Your thoughts on DS risks please?

Hi,

I have been looking into WLS for the past 10 years. 

Now I'm 37 year old after 4 kids, my weight has ballooned to a BMI of 51 ;(

My first choice of surgery was the Sleeve until now where my BMI is too high for it and my Surgeon wants me to have the DS since I also have a very large hiatal hernia. 

I am concerned about the risks of malnutrition. 

Your thoughts please? 

If you want a sleeve - get the sleeve. There are people with BMI like yours or higher that got the VSG and are doing great. 

But they are supper commited to changing their diet...are you? 

Not sure how hernia prevents that. ?? 

And ...if VSG will not work by itself - it can be revised to DS. Though best results are for virgin DS... 

Post this on the DS forum.  If I had your BMI I would have a DS over a VSG, but ONLY with a vetted surgeon.

DS Forum

There are pretty small differences in risks for any of the surgeries, as far as the procedure and recovery. The long term risks are greatest with the DS if you don't really, really stay focused on labwork and vitamins. If you let that slide, you will have seriousl health issues. All WLS patients need to be vigilant. RNY more than sleeve, and DS more than RNY.

All are easily managed, IF you stay on top of it.

I'd ask my doctor what the heck the hiatal hernia has to do with anything.  Whether you get the sleeve or the DS, your stomach is sleeved.  The DS adds intestinal re-routing.

The trade-offs are that the DS diet is more forgiving, although you have to limit carbs in either.  Because of the intestinal  re-routing, the vitamin supplementation with DS is greater and it's for life.  Don't take your vitamins, don't do your bloodwork, and bad things are likely to happen.  You can succeed with either; you can fail with either.  Do the one that you can live with.

I suggest you go to both boards and just read them.  Then you'll have a better idea of what you're dealing with.

I had the VSG and my starting bmi was over 50. I think I was a 53. I'm very happy with my choice. I don't know what the hiatal hernia has to do with him choosing the DS over the VSG since both have sleeved stomachs. I had a hiatal hernia too, but it was small.

I had considered the DS once I got past the don't cut my stomach, I only want the lap band phase, but I wasn't thrilled with the malnutrition for life part. You have to stay on top of the vitamin requirements & lab work for life. I mean I have to take vitamins too, but since I don't malabsorb I still get my nutrients from food.

There are pros & cons with either surgery, you just have to see what is a good fit for you. The option of upgrading to the DS if needed was also appealing, however for me at this stage I probably won't need it.

Hi there! I'm  actually recovering from having my large hiatal hernia repaired and a loop DS. I just had my surgery on the 18th. The loop DS is different from the traditional DS and is supposed to not pose as many risks. Maybe ask you doc if that would be more suitable for your needs. Good luck and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

My BMI was 57 when I started.

Disclaimer: I didn't have the VSG or DS.  I had an RNY.

I just wanted to say that I have seen great successes of those with higher BMIs with all three surgeries.  However, I wouldn't be scared of the DS with an experienced surgeon with a good track record.  Of course, I am compliant -- and having a DS means that you would need to be compliant with your supplementation.  However, the DS seems to be a really wonderful option for those with a higher BMI for long term success. Again, however, I don't have personal experience to go on.

Good luck with whatever surgery you choose.  

Statistically, the DS gives better results than any other form of WLS, ESPECIALLY if your BMI is greater than 50. That does not, however, tell us that YOU will fail with a VSG or succeed with a DS.

To ME, the added risk was worth the price. I've always been better at DOING SOMETHING, like taking vitamins, than at NOT DOING, like resisting tasty food all day every day. (*grin*) But it is VITAL that you stay on top of your vitamins. Don't rely on your doctor to monitor your levels---always get a hard copy of your lab values and plug them into a spread sheet. This way, you can spot trends and hopefully correct your intake to match what YOUR body needs.

I suggest you visit www.bariatricfacts.org and read the files. You'll fine a list of suggested vites for DSers, a list of the labs you'll need run, and so on. Don't let it overwhelm you---it's amazing how easy it becomes once you form the habit of tossing back  those pills.

I'm 11.5 years post-op, and I wouldn't take anything for it. It gave me my life back.