Any DS people?

Hello!  Actually, I did have the device implanted.  The ratio is 2:1 2 on, 1 off for the first year, but it's still recording everything- how you're using it, wearing it, etc...  It not only controls the hunger/full signal, but slows digestion (in theory).  Hunger has never really been an issue for me, it's that constant feeling of empty...  I wanted to try it out as a last resort before I settled on the big guns surgery, that way I KNOW without any doubt that I had tried everything out there that I could before re-routing my insides forever... I have lost 14# from my start weight, but because I've had other medical junk come up, it's much more to my "health advantage" to have the DS surgery done (I have hyperlipedemia, diet & exercise hasnt helped it at all & it keeps going up, I'm close to 500 for my cholesterol right now...) as well as hormonal stuff..  The DS seems to be the only option that will give me the resolution of the hyperlipedemia with a 98% success rate, plus still having a functioning system means the world to me... Plus I can't complain about the thought of 80% EWL with sustained loss long term.  I've known far to many people who've went through RNY just to regain the majority of it back within a few years... I want to be around when my babies have babies!! (They're 2, 4, & 6 right now :-)) My biggest fear is dying the way my dad did & the long term hurt that comes as a result...  Thanks for the message & hope to keep in touch!
Tallia

I also responded to your DS post.  :o)  Just another response from me:  

Did you ask about the common channel length?  I believe Ikramuddin will only do 100 or 150 cm Common channel (research this as it is important). 

Ikramuddin is busy.  My roommate had him for a surgeon.  We were together from our day of surgery on.  Dr. Buchwald came into my room and saw me face to face EVERY DAY.  Ikramuddin never came into to see my roommate.  She was not happy about this.  Ikramuddin let the surgical residents do all the daily visits.  Dr. I was too busy for face to face visits.  My roommate had a blood clot that went to her lungs:  Pulmonary embolism, and she had a bowel obstruction.  She had a tube inserted in through her ribs to drain her stomach (old one, as she was a revision from VBG to RNY-lap).  Ikramuddin talked to my roommate and her husband ON THE TELEPHONE speaker phone while he was prepping for yet another surgery.  All those complications, and he could not even find the time to talk to her directly. 

Did I mention that Henry Buchwald MD PhD came to see me face to face every single day that I was inpatient? 

Lap surgery with complications lands you in the hospital longer and a much longer recovery than an open successful surgery. 

I thank God every day that I had Dr. Buchwald as my surgeon.  There are VERY VERY SMART people in the DS forums (and here in MN Forums) that told me repeatedly USE BUCHWALD USE BUCHWALD:  I listened to them, and I have had a fabulous outcome.  :) 

:)  Whatever you choose....   wishing you success.

Kathy

and a PS:

Buchwald will do a 75 cm common channel (reminder)

AND:

I would not use Kellog or Leslie.  They are MUCH less experienced. 

Thank you very much for all of that info!
I really like the DS forum, but was hoping to be able to find a few more 'homegirls/boys' who have the DL on the DS for our area!  (Is there someway to search the DS posts for just people from the area??)  Dr. Ikramuddin said he much prefers to use a 100cm channel, but in some cir****tances will do a 75 (which he said he'd consider in my case...) 
I'd never go for anyone other than Ikramuddin or Buchwald..  If anyone is going to be rearranging my insides I want the best!!
Thanks again!
Tallia C