New to the world of DS

Hi there. Good for you wanting to continue a healthy  lifestyle. I am 4 yrs.  out with a virgin DS from Dr. B.  at Abington Hospital. He is a wonderful surgeon. The DSers from his office are a large and very informed group.

 

They're  easy to meet too, just pop into the monthly group meeting at the hospital. Usually after the meeting the DSers go down the street to a local restaurant. That's we're the real meeting is.  They are an open honest and caring bunch.  I know Allentown is approx. 90 minutes from Abington, but in my opinion so worth the trip.

sorry for the typos, my PC is acting up.  Good luck to you on your journey.

Sorry, a bit off topic....Noreen, do you go to the group every month?  My surgery was in April, and I haven't been to one yet.  are they pretty well attended?

I went faithfully for years. Kind of slacked off going this year. Shame on me.

I am willing to go as far as I have to, I just have to find someone that takes my insurance. I know a lot of people feel like finding a good surgeon is more important, but I hope that I can do both because if my insurance won't cover it, there is no surgery to be had. Once I find out a little more I will probably make the trip down to Abington and see what's what.

Hello!

I don't live too far from you and there are really only two good options for DS surgeons without having to travel too far. Either one of the two surgeons who do the DS at Abington (Bonnani or Antanavicius (sp?)) or Greenbaum in NJ.

I'll definitely look into Dr. Greenbaum as well. My insurance will pay for out of network (which he is), but only if they can't provide at least 2 specialists in the area. I haven't contacted them yet so we shall see...

My insurance was willing to pay for the DS...but wanted me to stay in TN. Okay, so I called or contacted EVERY surgeon in TN...All but 5 did not even DO a DS, two would not accept my insurance and of the other three, 2 would NOT consider a lightweight for a DS. I finally found mine but if he had also turned me down, they WOULD have paid for an out of state surgeon AS if he were in network.

Good luck, be prepared to fight AND win.

Liz

 

I am Band to DS revision. It was the best decision I ever made. The band failed me and made me miserable. I had late complications. I only lost 40 pounds with mine then gained back 120. The DS is amazing. I follow the rules and lose weight. I followed the rules with the band and got sick. 

After five yours your band has done all it is going to do for you. I would just bypass your surgeon and go visit a DS vet. 

Listen though, this surgery is no walk in the park like the band was on recovery. It takes a couple of months before you start feeling yourself. You will need at least a couple of weeks off of work preferably a month. You will have to adjust to your new bowels. You will have to learn to eat the DS way. (Eating the DS way is awesome) LOL. Big Ol' juicy Wendy's Junior Baconator is just so heavenly. Of course I cannot eat the bread but I stick it on a pita bread and it is so delicious. 

It is worth it all though. At first I was like WTH did I do. Now I just love the hell out of my DS. I have ten year vets here to talk to that prove to me every day that long term this surgery is STILL awesome. I just weighed this morning. I am down from 340 to 268 in four and half months.  If I were able to work out more I would prolly be down even more. I have a crippled back and knees. However the more weight I lose the more I am able to move better. I no longer look for the closest parking spot at Walmart anymore. Hell, just being able to shop for groceries is a miracle for me. This surgery is a miracle for me. 

I wish you the best of luck!