Laya
In 2008 I went in for my consultation, my BMI was 57. My surgeon at UCSF in San Francisco said it was too risky to do the RNY because my liver was huge and would be in the way, he didn't want to take the chance of having to switch to an open procedure. We agreed the Sleeve would be the way to go and we could do a part 2 after I lost more weight and if necessary. I did very well and lost about 90 lbs.(not to my goal). I started to regain weight about 2 years after my surgery, slower and not as much had I not had the Sleeve. My surgeon had left UCSF so I saw another one that had been there for quite some time. He told me there was no way my previous surgeon would have told me there would be a part 2. I told him that was the plan. Funny because it's in my records, my primary care doctor is aware of this too. That totally turned me off to UCSF and left me feeling totally frustrated and like this was a hopeless situation. I went in for a routine endoscopy and my gastroenterologist encouraged me to pursue consulting a surgeon elsewhere.in 2013 I finally did. I had a great consultation with Dr. Gregg Jossart in San Francisco. He agreed to do the surgery and was unsure at that time whether to do RNY or DS. Either one he said he would expect me to lose only 30 to 40 lbs because my sleeve had been done 5 years ago. While that was a bit discouraging, I did my research on the 2 surgeries and we met again. I went with the DS. I honestly think it saved my life. I have never felt so good and have never felt so "normal." I began my journey at 311 lbs and am now 138 lbs for about the last year. My weight may go up and down by about 4 lbs but I keep an eye on it. Dr. Jossart and I are thrilled because my weight loss exceeded both our expectations. I think the most important thing to understand for those considering weight loss surgery is to know that the surgery is a tool, an aid to help you lose weight. It is not a miracle way to keep weight off if you think it will do all the work for you. Research which tool may work the best for you and your lifestyle. Best of luck to you all.
