Dee from Dennis Smith Office

There are so many great surgeons out there it just seems strange that there are not more of them  certified to do this procedure. I wonder if its the fact that they don't want to take the extra risk involved.  I'm no expert but it from what Ive read its much more risky procedure but it seems almost too good to be true!!! 

Best of luck to you guys!! I know you will choose the right procedure for you!!
Hugs.
G

Ginger,you have a valid point and I think that is why I can not say for 100% that DS is for me BUT with this being said I think that is why I am so adament about having a surgeon who is qualified to do all 4 surgeries whom can medically asvise me on which surgery would be best for me.I really have a lot of doubts about the DS maybe because I can't see any WLS being perfect because if it was there would be more surgeons jumping at the chance to do it but that is my personal feelings on it. As you all know I am researched out of my mind and I think as of right now because of some of my fears and concerns I am spiritually leaning towards VSG but as I said that is why I want a surgeon who knows what all of the WLS can offer me.

Ginger, I had the DS with Dr. Smith in October.  I had the DS because it was the only surgery I could have.  I had had surgery for GERD about 10 years ago and Dr. Duncan and Dr. Linn at Emory both told me the RNY and Lapband were too risky for me.  They did not bother to tell me there was such a thing as DS.  I spent four years thinking I would just have to struggle through the rest of my life SMO until I happened into a woman who had DS.  I researched it and, in my opinion, it was a much more "normal" surgery.  The basic geography of your stomach stays intact.  Dr. Smith told me the risks are about the same for the DS and RNY.

The real reason so few surgeons do the DS is really a mystery to me.  I stay on the DS forum most of the time and those people do well.  I am new to it, but I am just eternally grateful it is available since it is all I could have.  I will ask some of them why there are fewer DS surgeons.  Some of those women are very informed about the DS. 

Good deal Roxy.. Im glad to hear that you are looking at all of your options!  I worry about you girl.. Your gonna make yourself crazy!! LOL 

Hugs.
G

I thoink I am driving myself and Mom crazy...lol...you should come with me to Dr.Smiths seminar to help me get the right questions asked and answered,can you believe GA has 1 just 1 surgeon who does all wls procedures? That is saying something to me. The other DS surgeon in GA just does DS and Lap Band spoke 2 his office yesterday.

Roxy -
I applaud you for doing all this research.  Even though it may be driving you (and Mom) a little nuts, it's a good thing that you are considering all your options.  You don't want to go into surgery (any surgery)  until you feel comfortable with your decisions.

My dad and stepmom are coming to Atlanta during the week of February 16th.  I'm going to call Tara at Dr. Smith's office today and see if they might have an info session we can go to when they're here. 

Dr. Smith doesn't always attend all the information sessions.... I'm not sure if they plan it that way or if it's because of his surgery/emergency schedule.  If possible, check and see if Dr. Smith is scheduled to be at your session.  

Good luck!!!

Hey there. I feel like once you speak to a surgeon who does all forms of surgery, you will see that DS offers the best LONG TERM results, and I really do applaud your researching this...more people should. Good luck in whatever you decide! 

Ladies just make sure you are at Dr. Smith seminar at least 10 minutes before scheduled, because I have heard over and over again that they "LOCK" the door at the approx time that they schedule the seminar. So it do not matter how far and long you have traveled to get there, you will not get in. I heard many stories of this happening to them. PLEASE DON'T LET IT BE YOU!!


Your Gff

Dee did for warn me of this. Her reasoning made great sense as she stated that there is a lot of info to be had and it is unfair to the speaker and group if they have to stop eachtime someone comes in. We just have to make sure we leave our homes aiming for an earlier arrival.

I was about 15 min late for Dr. Smith's semianr, and they let me in. They were very nice and didn't mention it. It was raining that night, so maybe they made an exception. I will say they start exactly on time. I wouldn't advise anyone be late.