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I had my Duodenal Switch February 25th, 2009 at St. Vincent's Bariatric Center of Excellence. It is the only hospital in the state that performs the DS, but they also perform all the other surgeries, too. I don't know how experienced the surgeons are in South Bend, but I know they weren't doing my surgery in 2009, and last time I checked, they had no plans to add it. If you want the DS, it's either Chicago or Indianapolis/Carmel. Actually, St. Vincent's in Carmel attracts patients from all over. They've gotten a little sloppy with their information, but the surgeons and facilities are top of the line for bariatric/WLS patients.
My surgery was fully covered by Medicare and Medicaid. The surgery is part of my plan to get off disability. I've hit some roadblocks, but I'm still pressing on!
I accumulate some expenses with co-pays having my labs drawn, but I eventually get them paid.
The most important thing is to get with a vetted surgeon at a Center of Excellence to have your surgery. I believe this site has a tool to search for them. It's been a while since I used it.
I know for a fact Memorial does RNY and Lap (Crap)Band, but it is not yet a Center of Excellence. Many insurances require that the surgery be done in in a COE hospital. They will list the doctors and groups that accept your particular insurance in your benefits booklet., and many now have an online search tool.
HW 405/SW 397/CW 138/GW 160 Do the research! Check the stats!
The DS is *THE* solution to Severe Morbid Obesity!
I went down for my surgeon visit May 13th, and after coming home and going over my labs, I e-mailed one of the NUTS with a question.
She replied, and sent me the "new" DS packet, which is simply RNY information with a DS cover slapped on it.
I know, because i compared it to the packet of a RNY in my support group (I have a general WLS group. Only 3 DSers in town, including me).
You will get nowhere with any of the NUTS in getting the correct info. It bears the date 4/2013 as the last update.
I spoke with a NUT who was very defensive about it (not naming names) in an e-mail, said it was approved by the surgeon.
Spoke with the surgeon's nurse, and e-mailed, to let them know what happened. Not sure if any action was taken, since they were all adamant that 75-90 g protein is correct for DS, when the material I initially got in 2009 says 90-100g.
Also incorrect about what type of iron we should take gives three forms, and we can only absorb heme, no mention of ADEKs, etc. All vitamin guielines listed are for the RNY !
Perhaps *someone on this board with more juice at St. V's * can get through to them. They won't listen to me. I called them and my surgeon's office and e-mailed, and was pretty much blown off.
Sad, because I'm damn near 5 years out, and the DS rules I got from the beginning in 2009 are burned into my brain! I'm not talking out the side of my neck on this!
This could really get a lot of people really sick really fast especially immediate post ops! 
HW 405/SW 397/CW 138/GW 160 Do the research! Check the stats!
The DS is *THE* solution to Severe Morbid Obesity!
Has anyone had weight loss surgery here, what type of surgery. Where did you go for the surgery ?
I'v never done this before, I'm in the process of trying to get medicaid pick up what medicare won't, so do I find a Dr yet or wait till I know for sure if I will get help ? I don't know how it works. Is there a message board for medicaid and medicare insurance so they might know how it works because I know regular insurace might work differently. Is there a list i can go to that tells me what Dr's accept medicare and medicaid ? I really want a Dr with alot of experience. Will medicaid want to know what Dr I chose when I ask for help right away or do they give me a little time to look for one. Thanks everyone be patient with me, I know this is where I come to when I need answers. Thanks
Has anyone had Jon Schram their surgeon ? does he accept medicaid and medicare? My friend had him and said he was the best ever surgeon and wants me to go to him. So I thought maybe someone might know or tried there before.
So I'm 48 years old 4"11 and 275lbs, I know that's terrible. I'm always hearing you will have so much loose skin and yes I know because I'm so short and have alot of weight to loose I will say that worries me. Has anyone had this problem ? I don't think I will be able to pay for tummy tuck. Thanks
I just received a message from OH reminding me that today is the 5 year anniversary of my RNY
! I have lost the weight I was dreaming of loosing! I have also left all of these evil women on OH behind me and haven't looked back. I am so happy with my new life now! I went back to college and got a degree in the medical field where I can make a difference and be kind to people in need unlike Sweet Sherri and LeeAnn. There were others that were very unkind to me but fortunately for them and myself I have wiped them out of my memory! If you are new to the forum please steer clear of these 2 women on this and any other form of social media because they will turn on you in a flash! I will not know what they or anyone elso on this forum will reply because this will be my last time on here again until my next 5 years which will make it my 10 year anninversary. SO all of those who have had surgery I would like to propose a toast to you! CONGRATSULATIONS to you all! TO those of you who are going to have a RNY good luck and remember to heed my warnings to stay away from these women and be very leary of the rest because they are not your friends they just want you to think they are so they can kick you when you are down! 
Dr. Hazem N. Shamseddeen is my Gastric Bypass surgeon at St. Francis. He is excellent. The entire staff of St. Francis Weight Loss Center are thorough and excellent in treating patients. My Roux-en-y surgery was March, 2013, and I highly recommend Dr. Shamseddeen, and the wonderful Franciscan St. Francis Hospital.
I had my surgery with Dr. Cacucci in Carmel. I met her once at the seminar, and then I saw her again the day of surgery. If you have any questions, I would definitely call his office. I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
My surgery is scheduled for 4/17 and was just curious what to expect when I get to St. Vincents. I am having the Ds
Kim Gyurina, OH Staff · 0 replies · 491 views
