Question:
Just had appt w/ surgeon, I have 2 choices both open, Proximal RNY, BP/DS ?
I understand both of the proceedures, and the +/- of both...Such a hard desicion to make....I want to hear from people post-op from both...... — Diana C. (posted on February 16, 2002)
February 16, 2002
The RNY is the "golden standard" according to my surgeon. It has
the best long-term results as far as keeping the weight off. That's what I
had, and I'm THRILLED with the results, even though it will mean you eat
very, very small portions for the first 6 months or so.
— Terissa R.
February 16, 2002
I don't agree with the last persons statement,both are good surgeries and
both have great results but from everything I hae read and from doctors,the
DS surgery has the best long term effect,thats why more doctors are doing
it now.With this surgery you don't absorb fat meaning it is harder to gain
weight again.
— Vel K.
February 16, 2002
Diana, Like you said, there are pros and cons to both surgeries. I'll tell
you a few things being 3 years post from the BPD/DS. I think you will
probably lose more weight with the BPD/DS and easier. Your
"eating" life will be more normal. I fight to keep weight on
right now! All that being said, and with fear of reprisal in my heart, I
say I would never do it again. This is the most drastic of surgeries by
any means and therefore, "can" have serious post op effects.
Again, having said that, I know of many post BPD/DSers who are doing great
but I also know of at least 12 that aren't doing well at all. Are we the
minority? I certainly hope so because I wouldn't wish these problems on
anyone. (read profile for more info). I honestly don't know though, if I
could have lived with the RNY either. Seems that the amount of food you
can eventually take in might be small although some seem to eat normally
and also, I have read where some seem to have to watch what they eat
(caloriewise) after about 2 or 3 years or they could gain again. I may be
all wrong about this though and the RNYers can say more about that. They
all seem to love this surgery and I have seen very few "drastic"
problems from the RNY. Please everyone, I have tried to be very balanced
here. No flaming okay?
— Barbara H.
February 17, 2002
Diana - I researched both procedures extensively, as well as joining email
groups for both procedures. I wanted as much info as possible. I noted as
many serious complications with one surgery as the other. My decision was
eventually made based on my own lifestyle and metabolism needs. I knew I
would require a distal procedure, either a distal RNY or a DS. Of these
options, I was happier with the fully functioning stomach function and the
greater eating freedom of the DS. (And, I vomit at the drop of a hat, and
figured the RNY could only exacerbate that problem!!) At 20 months
post-op, I am extremely happy with my choice, have had no complications,
and to date have perfect blood work. I am currently 8 lbs. from my goal
weight. My husband had the DS surgery for similar reasons 8 months ago,
with the same excellent results. -Kate-
— kateseidel
February 17, 2002
Diana, I researched all kinds of WLS for close to a year before deciding to
get the DS. In the end, I decided that it was either going to be the DS or
nothing. I understand how the other surgeries work, but they just aren't
for me. I wanted a normally-functioning stomach, I didn't want to have
anything to do with dumping and I wanted to be able to eat a normal-sized
meal in the long run. Also, the DS has the highest percentages of excess
weight loss and the longest-term success rate of keeping the weight off.
I've spent too many years of my life losing the weight and putting it back
on to know that losing weight isn't really the problem...KEEPING IT OFF is.
I'm two weeks out from my DS procedure with no complications or regrets.
I can eat very little right now, but knowing that this is temporary and
that my stomach will eventually expand to accomodate normal meals makes it
a non-issue to tolerate. If you want more information about the DS, see
http://www.duodenalswitch.com or
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/duodenalswitch/ Good Luck!
— Maria K.
February 17, 2002
Hi Diana. I'm approximately two months out from my BPD/DS. I had my
procedure done laparoscopically on Friday, December 21, 2001. About 4-1/2
hours after surgery, I was up walking...granted only one lap around the
hospital wing. By the following morning (less than 24 hours after surgery)
I no longer needed my pain pump, and was feeling just a tad bit sore - NO
PAIN!! That day (Saturday) I walked 22 laps around the hospital wing (11
laps equal one mile) and was moving quicker than everyone else on that
floor. On Sunday, I walked 33 laps (3 miles) before they came in to
finally discharge me. Basically, I haven't stopped since! I feel better
than I have in years, I still eat normally (just not HUGE meals anymore),
and am thrilled with my choice in procedures so far.
Prior to my surgery, I had met a couple of RNY patients who were very
unhappy and unsuccessful in their weightloss venture through the RNY. They
were visiting my surgeon to discuss the possibility of revisions to the DS.
I personally chose the BPD/DS because it sports a much higher success rate
than the RNY (these women were walking proof of that!), and allows for the
most 'normal' lifestyle. I wanted to still be able to go to a restaurant
with my family and enjoy a good meal without having to spend the entire
time chewing my first bite or two of food. I feel that the DS allows me to
do just that. I also want to be able to enjoy birthday cake on my son's
birthday, or eat a piece of bread without being afraid of dumping.
At my surgeon's last monthly support group meeting, there was a new RNY
patient there that was 5 days post op. She said that she was still having
trouble drinking her water and couldn't even eat. By my fifth day post op,
I was eating pintos and cheese from Taco Bell, chopped ham with stuffing
and green beans, and cottage cheese (not all at the same time though!).
Would I chose the DS again... you bet!
— Christine R.
February 17, 2002
I researched WLS for several years before choosing the DS/BPD. I chose the
DS because it offers me the potential to lose more of my excess body weight
while still enjoying the distinct plus of having a functional stomach and
pyloric valve. I had my surgery May 30th, 2001. I didn't have a textbook
recovery, because surgery aggravated my IBS, but my surgeon feels it would
have done so no matter what surgery I'd had, and I agree. That being said,
I still have no regrets. I'm 8 months out, down 103 lbs, feeling a lot
better- right now I have no real complaints. I do want to say one thing:
IF YOU HAVE A DS, YOU MUST BE COMPLIANT WITH YOUR VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS
POSTOP! You must take your calcium as ordered by your surgeon, you must
take your iron, and early on, when you really can't eat, it helps if you
can get in as much protein as possible in shake form. That said, I love my
DS, and the only postops I've met with severe problems will admit that they
did not take their calcium and iron supplements. Good luck on your
journey, no matter which surgery you choose!
— Liane F.
February 17, 2002
I had to answer Liane's post on this because I DID follow my docs orders to
a "T" and still have horrible problems. I had to answer because
so many of you have written to me and been so sweet about my problems. I
think I may have found the answer today. Maybe! I was just diagnosed as
having a severe yeast infection in my intestines. Have been put on meds of
course, but so far, they aren't working. (calling the doc tomorrow). I did
everything right but, still got this and possibly have had it for the last
2 years. No one ever checked for it before. I have every symptom that is
stated in this site which is the candida Albicans candidiasis.
"IT" can cause my anemia, my stress, my listlessness, my
bloating, my diarrhea. I had to tell you all because the doc says that
this is NOT uncommon and the site says that 70% of people tested have this
and don't know it. If this is what I have, then I may be able to get a
handle on it. I don't want ANYONE to go through this if they don't have
to. Some of us are just unlucky...it's not that we didn't comply.
— Barbara H.
February 22, 2002
I love my decision to have DS. It's been over 2 years and I've had no
blockages, no endoscopies, no ulcers, no pureed foods, no dumping syndrom,
no vomitting, no nausea, no food restrictions, no eating problems, no
excessive chewing. I eat normal food in normal amounts and have lost 140
pounds. It's a fabulous quality of life and I highly recommend it!!
Plesae feel free to email me if you have questions. You can also check out
others who have had DS at:
http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/patients.html. All the best to you!
— [Deactivated Member]
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