maybe thinking too much!!! questions for Dr. Smith peeps

ok, ive recently come across so stuff on the forum and speaking with people that Dr. Smith sometimes does DS in 2 surgeries or lapband revision to DS in 2 surgeries. Im a lapband revision to DS and wanted to get some input on anyone else that has gone thru this process.

Did you get your lapband to DS in one surgery with Dr. Smith? if not, what was the reason given that he had to do it in 2?

I really appreciate any input. I think Dr. Smith is an incredible surgeon and im comfortable with his program but this is a big worry for me:)

I'm not sure what two parts he is doing.  Taking out the band as step  one and doing the DS as step two?  Or doing the sleeve as one and the switch as two?

I was a virgin so I didn't have this issue but I would want a sleeve/switch done at the same time.  Taking out the band?  If that needs to be done separate no biggie.

Have you had your consult with him?  He'll tell you what he is going to do.  I don't think of him as a negotiator in the least.

~Becky

I do my pre op phone conference on the 26th but that will be after i pay the program fee. I dont what to have to chance surgeons i really like him and the program but if he wants 2 surgeries (one to remove the band then one to do the switch) i will have to as this is a non negotiable for me. The only thing that i would understand is if the band caused external damage to the stomach that we were not aware of.

I do know of a few people who have had 1 surgery with lapband revision to DS with him so i just wanted to know if what other people were saying about the 2 step was typical for him or only when completely necessary.

Thanks becky, you are the greatest!!!

If he thinks it is safer to remove the band and then do the ENTIRE DS then I would trust him completely and I would do it that way.  You do need to see if you can discuss his reasoning for this before you pay your fees obviously

That is a different story than doing the sleeve and THEN doing the intestinal switch.



~Becky

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

i was planning to call his office on Mon (dee is out til then and i prefer to speak with her:) and see how many 2 steps he has had to do in the last year and what the reason were. Mine has not slipped or eroded either so hopefully this is all worry for nothing!!!

Thanks shelli!!

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

I would ask Sue....

 I would also speak to Sue on this one.  Dee is awesome, but Sue has more technical knowledge in my opinion.

Thanks for everyone replies:) i really appreciate the input! jen