400 lbs...will surgery even help me?

OMG, where do you ppl come from?  Your surgeon does not do the DS - that would take a very skilled surgeon. 

You've had a restrictive only surgery against all odds  - yeah some really high BMI's do well BUT many do not get to goal weight and if they do, a couple of years down the line and they are gaining.

FYI a 700lb dying person would not be a good candidate for a DS.

FYI 404lbs is severe, a huge problem that is dealt with best with the biggest and best surgery.  

No **** smells like roses!

Good luck with that

Your surgeon is either an idiot or a liar, or possibly both. Of COURSE he never recommends the DS because he can't DO a DS.

Shame on that surgeon. I'm sure you're not the only one he's done such a disservice to. How sad.

Disregard Marycatherine's ignorant remarks about the DS. It is NOT normal to have excessive gas or diarrhea after the DS.

Yeah, I might not have a DS, but I am not going to sit around and let ignorance fly by without letting my fingers do the walking across the keyboard lol.

I'm guessing her (yankeeblue) surgeon doesn't do DS and that's why he said what he did about DS!

Dear coffeetx: Yes surgery will work for you!!! I think you have probably read by now all of the successes on this board of people who weigh over 400# or are even close to that weight.  Any of the surgeries are life saving for most of us at that weight or above but I agree with others who say the RNY or DS are 2 surgeries that come highly recommended for those who are SMO.  I weighed 435# to start, 390 at surgery (RNY) I had to have mine open but by now I am sure most surgeons probably do the lap RNY even for 400 #der's. I did not have the DS available to me at the time of my surgery or I might well have considered that, however, I am very happy with my RNY.
You sound as if you have a lot of questions about surgery types.  I suggest you contact your local bariatric center and have your questions ready.  A quailfied surgeon or representative may be able to ease your mind about which type you feel you want to persue.  Research is key also.  I also might stress that any surgery is only a tool - you must do some work on your own, too to make it work. The effects of any surgery will last as long as you work with the surgery.  i.e. a lifetime.  If you don't then you  usually have weight re-gain.  This tool will last as long as you are willing to commit to it.  Yes, it can be hard work but considering the alternatives it is worth it IMO.  I still have a way to go but I have lost just under 200# and it's been 2 years post RNY for me.  I hope you research the alternative types and make a sound decision based on your needs but take it slowly.  You sound as if you need more time to consider surgery (which I hope you have.). Good luck to you.

Well, I also say to disregard Marycatherines remarks. Too much personal opinion, but not facts.

The bathroom issues are about the same with the DS and RNY, and that's according to a medical study, which you can read for yourself if you want at DSfacts.com.

With your high BMI, and your need for it to work, and avoid expensive and dangerous second, and third surgeries, you should especially look at the surgery with the highest success rate at losing the weight, keeping it off long term, resolving co-morbidities (expecially type 2 diabetes). There are tons of people who had the band, and RNY who are looking to revise. You will have trouble finding anyone with the DS that wants to revise.

I had spent so many years trying to lose weight, and if I ever had modest success, the weight came right back. My soul just could not endure a surgery that didn't get an adequate amount of weight, off, or didn't keep it off in the future. I didn't want a second (or third) surgery in my quest to lose weight. I needed the best surgery, the first time around. Research them all before you get cut, so you have no regrets afterward.

You need the duodenal switch. I'd like to invite you read my profile.I started at 400 lbs and dying.

People much much MUCH bigger than you have done well with WLS.

Please see my blog (address in sig) as it's designed for newbies. I think it might ease some of your fears.