Contemplating sleeve or DS..Need to lose 150+lbs..Any opinions on which surgery to have?

My mother had DS and I had the sleeve.  She has terrible issues, though some are brought on by her.  She will not eat the very strict diet.  She doesn't take vitamins and doesn't eat near enough protein.  When I researched the different surgeries, the things I didn't like about it were the vitamins and increased protein.  with the DS I would have had to eat 90 grams of protein per day.  I knew there was no way for me to do that with a stomach than can hold no more than 1 cup of food at the very most, unless of course all I was eating was meat.  No way would I succeed in that.

I begged my mom not to do it.  I knew her eating habits and knew she would not eat that much protein and take her vitamins, just like I wouldn't.  She did it anyway and has horrible bowel issues, (diarrhea and gas).  She is having some heart problems now and I really believe it is due to being protein deficient. 

The DS works great, but requires eating habits that are very difficult for me.  Research as much as possible.  Find out what you need to do to stay healthy with each surgery. 

My mom lost 126 lbs in 9 months.   Researching on this website, you'll find all the weight loss success you want to.   I know it sounds great, but you don't know if they are accomplishing the weight loss and taking care of their health.

It all amounts to your personal eating habits and limits.  I wish you health and success in whatever you choose. 

Hi

I really knew nothing about any WLS types when my doctor suggested it for me.  I got on the internet and started researching the heck out of each type available, success rates, malnutrition issues, rerouting of organs, etc.  I think what really helped me in my decision was the belief that NO surgery will be like a magic pill...each of the surgeries is a tool and I will need to work it every day for the rest of my life.  However, some of the issues with the other surgeries frightened me.  I truly felt in my heart that the sleeve was the best solution for me, a thought that quadrupled when I went in for my informational session/initial consult with the surgeons.  I would keep researching online and make a pro/con list for the surgeries, and when you are seriously ready to make a decision, I would schedule another informational session with a surgeons group that has an excellent reputation in your area.

Wishing you all the luck in finding your personal decision.  This truly has been the best thing I have ever done for myself in my life!

The biggest PRO that I have for you is that I somehow managed to lose 282 pounds with my VSG. 

You have to do what feels right and good for you!

I've lost 225 pounds with my sleeve. I newly hit goal, but while my weight does fluctuate (everyones does), I've found it relatively easy to lose and maintain. I still eat emotionally sometimes. It's still a process and always will be. But not having insane hunger helps a LOT. I get hungry maybe once per week, but it's always a "oh, I guess I need to eat something" type of hunger instead of "feed me now before I gnaw off my foot".

Here's the thing... it doesn't matter what surgery you get. I truly believe that. It matters that you choose one you can live with long term and commit yourself to 100%.

This is what I know.  My sister had the DS done 10 years ago.  She wouldn't change it for the world.  She eats what she wants and she is a grazer if you know what I mean.  She's 5'9 and bounces between 190 - 200lbs without ANY dieting or restricting what she eats and she is happy there.  She did have the gas issue for the first year but that cleared up.  This is what you have to watch with the DS....last year....my sister was 9 years out....she noticed that if she touched her skin it like didn't bounce back...at all.  Went to the doctor.....she was terribly low on blood/iron.  She had to get 3 units of blood and then start iron infusions....the doctors couldn't understand how she was still functioning.  They said she should have been laid up in bed.  She also has Osteopenia from not getting in her calcium.  You have to eat ALOT of protein and take your vitamins FOR LIFE or you will end up with serious medical conditions.  Its lucky that my sister didn't end up with heart damage from her episode last year.  You can never allow yourself to become complacent after the DS or you can suffer life long injury to yourself.  That being said, my sister loves her DS.  I had the VSG 6 weeks ago yesterday and as of this morning I'm down 52 pds since surgery and 60lbs. altogether.  I personally love my VSG....its taken away my insatiable appetite....I could care less about food.  This doesn't happen to everyone but I'm very happy with my VSG.  Good luck with whatever you choose.

The duodenal switch is an excellent option for SOME people. It's very effective, but it requires a very strict regimen of vitamins and protein. I have to agree with the previous posters who mention eating a lot of protein being a bit of a pain. Many of them eat WELL over 150 grams of protein per day EVERY day. They malabsorb something like 40-50% of the protein they eat so they have to consume probably double that of what a VSG'er would consume. I knew I would have a very hard time with that as I like protein but not enough to consume lots and lots of it all the time with no break. I also knew that the vitamin regimen was strenuous and could not be let down. I also knew that complications were higher and very expensive. My sister had RNY and has to get iron infusions. Insurance does not cover all of it and my sister is spending out the nose for those. No thank you. With the DS, the malabsorption is higher and that can get very risky. I knew my issue was eating large quantities at mealtimes. I am NOT a grazer. So I knew the VSG would work. Did I consider the DS? You betcha. It's got great stats. You can't deny that! You have to decide the pros vs. the cons and what YOU can live with for the long term. That includes emotionally, physically mentally, and financially. All of that has to be taken into consideration. I have done far better than I thought I would do with the VSG and maintenance has so far been easy for me. I eat a high protein low carb diet because I had diabetes type 2 before the sleeve. I no longer have it. It's either being managed very well by the diet I eat or by the weight loss or BOTH, I'm not sure, but whatever it is--it's working and I am not going to change it for anything. I feel a LOT better.

Good luck

Sunshine, The main reason my doctor only recommended the VSG is that I have medication I must take daily and so absorption is a big issue for me.   He also said based on my family history (my Dad is one of ten children and nine of them are obese) and age, he would not recommend the lap band, so VSG was it. 

My insurance won't pay for VSG but we are a retired  military family and so I'll be commuting 2 and a half hours to the nearest military hospital that does perform VSG.  But that's awhile down the road for me at this point in time.

Best of luck to you.

I chose the sleeve even though my surgeon was trying to force me into the DS because Im terrible at taking vitamins. I knew i couldnt commit to so many vitamins so that was the deciding factor. I m 6 months post op. Started at 357.8lbs so i had over 200lbs to lose. Now Im down 111lbs and im half way there! Im satisfied with my sleeve.