Failed DS frustration

I agree with most of the advice others have already given, but would like to add a couple things.

First, the failure rate for lap band is staggering, with the highest reoperation rate of any bariatric surgery, partly due to specific complications, partly due to failure, partly due to it not being tolerated. I've never had a lap band, but can imagine that it might not be very comfortable to have a firm band choking my stomach.

Next, it's possible you don't have a real DS. There are a number of bariatric surgeons out there doing something called by various names - loop DS, SADI, SIPS, maybe others - and calling it "the DS" when it really isn't. I believe I have seen your surgeon's name associated with this, though I don't know if he was doing this back in 2012. A review of your operative note, which has the specifics of what was done and not just the name of the operation, would answer this question. There are some people who are doing well with this non-standard operation, others who, like you, never lost as expected and start wondering why a year or two later.

I will send more info in a pm, so be on the lookout for it

Larra

The longer common channel had me thinking she got one of the hybrid procedures, too.

Soooooo, I'm Julanes friend that is trying to get a DS. I was looking for a DS forum online and just happened to pick this one ... not knowing that this is the one she's on!

For me ... thank you for the information about the DS surgery that's being done has been being done as something completely different. Frenzel is the surgeon I met with and I'll be asking precisely WHAT he does. If anyone is aware of Dr. Frenzel ... good or not-so-good ... please let me know.

For Julane ... I've been a witness of her process ... almost from the get-go. Her lap band didn't just break ... the surgeon (Kim) put in the wrong size (the larger). Only after her persistent questioning of hunger etc....did they do anything to figure out the WHY of it. Once figuring out the larger band was used ... wah lah. Then blah blah blah ... you can read her story as the original poster-er-person. Fast forward to her DS. I was full-in with she and her family through that mess. Witness consistent and precision following of the preferred eating, meals, supplements, meal intervals, blood work, proteins. She got so meticulous with it that I feared she was developing an eating disorder ONLY TO FIND OUT she'd plateaued and was trying to figure out where she was going wrong. She was, indeed, losing weight well initially ... that was obvious.

As far as her weight gain. Excuse me if I come off as defensive of my friend and her family...but...against ALL odds she became pregnant and had a gorgeous baby girl. While I AGREE that she's been eating crap lately ... I will offer a bit more insight for you, the reader, that there was A REASON. While weight gain has happened .... understand she's gone through pregnancy and nursing.

I applaud Julane for reaching out here. I'm so sorry I haven't understood the struggle and been so selfishly focused on getting my own lard off that I've not been sensitive to what YOU are going through. IM A SUCKY FRIEND!!!!!! I'm so sorry. Okay, now that that's established....

If anyone has help or direction for either of us ... please pipe-up. We are 2 people ... each on our own journey. It would be so helpful to hear something encouraging and that may provide hope, help and maybe even some insightful direction.

Check out http://www.dsfacts.com

You have a "real" DS surgeon in Denton.

Thank you. Denton isn't far at all!!

Ayoola is one of the top guys. Don't mess around with some unknown if you have a choice!

Dr. Frenzel only does Sleeve and Bypass. He is who i went to about a month ago and got a EGD done by him. Long story about this. HE has no bedside manor at all. He is a total jerk. I have had lapband done not only once, twice but 3 times due to 3 failures. ALL not my fault but by faulty equipment being placed in my stoma or having a slip.

To make this long story even longer I started the journey calling Dr. Kim at DFW Bariatric when he was not practicing they recommended Dr. Brian Long. I went in to talk to him about RNY bypass. He said well That is the gold standard. Our removal to Bypass is complicated you may have to have 2 surgeries. I won't know until I go in to see. This raised RED FLAGs to me. Why a top surgeon as himself need to have to do 2 surgeries? He said that you may have some scar tissue being you have had 3 bands. AND the surgery can take a while. SO I asked what is the price. They brought in this lady who said it will be 18,200 for the removal of the band to RNY. THE sleeve is 10K if you use Garland hospital and its a day surgery. ANOTHER RED FLAG. You are going to cut my stomach in half and send me home without a leak test the next day. UM NO. So I had them remove the fluid and acted as if I would go with them.

2nd Doc was Dr. Frenzel I went to him because they are the ones who said THEY can get the insurance to pay. NO Matter what they can get it covered. MIND you I have an exclusion. Even though the band is a problem they will still not cover but Frenzel's office said that we put it in as a Gastric Reconstruction and can get it covered. SO I said Ok and scheduled the EGD. Drove to Arlington at 5am to get to 6AM EDG when I got there I was the first i line because my husband had to go back to work. They had 2 ladies that were standing in the road waiting to get in because the main lady was running late and this was their first time in the office since they were new and contract work. When I finally got in the Room to get the Scope Dr. F walks in and said oh its the lady with 3 bands... I was livid and mortified. Next thing you know I went to sleep. I woke up and my BP was 195/115 and the nurse was like OMG I need to get your BP down. Then this other nurse said we need to get her out of here. I was still woozy. I got dressed and went to see Dr. F and he told me what the band set up too high and has not purpouse he can do the sleeve or the bypass but needs to get the band out. I said well I want RNY he said we may not be able to and I may take out the band then you may get the sleeve. AGAIN I was like what the F. Another thing Dr. F never asked if my band was before he did the EGD. I left thinking well if they can get the insurance to pay and I don't have to pay 18k I will use him sounds good but he is an Ahole.

3rd. After a couple of days and more research I decided to see the TOP surgeon in Dallas. Dr. Ayoola. I knew he was the only one who DOES Duodenal Switch and he was the best people from all over come to him. I called and found out the DS was like 30K and I was like OMG this is not good so let me at least talk to him and see what I can do. I called the hospital in Flower Mound and was speaking to the lady who is over billing I asked her about it all cost and all. NOT knowing that they are the most expensive I kept my appointment no matter what I need to talk to another doctor who can help and who does all surgeries. Let him tell me my options. Well last week I met the famous Dr. A and he explained all to me and with my body and problems what he felt would work best and give me the most excellent progress and keep it off. He said Sleeve was only a 60% weight loss Bypass was a 70% and DS was 90% and with my weight and lapband failures the DS was the best option. I then said I only have 18k I can borrow that is too expensive. Can I do Sleeve first then the rest of the DS last? HE said yes that is also an option. You can go home and think about it. Another thing he said was Pray about it. AND he said when I told him what the other doctors said he said I don't like talking about my colleges but what they are telling you is wrong. A skilled surgeon would be able to remove scar tissue and the band and do the surgery all at the same time. HELLO@@@ I was like YES you are the one. LOL He also said that If you want something bad enough you will do anything to get it and your life is what you are talking about do what is right for you. Its time for me. I am doing DS and am going to get it for 22k with a hospital in Trophy club. That pays for 2 days in the hospital and all. That is my choice. I am getting a loan and doing it. I am so excited.

The moral of this story is to do your research and don't settle for one. Keep finding one that you like. If you question it you are more than likely doing it for a reason. GO see Dr. Ayoola He is a jewel. You can read on every Form and no one has had issues. He can help you all and he will listen.

My Stats are 285lbs 5 feet tall 5 inches and I have Sleep apnea, High BP, and can't walk or stand more than a few feet.

Good luck all. Ask me any questions I will do my best to help.

Thank you for this, Holliwood. This is tremendously helpful. I'm spinning at how unethical some of the doctors seem to be. Or ... if not unethical ... how they seem to thrive on non-disclosure. SMH. I am ... stunned.

Holliwood, are you saying that bariatric procedures aren't covered in TX? I don't understand why you would have to pay so much money when you medical conditions due to your weight.

Louise, I don't have insurance coverage for Bariatric. My husband has an exclusion on the policy and it will not be covered so I have to pay ca**** SUCKS.