It was suggested I post my problem here in the medical forum, but I didn't see a place for just random medical questions, so I went with this Arthritis Forum, because one it is the first one listed and two... though I don't feel this is arthritis, it is pain and arthritis is painful. *following is the original post found in the general forum* Hey all. . . I'm in pain, not constant and not serious (I don't think). I think it's normal pain, but pain I wasn't prepared for,  nor did I ever expect. See. . . when you get this surgery, every tells you about the pain of losing the ability to eat this food and that and they cover the pain of dumping, etc. . . What no one every mentioned was the pain of the excess skin. Not the mental pain, but the physical pain. I am hurting. My skin isn't hanging profusely (yet). It's loose yes, but it isn't to the point that it is physically unappealing to me or those around me. I know I'll have work done so I'll have that pain too. But right now the pain I am feeling I believe is from the skin starting it's "hanging" issues. When I remain still for a long period of time, example sleeping all night, or sitting in one spot for too long, I'll stand, rollover (if I am in bed), and my entire body hurts. It feels like gravity is pulling at the skin and the tissues, nerves, muscles, (whatever holds the skin to one's body) is aching. I never was warned about this pain. It isn't fun. Not fun at all. I hurt so much that sometimes, after I have been sleeping and wake up, or after I have sat down for a while, I dread moving because the pain is everywhere. It is in my face, my chest, my arms, my legs. It is like a stinging, pulling sensation and my whole being feels it.

Well, guess what - just for hah-hahs I checked to see who does the surgery - only 1 in MA in Boston, and none in CT!

Welllll...surgeons who have done less than 50 DSes DO tend to have a high rate of complications. The DS is a more difficult procedure, and it takes longer for a surgeon to master. Most surgeons who do do the DS have the majority of their complications/deaths in the first 50 cases, and almost NONE after their 100th. Experience counts! If you really think the DS might be the best choice for you, visit www.duodenalswitch.com and check out the surgeons in your area they list as *true* DS surgeons. A surgeon doesn't 'make the list' over there without a good history. Also, many (good!) DS surgeons are willing to take on high-risk patients---SSMOs with multiple health issues, the people who NEED the DS the most. It's been my experience that for may bariatric surgeons, the dollar sign is the bottom line, and the RNY pays better---not only is it easier to get insurance approval for it, but a surgeon can usually do 3 RNYs in the time it takes to do one or two DSes. Research, decide what's right for YOU---then find a surgeon who agrees with you! (*grin*)

Hi everyone!  I am so sorry, I hope you didn't think I abondoned you all! I've had a rough few weeks, but I am doing a lot better now!  I went for my first consult visit on the 4th...it was cut short because my insurance requires documentation to show that your BMI was over 35+ for longer than 5 years. I only had 3, but I did some digging and I was able to find my records going back that showed I was BMI 35+ for 7 years! SO I go back on Friday 9/21 to talk to them again.  I also go see my Rhumy for my 8 week Remicade on Monday the 24th and I plan on discussing it with him then.  Again, I am so sorry, I will try to keep in touch better!  Take care,  Michelle

Thanks for all the info - I may explor this further with my surgeons!