Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Help! Possibly doing DS rather than Sleeve



Recommended Posts

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!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 by toastedink

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×