DS support

Hi! Has anyone from Utah had the duodinal switch surgery?  I am planning on having it later this summer and would love to talk to some local folks who have had this operation. Thanks Paula

Hi again.  I am interested in hearing/talking to people who have had DS here too.  Right now as it stands, you will be having surgery before I do so I am following your story CLOSELY!  LOL. But I just wanted to offer my support  here and say that I was thinking of you. Tammy

Hi Tammy! I'm glad to know that you are still out there and planning to get your surgery redone.  I am kind of going through the freak, cause I think it is pretty close now.  Of course you never know what hurdles are going to be presented.  I am just excited at the chance to have a life.  Are you still trying to find a surgeon?  Tell me what is going on with you. Nice to have someone in the same state to visit with! Paula

Hey Paula. So far I am just waiting to start with Starbucks.  I've "got" the job or so they say....just waiting to see when I actually train.  I have to wait 90 days and then I qualify for benefits and then I will go thru the process.  I went to RMAP's orientation class and I was so not impressed.  But I will save final judgment after I actually meet with dr face to face.  But I'm worried.  Band or no band....open or lap....etc.  I picked August 1 for your surgery date.  Hopefully I'm completely wrong and you are completely recovered from being switched by then.  LOL. If you ever want to talk, PM me and I will send you my number.  I live in Clinton which is south of Ogden but north of Salt Lake City.  Heck even north of Bountiful. Tammy

Hi Paula, Sorry it's taken so long to respond to your post!! It's been awhile since I've gotten on this site. But to answer your question, I have had the DS almost 3 years ago (August 31, 2004). Unfortunately I had to go to Phoenix to have it done. I have UHC for my insurance and at least at the time there was only ONE surgeon in UT who performed the DS and my insurance did not cover him. And I was convinced the DS was what I wanted so I found a surgeon in Phoenix who did the DS who WAS covered on my insurance. His name is Dr Zahn,  and though he was a great surgeon, I think he retired in the past year or so.. I am very thankful to have had the DS. I haven't had any problems at all, and it's the greatest thing not to be obese anymore.. BTW, we're practically neighbors!! (I live in West Jordan) -Mike F.