Seriously considering the DS

Hello, I'm Elaina. I'm 30 years old and have struggled with weight gain and dieting most of my adult life. I found out about this board through my mom (CaliKay I believe was her name on here) when she had the DS surgery in mexico. Unfortunately, she passed away approximately 1 year after her surgery due to complications from the flu. Watching her go from well over 300 lbs. to fit and feeling better than she had in years was amazing. I want that for myself, but I'm afraid of possible complications. My husband is not on board with the idea, but I'm at a point where I feel like this is something I *NEED* to do for myself. I've had many "woman" issues including a complete hysterectomy. I am currently going through hormone replacement therapy as well as other things. I've gained 20 lbs since the hysterectomy and find it more and more difficult to lose/not gain despite my best efforts through diet. In fact, I'm tired of dieting and exercise since I don't feel like I make any progress. Anyways, I have blue shield ppo insurance. I've just begun looking into the requirements. Any advice, any complications you may have faced and how you dealt with them. Any regrets? And lastly any doctor recommendation in the southern california area. Specifically, I'm in Riverside county.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother! And I can understand your husband's reservations, but you need to do what you feel is right for yourself and your body.

I'm only 7 weeks out, but I am extremely happy with the DS. I'm sure others who are further out will have more perspectives on the long term issues/results.

It may be a bit of a drive, but I highly recommend Dr. Ara Keshishian in Glendale. He has an outstanding reputation and a lot of experience with the DS. I had my surgery with him almost 2 months ago. He is very friendly, patient, and informative. Here's his website: www.dssurgery.com.

I believe Dr. K. will take your insurance, but you should fill out the inquiry form on his site to start the process.

Good luck to you!

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom - that really must be hard for you.

My regret?  Being a 2 step DSer rather than one step, although I know I'd have never got a one step as a lightweight.  One step DSs lose better, so at over 300lbs that should be your only serious option if you want to get to goal.

Dr Rabkin is in San Francisco and there is a full list of vetted DS surgeons here http://www.dsfacts.com/North-American-Duodenal-Switch-Surgeo ns.html  Only consider a vetted surgeon as this is a complex surgery and you honestly don't want to be anyone's guinea pig - you want a surgeon who's done 100+ DSs.

DSfacts as well as here are great places to find out more info generally.

My general advice re the DS?  Eat Atkins style as we gain by eating carbs (and get gassy too) and get on the Vitalady program of vitamins.  Don't take any surgeon's crappy vitamin advice - they're surgeons and you mustn't underestimate the life long commitment to vitamins, at least 100g of protein a day and at least 6 monthly blood work to check your levels.

HTH!! 

I am actually *only* at 220lbs. but am 5'4", my MOM was over 300 lbs. but much taller toon. I think san francisco is a bit out of range. Part of what will make it difficult is having a medically fragile child who is in and out of the hospital quite a bit so i do need to stay somewhat local. Glendale may not be too far away.

Duh - that's what happens when people across the pond confuse San Francisco and San Diego in their heads!!  I've visited, LA, San Diego and Las Vegas (never been to San Francisco).

Sorry for the confusion re your weight - I'm glad you don't have such a journey weightwise.

Hi,

Welcome to the board. I'm so sorry about your mom. My only regret about the surgery is not having it done earlier in life. I had an easy surgery and recovery and feel better then I have in many years. Best of luck with your research.

Trish

Dr. Keshishian is currently the only DS surgeon in SoCal. Fortunately for you, he's also one of the best in the country. I don't know whether or not you'll be able to get insurance coverage for bariatric surgery with your bmi being below 40 unless you have at least one serious comorbidity, but at least give his office a call. If insurance doesn't pan out he may have a self-pay package. If not, are you open to considering Mexico? Dr. Ungson in Mexico has an excellent reputation as a DS surgeon, and Dr. Aceves has more recently begun doing them (having been trained by Dr Ungson). Be very careful, there is NO ONE else in Mexico that most people here would recommend for the DS.

Larra

I don't think I'm open to going to Mexico for a variety of reasons. Although, My mom has Dr. Ungson do her surgery. She was happy with it, but I don't feel comfortable traveling out of the country for it. I am on the verge of type 2 diabetes (actually am depending on who you ask but not insulin dependant). I have bladder issues, also tied to my weight (or at least partially), which i'm now medicated for, have had extensive surgery for, and am now facing another surgery for. I have plantar fascitis, and am constantly in pain (back/knee/foot), and depression linked to it. Probably sleep apnea as well, but i've never had a sleep study. Not sure if any of those qualify as comorbidities.

That's ok - not everyone is comfortable with the idea of going out of the country for surgery. Please contact Dr. Keshishian and see what he has to offer for you.

Larra