Hello allI am a young 31 year old woman looking to change my life and lose weight. I've been the "chubby" one for as long as I can remember, I would at least say since I was 10yrs old. Granted I was active in the sense of always outside playing with friends, etc. But compared to all my other friends I was the chubbier of them all. My lowest weight as a young adult that I can remember was 209lbs. I am now at my heaviest weight of 320lbs and I'm miserable, I feel uncomfortable in my own skin and I've finally had enough. Yes, the weight didn't magically appear. Especially over the past 3yrs, I've been less active, ate out more, and put my health on the back burner. I've went on crazy fad diets as well as changed my eating habits and worked out on a regular basis. Those have worked but eventually stalled out due to a number of different factors. Needless to say I've never had any true success and since I've gained so much weight working out has been harder as my joints hurt and among other things. I've recently considered weight loss surgery as the tool to help me. At first I wanted the lap band because it's reversible and less invasive. I do not (at the time) want half of my stomach cut off. However, after going to a group and individual consultation I no longer want the band (due to the long term complications and low percentage of weight loss success). I am now leaning more towards the sleeve and now the duodenal switch. I've read plenty of stories and have done my research, but am still very confused and not sure of what to do. I know I need to do something and trying to do it on my own has not been a success.
What I'm scared about regarding the sleeve is getting half my stomach removed, non reversible (although that's the goal to help in being successful), and complications. For the DD switch, the fact that intestines are somewhat rerouted, vitamin deficiencies, gall bladder being removed, frequent diarrhea, but it is reversible (reattaching stomach). I just don't know what to do but know I want to do something. I'd really appreciate any advice and apologize for the lengthy story