DSers in Sacramento

I am looking to connect with some DSers in Sac.  Those are post-op or pre-op, doesn't matter just looking to find support in the area.

Also, I am headed off to my PCP next week for my physical for pre-surgery requirements.  I am going to talk to her about how supportive she can be with the surgery, and how understanding.  I don't really know.  If it comes down to the fact that we can't see eye to eye, or I don't feel comfortable leaving my post-op journey in her hands (not really, but she will be an important part of making me feel secure), then I'd like to find a PCP who is familiar with DS, or even any WLS and comfortable with the lifestyle I have to lead post-surgery (vitamins, emergencies that may arise,etc).  If anyone has some great recs in that department, that would be great as well.

Thanks
Leah

My name is Judy, I live in Dixon, Not far from you. I am 2 yr's Gastric Bypass post-op. I don't  know what DS is?

Hi Judy

Oh, the DS is another option for WLS.  I had looked into all the different kinds and decided it was the one for me.  Instead of creating a stoma stomach as the RNY does, the DS surgeon will removed most of the stomach and shorten the common channel.  The RNYer has a soma stomach the size of an egg, and the DSer has "their" stomach now the size of a banana.  The stoma stomach passes food straight through to the intestine, bypassing the stomach, where digestive juices are and the pyloric valve.  This is why you guys get dumping (no pyloric valve to help with digestion).  I was interested in a bit as having the RNY BECAUSE of the dumping syndrome, but I did not because a) I have heard it is common to not dump on all "bad for you" food, and b) I did not want to be what I considered punished for eating food wrong.  DSers keep the pyloric valve and still have a stomach to digest food in.  This allows more freedom with how I eat and what I am able to eat.  Also, and this can be a pro or con, the DSer stomach is highly malabsorbtive.  From what I gather, more than the RNYer.  Vitamins are critical, must be committed from day one post-op to use them for life.  The malabsorbtion is a good thing as well because the RNY will absorb ALL fat, a DSer will on absorb a potion.  For example, if a taco has 20gs of fat, and RNYer will absorb all of it, and the DSer will absorb 4gs.  Because of this, the amount of DSers who loose all their weight and keep it off is a high 85%. I know the chance of regain is fairly high with RNYers correct?  It is also a cure for diabetes for 98% of DSers.  That means 98% of DSers will be CURED of diabetes, not just put into remission (chance of getting it back)

I could go on about the actual surgery, but that is the gist of it.

Do you know of a support group in our area for ALL WLS patients?  I would love to just hook up and have a place to go post-op.

Thanks

You might want to post this on the DS board

But this is the Cali board... there are no DSers here? 

I will try your suggestion as well, thanks.

I think there are a couple I know of. I just know they are more active on that board. You are more than welcome here. The Cali board is a wonderful group of people, great support and good information!!!

Hi,

I don't know of DSers in Sac, but there are alot of VSGers....You know, the 1st part of the DS...We do lunch fairly regular.  I wonder if your DS surgeon can lead you to Sac DSers?  Good luck, take care...

Thank you!  Any support group would do but VSG is even closer to DS than RNY.  Can you PM me?

Speaking of, did you have your surgery here in Sac or did you go to SF?  I know that Dr. Cirangle has a satellite office here but did not know if he could actually perform surgery here.  My insurance did not cover anyone nearby, so I am with Dr. Keshishian who actually is a pretty amazing guy. 

Thanks for the well wishes

Leah

Actually, I've been at this thing for 2 yrs. now, and still have not had surg.  Allota things got in the way.  Now we have Kaiser, so Iam pursuing that in Fremont. 
I just got the word, that Dr.Cirangle will be doing surgery IN Sac.  Prob. a few months from now  The VSGers I meet with are a tiny group, who are about 15 mo. out from surg.  We meet about every 6-8 weeks at a cafe.  It seems that there are a whole lot more DSers and VSGers in the Bay area...I'll PM you my email...

Dr Rabkin has a support group meeting in Sac the 3rd Thur of the month.  We meet for dinner at the old Lyons on Bercut off Richards, it's on the corner.  It's Stonebrooks or something like that now.  We meet at 6pm.  There are several of us that meet.  Most of them are on the paclap yahoo group, I stay mostly on the DS forum.  Come on over.  I have Kaiser and my PCP is very supportive, I'm probably her first DS patient!