DS Help?

First let me say that before joining OH yesterday, I had NO idea that RNY and Band were NOT the only two options available for WLS  :(  When discussing my options with my PCP these are the only two options mentioned. When going to informational seminars on WLS, these are the only two options mentioned and explained.

SO, imagine me finding out there is a whole world of different WLS's available! That said, I had originally been on track to have RNY sometime this summer. I'm well versed on it and the WHOLE process before during and after. However, after finding this site and reading a bit on DS...I'm wondering if maybe I shouldn't have it done instead? I checked and my surgeon DOES perform both (have not yet been to the surgeon).

So I've now got many questions that I hope to have answered to have a better understanding before my appointment next month with the surgeon that way I can make an educated choice in my health.

First, what are the main DIFFERENCES (surgical, dietary, side effects)?

Why did you choose DS over RNY?

Is there a larger surgical risk from DS as it's not been performed as much/long as RNY?

Finally, thanks for your understanding...in advance. I feel like such an idiot for not properly researching different options...but also like they should've been offered to me to begin with so that I knew they existed so that I COULD research them  :(  Anything else I'm forgetting please let me know...

I HAVE done a fair amount of reading upon discovering DS...but there are so many things a plain text document just cannot tell you from personal experience  :)  Furthermore, I like info seminars and they don't seem to exist for this surgery in my area  :(

 First off, welcome.  

I would highly suggest you checking out http://www.dsfacts.com/ .

Also check out this post from a day or so ago, about half way down it  http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/ds/4361747/Pros-amp-cons-D S-vs-RNY/ .

Make sure your doctor actually does the DS, many say they do, but actually do not do it.  There is also a list of vetted DS doctors on DSfacts.com

Jeff

Welcome,
Most of us started out on the same path as you, only knowing about the RNY or LapBand until we became enlightened. 

Have you been to the dsfacts website?  There is a ton of good information there, that will answer most, if not all, of your questions.  www.dsfacts.com

I chose the DS over the RNY for many reasons:

-The DS has statistically the most effective results for excess weight loss, and less weight regain.  I know many people who had the RNY and had regain about a year after surgery.  I wanted the best statistical chance of maintaining my weight loss.

-The DS allows the most "normal" eating habits after surgery.  Notice that I said eating habits and not "diet".  With the DS, we eat more normally.  I know many RNY'ers that cant tolerate dense foods like steak and chicken.  Others get "dumping" syndrome from carbs.

-I did NOT want to dump,  I disagree 100% with people who think this is an advantage of the RNY.  To me, it sounds like some kind of barbaric torture for behavior modification.  Us DS'ers have to limit our simple carbs, but that's because we absorb 100% of calories from them, not because they make us sick.  I wanted to be able to enjoy an occassional slice of birthday cake or an ice cream cone in the summer. 

-The DS does not require you to avoid NSAIDS.  I have osteoarthritis and didn't want to rule out my pain relief options.

-The DS maintains your pyloric valve (see the post on my profile about why this is important).  You keep a normally functioning (although smaller) stomach.

-The DS works with a combination of restriction, malabsorption, and metabolic boost.  I wanted to most effective surgery.

-The DS has the highest CURE rate for diabetes.  I wasnt diabetic, but it runs in my family and was just a matter of time for me.


There is not a larger surgical risk for the DS  - WHEN DONE IN THE HANDS OF A QUALIFIED DS SURGEON!!

There are only a handful (relatively speaking) of surgeons worldwide who perform the DS.  You want to make sure you chose one that has the right training and experience. 

That leads me to a question on your surgeon (at least the one listed in your profile).  I'm not familiar with them as a DS surgeon.  You need to be aware that there are many surgeons that advertise they do the DS, but will try to talk you out of it because they dont REALLY do the DS (we call that "bait and dont switch".  The www.dsfacts.com website has a list of vetted DS surgeons and you should chose from there.  I dont know what part of PA you're in, but off the top of my head I know that Dr Peters in Scranton is well respected, as is the group outside of Philly.  Many people here travel across states, or even out of the country for their DS.

I have NEVER heard of your surgeon doing a DS.  You may be getting the "bait-and-don't-switch" treatment - where the surgeons SAY they do the DS, just to get you into their office so they can talk you out of doing a surgery they aren't qualified to perform.

There are actual DS surgeons in PA.  Go to DSFacts.com.

Welcome!!  I was in the same boat - I didn't find out about this website until I was a month away from being banded.  No clue what a DS was until I saw a surgery war on the main board.  Boy did I screw up and now, two revisions later, I feel like the Joan Rivers of Weight Loss Surgery.

The DS has the best results.  You lose the most and keep the most off.  That's what hooked me.  I want results and I want them for good.  I'm tired of chasing my tail, you know?

Read DS facts and definitely look into Dr. Bonnani.  Fantastic surgeon in PA. 

Your surgeon doesn't do the DS. Please call Dr. William Peters in Scranton, 570-969-2527, or contact Dr. David Greenbaum in Willingboro, NJ, www.duodenalswitchdoc.com or www.drthin.com .

I don't think Dr. Peters is taking patients right now. I may be misspeaking but he referred my follow up care over to a metabolic specialist in Scranton because he wasn't seeing patients.

Oh piffle, is he still not back in the ballgame? That blows. I'll have to give him a buzz and see how he's doing.

 I guess I am really out of the loop. I haven't talked to them in a few months and this is news to me!

 Pull up a comfortable chair, grab a beverage of choice and start reading.    You've received good advice in going on DSfacts.com.     I was in the same boat as you - I only knew of the band and RNY.    I stumbled upon some DS'ers on this board, and was so fortunate that my surgeon offered it as a surgical option.   I have never, ever, EVER regretted that choice.    Almost five years later, I've lost wonderfully, maintaining easily (really it's almost criminal at how well I've maintained) and can't believe the quality of iife I now have.   You have more responsibility with the DS - more compliance with vitamins and protein and some of us (not all) have to be careful with sugar and simple carbs or we'll emit toxic levels of gas, but other than that, this is like a gift from the heavens.    Good luck!