S.
6. You are not the only one who hasn't had a perfect outcome. The stats are in support of taking the risk, in my view, but some people do not well despite picking a great surgeon. Good of you to point that out. But being morbidly obese is not a formula for a long life of disability-free years. Not a great choice, but the only one I had.

Going without surgery or having surgery is a tough choice. Too bad we weren't naturally thin. If DS want available, I would have had a different procedure. But without DS I would either be fat again, or on insulin for my diabetes, or dead. No good choices, but being morbidly obese was a greater risk.

I am a lifelong healthcare professional. I went into the operating room hoping I would come out ok. I did and I am so sorry for you. I could have easily had your outcome.

I see new people who have to make this choice. Good for you to say it isn't 100% perfect, but good for them to know what risks to take. Be well. Thank you for contributing your experience.

Hi everyone! I've been lurking around for a while and greatly appreciate all the information from everyone!

I had the lap band in 2002 and removed in 2009, so I've been around the world of WLS for many years. I'm finally taking the plunge for another surgery and I am in the early stages now of trying to decide what's right for me and scheduling consults. I have ruled out 1. RnY 2. Sleeve. So that leaves me with DS...or SIPS. I searched and can see that SIPS isn't widely accepted around these parts or there aren't very many recent posts that I can find.

When I first discovered SIPS I was sold and felt deep down it was the surgery for me. It had all the things I wanted my WLS to be: Sleeve stomach, better weight loss than RnY, not as drastic as DS, pyloric valve intact, less invasive surgery, lower risk of deficiencies and GI issues. But then I felt like if I'm going that far why not go all the way to DS and be sure I've done EVERYTHING possible to get healthy?

Then I came here and read many many posts and I'm scared of DS again. I'm really concerned with the long (LONG) term consequences of this surgery and seeing a lot of posts from people 10-18 years out having brand new issues, which is what the first surgeon I spoke to told me would happen. He was 100% adamant that I would regret the DS (not right away, but 8-20 years down the road) and it's not a popular surgery for a reason and no way, don't do it. He does not perform DS, so I'm waiting to meet with 3 surgeons who do, but meanwhile....can you guys answer some questions?

1. How far out are you and what issues have you faced?

2. How did you get over the scary stuff and decide to go for the DS?

3. What's your take on SIPS - not comparing to DS, but comparing to RnY?

4. Who and where was your surgeon?

I'm 44, 52 BMI, Type II diabetic, Sleep apnea, hypertension, and high cholesterol. I've got it all. I also have IBS, history of anemia and Vit. D deficiency and supposedly GERD, but don't have typical reflux symptoms, just vocal/mucous issues. This makes choosing DS difficult because I don't want to end up even more unhealthy than I already am.

I appreciate any feedback you can provide!
Jen

Jewels

The DS saved my life in two ways. First, from all the obvious co morbities that come from obesity. Second, just 5 months after my surgery, due to rigorous post OP labs I was dxd VERY early with Acute Myloid Leukemia AML.

This early diagnosis and the grace of almighty God, certainly saved my life. That was over six years. Before I had the DS I was looking for a removal of a lap band and I was headed to a bypass. I had dozens of friends and co workers who'd had the bypass and regained.

I researched a ton and actually self paid because I was so convinced the DS was the very best option. I've maintained my 120 lb lost with little to no attention to carbs but I am ubber vigilant about my vitamins and protein.

I had my ds and lap band removal with a hyetal hernia repair in one procedure. I recovered very fast with no complications.

Best wishes with your decision.

Blessings

Julie

Actually, I did a ton of research. I got all my vitamin levels up prior to surgery, which was recommended to me. I have lost no noticeable hair at all, my blood work is seller, my A1C is perfect, and I can maintain with little to no thought. Yes, I gained back 10 pounds from my lowest but I'm still 25 pounds lower than my wish goal. I eat protein first and get 100 grams or more in daily. I watch my carbs and could careless about fat.

This surgery is the Gold Standard and it's the number 1 most successful WLS world wide. The bottom switch portion of the surgery is used in Europe to treat and cure diabetes. This surgery is safer than the RNY and the gastric band. Maybe you didn't do your research on your surgeon, I did.