Questions - DS or RNY

Been reading lots about DS lately and now I am so confused.  I meet with the surgeon on Tuesday morning and I want to know what you all think about the DS vs RNY.

What reasons would you have for chosing one or the other?

What criteria do you need to have the DS?  I understand Dr. Hong does these in Hamilton and that is my centre.

Help!!!!

Honestly, you aren't likely to get many replies here saying good things about the DS here because there aren't many of us - because most of us went to the US to get it before OHIP stopped sending people out of country and we are all pretty far out (I was one of the last to have it covered in the US and about 2 years 8 months out). So the answers you are going to get here are all going to push you to the RNY because that what most people here have. I'd suggest talking to people who have each - the RNY'ers here - but also heading over the DS board. It's an incredibly successful surgery for many many people with a much different post op lifestyle (which I LOVE by the way). The success rate is generally higher (generally less likelihood to regain) and comorbidities are more likely to be taken care of (except for reflux - RNY has a better resolution rate than DS for that).

The DS is amazing. I started off at 426lbs and I am now between 165-170. Honestly, I pretty much eat whatever I want - I have a very normal lifestyle now. It's pretty amazing.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Seriously Cheri?  We're going to push people to the RNY? I think NOT. 

I don't  agree with that Cheri, I haven't seen  too many (if any) on here dissing the DS.  I think its an excellent surgery and should be investigated as a possibility for you.  That being said, its not that easy to qualify for one.  Pat XYZ is just out of surgery for a DS, but would likely be a great source for you to get information on what would qualify you.

All the best in your research.

I'm not sure if Cheri mentioned it or not but a good source of info on the ds is in
DSfacts.com

For me it's not even a question - DS, 100%. If I didn't qualify, I would go selfpay in a heart bit.

My reasons:

1. Effectiveness -  No way I would lose this weight (over 200 pounds) with any other surgery. No way I would keep it off (doing nothing special) at 3 and a half years out.

2. Cured diabetes, NO HYPOGLYCEMIA!!! Please read about reactive hypoglycemia after RNY. It is real, very often occurs and it is not fun. I had insulin related hypoglycemia during my diabetes times... it was hell. The famous "dumping" symptoms - shakes+weakness+passing out... were my reality on a daily basis. DS set me free, sorry for being pathetic.

3. Eating  - I'm a food addict, I eat "unhealthy" high fat food and cannot beat this addiction long term. If I really were able to change and eat healthy, I would not need this surgery. I fail to do what dietitians say us to do.. It might be psychological issue... but know what,  I'm doing just fine with it, since I had my surgery. When I have uncontrolled urge to eat at 11pm, I try sugar free jello. If it doesn't work, I eat some deep fried chicken, if I still want to stuff my face with food, I take a cake and scoop some cream off the top. This kind of night grazing causes morning diarrhea(one burst, doesn't last long) and loss of 2 pounds. I can live with it. I do limit carbs, though with the fatty "compensation" it's not a big deal. 

I believe there are people who can handle healthy eating for years... I can't. That's why I'm a DSer.

It's a personal choice, please read as much as you can about your options.

Ontario health professionals (wls including) are very rigid in their view of healthy life style. DS contradicts this paradigm and the situation becomes quite uncomfortable - so far I did not see a reasonable nutritionist, able to think outside the box, even knowing how DS works. You will be/are given lots of information and reasoning of how to become a "health conscious" person - the mandatory condition for successful RnY or VSG. It all requires you to change what you are - an unhealthy food addict. 

Consider me lucky moron - I failed to change, but I DON'T NEED IT.  I'm a DSer. I lost. I don't regain.

I am waiting for orientation in Hamilton, and have been doing lots of research for DS. Lucky us... Dr Hong is our centre! I am REALLY interested in the DS, but most of the comments I have been getting is it's really hard to be approved for, which is really disapointing.

It's like I'm not big enough, or not enough problems from obesity. Now that's just from other here on the board, not from a doctor... The more I hear about it, the benefits outweigh the negatives...

Because I have acid reflux, the RNY is my only choice. I did consider having a band, but again with my reflux it would not work.

It is has been my experience that when the government is involved in paying, it is always a fight to get anything. Thankfully we live in Ontario, not most of the other provinces where waiting lists for any surgery is 10 years.

J

I'm am about the same weight as you are, and recently (Feb 29th) had surgery with Dr. Hong.  He only wanted to do a VSG on me, period.  I don't have any particular problems.  He said VSG now because there would be less complications, and then perhaps a DS in a year.  Just wanted to prepare you for this possibility.  I was really taken aback by this.  However, I am almost two weeks out, and I must say - no complications at all - other than constipation, it's been easy peasy.

Thank you for your response.  I wonder what the criteria is to have a DS off the start?  I have heard the sleeve has less weight loss - so then wouldn't they go with the RNY? 

Any suggestions to push him for the DS?

I am so confused......

No idea about how to push for DS.  He was steadfast that I start with a VSG because of "less complications".  I didn't push that hard, so who knows, but I was dissapointed at first.  I'm fine with a VSG now - gotta make the best of things.  I'll just have to be a little more vigilant.