Help! Possibly doing DS rather than Sleeve

[Adam Kramer 11]

When I first started looking into Bariatric surgery I was sure I would get the sleeve. After meeting with the surgeon that was also his recommendation. I am a male, 5'9 and 320lb

However after speaking to him further I explained I used to be 394 and had gotten down to 200 between 2008 and 2011 using weight watchers. Since then I have put 100 lb back on. After learning this he then suggested i do the switch to give me a better chance of hitting my metabolic set point and lowest weight regain. But if course it's up to me.

So now I have no idea what to do. I was already nervous about doing the sleeve but thought it was "doable". With the DS I'm scared about the longer and more invasive surgery, increases risks with actually moving around of how things work inside me, longer recovery time, and all the meds I will need to take daily for the rest of my life.

I definitely want to do what will be best for me long term, but I don't want my surgery to rule my life the way food does now (does that make sense?)

Can anyone offer any suggestions or advice for my situation? Thank you!!

[toastedink 115]

I was 297 and I decided to have a DS over the sleeve. I'm super happy with my decision. It was an adjustment in the beginning, but now everything is a snap. Just make sure your doctor educates you about Vitamins and nutrition. I go for blood work every 3 months to make sure I'm good to go still.

But I'm (as of today) 112 lbs down (I haven't changed my banner yet). My surgery was Dec 17. And my recovery time was quick. I was in the hospital for 2 days. Back at work after 2 weeks.

Edited November 10, 2015 by toastedink

[toastedink 115]

Another thing you should know: have a decent support system around you (friends, family, etc) who will cheer you on. I've realized this has helped in my success the most.

I also have been seeing a therapist to really address how I gained weight in the first place so I don't go back there again.

[Adam Kramer 11]

Another thing you should know: have a decent support system around you (friends, family, etc) who will cheer you on. I've realized this has helped in my success the most.

I also have been seeing a therapist to really address how I gained weight in the first place so I don't go back there again.

I have told my immediate family so far and they have all been very supportive of my decision. I definitely will want to see a therapist as I would be horribly afraid of sabotaging the surgery and regaining weight.

At this point though, I was so mentally prepared for the Sleeve, I'm scared about doing the more invasive/riskier DS surgery + lifetime vitamins/meds and potential malnutrition for the rest of my life.

[IncredibleShrinkingMan 437]

To provide some history with which you are probably familiar, the sleeve was initially the first step in the duodenal switch for patients who were too heavy for the risks of DS. The sleeve evolved to its present popularity on its own because surgeons and patients realized that the weight loss targeted by the two-phase procedure was accomplished after the sleeve alone. Perhaps you want to explore this route. You can see what the sleeve does for you, and if you are satisfied, you accomplished what you need to without a more invasive and risky surgery, and if you are not, the DS will always be there as an option, just like an RNY would be.

[Threetimesacharm 1,400]

I revised from the sleeve to the gastric bypass; having said that I suggest you go with the DS. It is not hard to take Vitamins everyday actually I enjoy it. I had looked into the DS instead of GB but do to the cost went with the GB and am very happy I did. My stomach is now 1/3 size of my sleeve stomach. Having that much weight to lose you will probably be more successful with the DS than the sleeve; in my opinion.

[Sajijoma 1,324]

My surgeon won't do the DS because the risks are too high. If you are willing to sleeve, why not just go bypass? It'll be more effective than a sleeve alone yet less risky than the DS. That's what I got. I have a lot of weight to lose so I wanted to get the thing that would help me the most and keep me the safest doing so. For me that was bypass.

[Adam Kramer 11]

My surgeon won't do the DS because the risks are too high. If you are willing to sleeve, why not just go bypass? It'll be more effective than a sleeve alone yet less risky than the DS. That's what I got. I have a lot of weight to lose so I wanted to get the thing that would help me the most and keep me the safest doing so. For me that was bypass.

I've def discussed thiswith others and the surgeon. I do not want the possible side effects that go with bypass (such as dumping) as well as the increased risk of regaining weight.

[Adam Kramer 11]

To provide some history with which you are probably familiar, the sleeve was initially the first step in the duodenal switch for patients who were too heavy for the risks of DS. The sleeve evolved to its present popularity on its own because surgeons and patients realized that the weight loss targeted by the two-phase procedure was accomplished after the sleeve alone. Perhaps you want to explore this route. You can see what the sleeve does for you, and if you are satisfied, you accomplished what you need to without a more invasive and risky surgery, and if you are not, the DS will always be there as an option, just like an RNY would be.

Def good advice! Actually my surgeon left this open as a possibility but also stressed that success of DS after sleeve is not as successful as doing them together. And it may be several years before I realize I need the DS and then it could be too late (usually it's done within 18 months). So I'm really trying come to grips with one of the other.

[toastedink 115]

Does your surgeons office have support groups? Mine does. They help. And I had a good friend who had the DS done before me so I could pick her brain as needed. I, much like you, lost a lot of weight on my own then gained it back. I chose the DS because of its effectiveness. Again, it's not for everyone, but personally I'm happy I went that route. I'm not having any adverse effects. And my Vitamin levels have been good. As for the taking Vitamins for the rest of your life, that was going to happen anyway. So it didn't seem like such a big deal to me.

[Adam Kramer 11]

I am going to a support group next Tues so hopefully that helps!

I didn't think the Vitamins required for Sleeve were a lot or long term? What is the Vitamin requirement for Gastric Sleeve?

[toastedink 115]

I don't think there is one. But like I said, as we get older, we start taking Vitamins anyway. So it didn't seem like such a big deal to me.

[newmebithebypass 713]

The Vitamins required for sleeve are multi every day Calcium every day b-12 once a week or more depending on your levels Biotin to prevent Hair loss in the first year and Iron

[LoreLu 79]

I had a sleeve done in August and take a chewable Multivitamin and a chewable calcium citrate every day.

[CrimsonCarousel 31]

I had a sleeve done in August and take a chewable multivitamin and a chewable calcium citrate every day.

Yep, same for me. I take two chewables Multivitamins a day, though, and the Calcium. I had a DS. I'm always a bit confused when I read about the tons of Vitamins people are taking - I really don't take tons of Vitamins at all.

I was originally going to have the sleeve as well. I opted for the DS in the last month of my 6 month supervised diet, because I was concerned about keeping weight off. I had surgery on October first, and I honestly feel great. Good luck to you, no matter what you choose to do, and congratulations on your decision to take charge of your health.