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

Help I went in for my initial consultation and wanted the Gastric Sleeve the doctor suggested the Duodenal switch surgery



Recommended Posts

Help I went in for my initial consultation and wanted the Gastric Sleeve the doctor suggested the Duodenal switch surgery. I'm 6ft2 450lbs and it took me a lot to take this first step and I was confused and disappointed. My bmi was like 60 and I was wondering what your thoughts are. I read the pros and cons and I know the DS has more risk but he seemed to push it. I have mild diabetes and sleep apnea and major knee problems and blood pressure otherwise healthy. Age is 58.

I'm a newbie just joined tonight and read lots of encouraging stories.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited by BigJohn58

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Perhaps have a 2nd opinion. Just to see what another surgeon thinks. Do you have GERD? I have heard people with severe GERD don't usually get the sleeve but bypass instead (I think?)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Help I went in for my initial consultation and wanted the Gastric Sleeve the doctor suggested the Duodenal switch surgery. I'm 6ft2 450lbs and it took me a lot to take this first step and I was confused and disappointed. My bmi was like 60 and I was wondering what your thoughts are. I read the pros and cons and I know the DS has more risk but he seemed to push it. I have mild diabetes and sleep apnea and major knee problems and blood pressure otherwise healthy. Age is 58.

I'm a newbie just joined tonight and read lots of encouraging stories.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I honestly do not know the answer to this but I agree you should have a second opinion and research this yourself. My husband and I went to WL seminars over fifteen years and were never willing to risk it until we heard about the sleeve at a wonderful similar. Less invasive was the main reason. We had an easy time in the hospital, 8 hours, barely any pain, no nausea, nothing. It was if did we really have surgery? My husband has had a wonderful easy experience losing over 100 lbs. (320 to217). Health is tremendously better. Sleeved at age 67, you need a medical expert to guide to convince you. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon recommended that if you wanted to lose more than 100 pounds, gastic bypass was the way to go. I was only interested in a restriction only type of surgery, nothing mal-absorptive, so I stuck with the sleeve.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it would add value to get a 2nd opinion for sure. That being said, did he say why he felt that was the better surgery for you? Usually there is a reason.

I had a similar experience. For whatever reason I thought the sleeve was the way i wanted to go and had done a ton of research. When I went in for my meeting with the surgeon they immediately recommended Bypass but that was because I had severe Gerd. initially I was devastated because I had only researched the sleeve thinking of course that I knew best.

When i left that appointment i made an appointment with my gastroenterologist who confirmed that the way to go for me was absolutely bypass. then i began researching the heck out of it and became very very comfortable with that plan.

It has been two years now and I lost all of my weight and currently am a normal BMI. I lost 152lbs and I fluctuate between 157 & 162 which is below my goal weight. I have been in maintenance since March 2016 and I got rid of all my comorbitities including that severe gerd thank goodness.

I personally would get a second opinion but for me, I would absolutely take the advice of my doctors. Mine was expert in his field and I trusted him after performing research.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks so much for the great comments I really think I'm going to call the surgeon and tell him I want the sleeve and from what I read I can do the second half at another date after I lose more weight

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Big John I'm Rosey I have GERd and a weaker cardiac sphincter so I will be a RnY when my surgery comes. I also have a moderate hiatus hernia to complicate the already murky waters. Where are you located? I would get a second opinion maybe at x teaching hospital at nearby university. I'm 70 myself so don't consider you're too old to do this. Its your time if you feel ready, we'll have a new chance at life. BMI is 45 and I'm almost as tall as you. Yep a big girl, mama only had me so I got it all including food is Love philosophy, now I have to lose those gravy lumps on the rump.

Sent from my S55 using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it would add value to get a 2nd opinion for sure. That being said, did he say why he felt that was the better surgery for you? Usually there is a reason.

I had a similar experience. For whatever reason I thought the sleeve was the way i wanted to go and had done a ton of research. When I went in for my meeting with the surgeon they immediately recommended Bypass but that was because I had severe Gerd. initially I was devastated because I had only researched the sleeve thinking of course that I knew best.

When i left that appointment i made an appointment with my gastroenterologist who confirmed that the way to go for me was absolutely bypass. then i began researching the heck out of it and became very very comfortable with that plan.

It has been two years now and I lost all of my weight and currently am a normal BMI. I lost 152lbs and I fluctuate between 157 & 162 which is below my goal weight. I have been in maintenance since March 2016 and I got rid of all my comorbitities including that severe gerd thank goodness.

I personally would get a second opinion but for me, I would absolutely take the advice of my doctors. Mine was expert in his field and I trusted him after performing research.

I have no Gerd he just thought I would lose more weight with the DS I'm at 60bmi.. Tonight I read on the 400 plus forum plenty people lost 200 and 300lbs with the sleeve. I read with the bypass there is more maintenance and post op doctor visits than the sleeve.

I'm petrified of having my stomach rerouted. Thank goddess for this forum and all you great people.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Big John I'm Rosey I have GERd and a weaker cardiac sphincter so I will be a RnY when my surgery comes. I also have a moderate hiatus hernia to complicate the already murky waters. Where are you located? I would get a second opinion maybe at x teaching hospital at nearby university. I'm 70 myself so don't consider you're too old to do this. Its your time if you feel ready, we'll have a new chance at life. BMI is 45 and I'm almost as tall as you. Yep a big girl, mama only had me so I got it all including food is Love philosophy, now I have to lose those gravy lumps on the rump.

Sent from my S55 using the BariatricPal App

Love you Rosey you made me laugh tonight with the gravy lumps on the rump. Yes I'm from a long line of great Italian cooks and big eaters lol I'm in New Joisey ;)

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@BigJohn58

Make sure you really research. I am not sure about your statement regarding more follow up. The sleeve requires an annual nutritional panel same as bypass every year for the rest of your life. In addition both require Vitamins for life...

I go once per year for a nutritional panel. I take a multi Vitamin, Calcium citrate, Vitamin D daily and then B12 once per week. Other than that nutritional panel which is done during a normal physical, I don't need to go to the doctor because I had bypass.

I know you are just getting started, all I am suggesting is that you research before setting your mind on this. The sleeve is a fantastic surgery and people get great results. Bypass is the gold standard. I am not certain about DS as I have not researched that fully.

I don't know many people that really want to go through this type of surgery twice. It's not fun so I would go in with the mindset that this will be the only tummy surgery.

But....thats just me....

Best of luck to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How much weight are you wanting to lose? I was 51 BMI and want to lose 200lbs so went with RNY

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@BigJohn58

Make sure you really research. I am not sure about your statement regarding more follow up. The sleeve requires an annual nutritional panel same as bypass every year for the rest of your life. In addition both require Vitamins for life...

I go once per year for a nutritional panel. I take a multi Vitamin, calcium citrate, Vitamin D daily and then B12 once per week. Other than that nutritional panel which is done during a normal physical, I don't need to go to the doctor because I had bypass.

I know you are just getting started, all I am suggesting is that you research before setting your mind on this. The sleeve is a fantastic surgery and people get great results. Bypass is the gold standard. I am not certain about DS as I have not researched that fully.

I don't know many people that really want to go through this type of surgery twice. It's not fun so I would go in with the mindset that this will be the only tummy surgery.

But....thats just me....

Best of luck to you.

Great comments again he suggested the duodenal switch not the bypass I do agree I probably wouldn't want to go back for another surgery. Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How much weight are you wanting to lose? I was 51 BMI and want to lose 200lbs so went with RNY

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using the BariatricPal App

Well it looks like if I lose 200 lbs it should do the trick for me so again the option he gave me was duodenal switch not RNY I had done research on the gastric sleeve so we shall see. Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • 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

    ×