duodenal switch - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

kellyMASS · 04-18-2008, 09:37 AM

All of my wonderful friends here tell me research research ...Well I think I found the right surgery for me!If you want to know about it go to Duodenal Switch Information Zone

I would love to know what you guys think.I will be traveling to manhattan ny to get this done,but I know this is right for me.This surgery is a bit different than the bypass they actually take out the unused portion of the stomach but they leave a bigger stomach than the bypass and it works mostly by malnutrition

JumboJulie · 04-18-2008, 02:52 PM

I understand most bariatric surgeons do not perform this procedure anymore due to the risk of malnutrition. I know in my area (San Diego), we have plenty of superior bariatric surgeons, but they all perform the RNY or the Band. Does anyone even know if Dr. Callery will perform a DuoDenal Switch?

I thought this was an 'old school' surgery and is no longer widely practiced ... maybe I'm totally wrong??

kellyMASS · 04-18-2008, 03:05 PM

You are right my dear there are not too many surgeons that will do this type of surgery.I have talked to over 100 people that have had this surgery and all with great results.You DO have to be very cautious of taking your supplemens to make sure you dont become malnourished.For me I think this is a wonderful option because they actually cut out the part of the stomach that is no longer being used but the anatomy of the stomach stays intact just smaller.I also like the fact that I dont really need to worry about strictures or dumping though I may have to worry about diareah.Also many people that gain their weight back after an ryn have this procedure done later.I know myself and I dont want to have two surgeries.The ten year studys show that 95% of patients keep the weight off.Also the complication rate is similar to ryn which was what I was going to do anyways.It just feels so right for me.

JumboJulie · 04-18-2008, 03:24 PM

I am glad you have found something you feel is right for you. That is VERY important. When I was going through this process, I ruled out having the Band because I just wasn't satisfied with the projected results. I went with the RNY because statistically more patients lost more weight ... so I totally know where you're coming from.
I do want to say that I don't have a problem with dumping. I know many do, and it's common, but I am a lucky one. Fats make my tummy ache, but no dumping. AndI can eat all the sugar I want and still, no dumping. I'm just grateful I don't have a sweet tooth. (sugar repulses me actually)
Hmmm ... I'm getting side-tracked here ... sorry ...
I just don't think we should decide what type of surgery we have based solely on other patient's experiences with dumping or bowel movements. We're all so different and results really do vary so much ... you just can't predict what side-effects you will or won't have based on a chart of statistics.
Just keep your ears open to what your surgeon has to say. And talk to a surgeon who does NOT perform the Duodenal Switch and ask them WHY they won't do it. Being informed is soooo important for you right now.

I wish you all the best in your journey, and I look forward to hearing how you do. I'm sending you some of my own personal Groovy Juju ...

-Julie.

kellyMASS · 04-18-2008, 03:41 PM

Thanks sweetie.I really do appreciate your responses.I did talk to my RYN surgeon about the DS and they said that they do not do it.They just said that they would only reccomend it for the super MO which is me.They were a little mad that I wasted the last 6 months of their time and if not for my thyroid levels being off I would have already had the ryn.It just feels right.On a side note boy are you lucky sugar sure dosent repulse me LOL....

LizzieShell · 04-18-2008, 03:48 PM

I had heard that they will only do this surgery for people who are 500 or 600 pounds or more. Did the surgeon in NY say they would do the DS on you?

Well whichever way you go, good luck and God speed.

JumboJulie · 04-18-2008, 04:08 PM

Laughing about the sugar thing!

It's funny because I used to eat candy and ice cream and gee, ... you name it! But since my surgery 6 weeks ago I can't even LOOK at anything sweet. When I see someone eating sugary foods I get absolutely nauseous. I could have NEVER predicted this happening to me, nobody even warned me this was possible ...

Just be comfortable with the choice you make, and be super comfortable with the surgeon you hire.

-Keeping you in my thoughts ...