I have a high BMI of 57 and almost 200 lbs to lose to be in "normal range" (but I would be thrilled to lose, say, 130). I asked on another message board about DS vs VSG. Many DSers flat out told me that I would NOT succeed with "just" a VSG based on my BMI. They made some compelling arguments and provided some studies which were also compelling, but I don't know if they can overcome my fears and worries about the DS. The Vitamin regimen is intimidating, and I don't want to be fighting to keep up Protein and vitamin levels against malabsorption for the rest of my life. But, on the other hand, I don't want to fail. This weight MUST come off me soon - I feel like a medical ticking time bomb.

For those of you with a lot to lose like me - what made you decide to go with the sleeve instead of the DS? (or RNY)

I had a BMI OF 50% and iam exactly 1 month out and dropped 48 lbs as of today. I went to seminar and it looked to me that the bypass wasn't what I want the sleeve was more straight forward but you can fail at any of the weight loss surgeries if you don't follow the programs. To me the sleeve was a god sent . The best advise I can give is to research your doctor. I personally went to a doctor that the hospital built a gastric surgery program around him. I looked the to WLS CENTERS in my area and was not impressed. I from New Jersey and went to Penn Medicine in PA. They have a geat system and I couldn't be happier with my choice of doctor,Nut and entire staff.