Question:
After research, has anyone opted for RNY over DS?
I am scheduled for RNY in one week. Suddenly I have stumbled across lots of information on the Duodenal Switch suregery. I am sure that there are those of you who have had the DS who would love to share why, BUT I am really looking for anyone who decided to have the RNY rather than the DS and I would like to know WHY you went this route. I would have to fly far away to find a doc to do the DS and I am self-pay so I don't even know if I could afford it. I am suddenly feeling confused! I would appreciate it if someone who has been through the decision making process could write to me at [email protected] Thanks! Michelle — Michelle-H (posted on February 13, 2003)
February 12, 2003
The ONLY reason I did not have DS was because of location and out of pocket
charges ($3,000 over my insurance for my "care" and
"support")! Otherwise I would have jumped on it. I feel I
would have been just as happy with either- but probably more with DS! I
feel the arguments between the two are irrelevant. I had RNY and I am
still happy. I would have preferred DS, but didn't sacrifice to get it- I
feel both have their benefits. If someone tells you one is BETTER than the
other they are uninformed. Both have positives, both have negatives. And
this "gold standard" b###sh## argument is ridiculous! Both
surgeries do their job. Each has directions. Simply follow them :)
— Karen R.
February 12, 2003
I chose the RNY because I wanted the benefit of reduced stomach size and
malabsorption. It was, for me, the better choice. Much to my surprise, I
do not dump, nor do I have difficulty eating anything. Portion control is
a big thing. Whatever course of action you take, make good decisions and
stick to the advice of your surgeon. Personally, I believe that the RNY is
the better choice for weightloss success. Good luck with your surgery.
Best advice I can offer, is to keep a positive attitude with whatever
surgery you opt for.
— Rhonda V.
February 12, 2003
I did research too. I think DS will be the one that probably is less
"fail" proof but the part that says Malabsorptive on the DS
really worries me down the road. My mom died recently and suffered with
Alzheimers. I don't mind going when its my time but I fear with Alzheimers
the DS would sure send me down faster if I didn't take my vitamins and
such. At that time in my life I couldn't promise nor want my children to
be burdened with this extra aftercare. Anyway, RnY just seemed alittle
less severe. Also some DS friends I know, have said that their "bad
breath and bowel movements & gas passing could peel paint off
walls" don't know that for a fact but its something to think about. I
think we are so lucky if we have the chance to try any of these tools out
for a better life and none are perfect for everyone. Best luck on your
choice.
A link on my profile compares the different surgeries and favors DS :o)
— WLS_Deb
February 12, 2003
Hello, I still think the RNY is tthe better choice I am fifteen months post
op and have two family members who are also post op it is all good now the
weight is coming off I believe safer than the DS... ,I have had a 130 lb
weight lossmy sis has had a 160 lb wl and another family membr has had a
great wl also ...good luck in your desicion
— Meg B.
February 13, 2003
As a lightweight you are probably better off with the RNY. With a proximal
RNY, the loss is mostly due to restriction (eating less) not malabsorption
(not being able to use what you eat). The DS has a malabsorptive element to
it that puts you at increased risk for deficiencies down the road. If you
were heavier that may be a good tradeoff but you should be able to lose the
weight just fine with the RNY. BTW, I was a lightweight too: BMI 43/230
lbs/22W/2-3X to BMI 23/130 lbs/6P/Small. I had lap RNY and reached my
current weight in 10 1/2 months.
— ctyst
February 13, 2003
After I decided not to have the LapBand, I considered DS for a little
while. The main reason I switched to RNY was a hope for a future pregnancy
after WLS. The DS had too many risks of malabsorption for a fetus (in my
mind - no one told me this). So I am actually having OPEN RNY MEDIAL -
which is in-between distal and proximal. MOre sustained and quicker weight
loss than proximal, but fewer nutrition issues than a distal. Good Luck!
Be sure of your decision before you have surgery! Juliet in WA.
— toolio
February 13, 2003
I chose the RNY over DS because I knew that I needed a food cop to get me
to change my ways. If I could still eat as I did before WLS I would be
eating the BigMac just in smaller portions throughout the day. And it
levels out, I don't throw up now (18monts postop) like I did before. Also,
I liked the idea that if I needed the surgery to be reversed it could be.
Not likely but I still have all my parts, they just aren't conected
anymore. I thought that was important since there is no longterm studies
on WLS. But I think whichever you choose they are both great surgeries.
— Elizabeth A.
February 13, 2003
I am having a distal RNY on the 18th, next Tuesday. I looked into all of
the procedures for WLS. The extreme malabsorption of the DS along with the
frequent complication if diarrhea and no food volume restrictions seemed to
be too much surgery for too many complications. I, like many others, need
the restrictions of the RNY. I got fat eating too much, and I don't think
that eating much like I have in the past, to let it go through my sssystem
w/o being absorbed, is worth it. However, that being said, there are
morbidly obese people, who feel they need to be able to eat larger
quantities of food to be content, then the DS may be the right option for
them to lose the weight, be somewhat healthier and be content.
— Fixnmyself
February 13, 2003
Just an FYI...there is volume restriction in the DS...a vertical
gastrectomy is part of the surgery (basically, the stomach is made into a
3-4 oz tube which includes the pyloric valve. As with the RNY, the stomach
gradually stretches over time.
Also, the DS CAN be reversed because all your parts are still there...just
rerouted and reconfigured.
There are risks and benefits for each type of WLS...make your
decision...and don't look back!
— Pamela B.
February 13, 2003
Pamela-it is my understanding that the part of the stomach that is
transected in the duodenal switch is actually removed from the body.
Therefore, even if the plumbing is reversed, you are only left with half a
stomach. The RNY does leave the rest of the stomach in the body should it
ever be needed...JR
— John Rushton
February 14, 2003
BC/BC Federal won't pay for the DS - as they consider it
"experimental". Also, if you have problems with goodies, maybe
the RNY would be better for you. It -makes- you choose better food
choices. The DS can cause extremely foul smelling gas and stools and major
deficiencies due to the malabsorption. I was a lightweight and am doing
fine with the RNY. In fact, although I didn't think I would actually
"like" the food restriction, now it seems like food isn't so
important to me, and I'm eating to live, not living to eat. Hope this
helps~
— jengrz
February 14, 2003
Hi, I had the DS done in Nov.on the 25th by Dr Hess in Ohio. I had spent
months researching the different procedures for WLS, and found for me the
DS had the most to offer for me.I was a "lightweight", and an now
down 55lbs. My bloodwork is great, I feel really good, have 1 BM a
day...and no not stink or have uncontrolable bowel movements. I take 2
flinstone vits. a day, with iron, Calcium,B12,and extra A&D. Good luck
on your journey! :)
— Kathy H.
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