Looking for DS information

Hi. I have an appointment with Dr. S on July 2. I want to discuss having DS. I have a BMI of 60.2. Has anyone out there had DS surgery with Dr. S? Has anyone had WLS with a BMI close to mine? I finally realized that no diet was going to work for me. I was going to give the lap band a try. But when I got onto Dr. S's website and started doing research, I realized that DS is the way for me to go. Could anyone tell me what the pre-op testing for DS entails? I am enjoying this forum very much. It is very informative. Thank you. Jo

Is that you Joanna!!!!! I know it is! I think that there is one or two on here that has had DS done, but not sure if they have had Dr. S or not. I think the DS is a happy medium (between the band and RNY) that will work better for you. It takes a fair amount of discipline with the band because it's easy to eat around it. Love you girl!!!!! Hug those babies for me!!!! Everyone else, be nice to my JoJo, she is one of my very best friends.

Krissandra had the DS hopefully soon she will see your post and answer your question. Best wishes in your journey. Cira

Hi, I have my appt with him May 14 -- check out the DS forum too. Krissandra is the bomb, I'm sure she'll get back with you. I too had thought the band but realized that it wouldn't work for me so I'm an hoping for the DS. Good luck and welcome! Nancy

Hi there Nancy, I was wondering I thought in order to be considered for the DS your bMI has tio be 50 and above.. Is that correct? keep me posted of your appoitment and what the dr says. Good luck Cira

The reqs for the DS aren't any different than for the others -- I have comorbs and other issues which I'm thinking would rule out the band and the RNY. Of course, I haven't had my appt yet and Dr. S may say something different, but there are DSers on the boards who started out w/BMIs less than 50 and 40 (almost a moot point for me -- I'm only 5 lbs or so shy of a BMI of 40). Clear as mud right?! I'll know more after my consult, cross all your toesies! Nancy

That's great! When I was first looking into surgery I wanted the DS. But I was reading that you needed a very high BMI over 50 and my insurance only covered RNY. Also I coud not see Dr. S with my insurance. But I am happy with my doctor he is great. I want to wish you the best keep us posted I love to hear all about it. Cira

Hi Jo and welcome to the boards. I do not know anything about DS but wanted to welcome you. Best wishes on our wls journey and keep posting

Jo, Dr. S did my DS last Sept. Since then I have lost about 125 lb. It is the best thing I've ever done for myself. You are right that if you qualify for WLS, you qualify for the DS. My reasons for wanting the DS were: 1). Highest percentage of excess weight loss. 2). Lowest percentage of weight re-gain. 3). Minimal chance of dumping syndrome. 4). No blind stomach. 5). Can take NSAID's. 6). Longer weight loss "window". 7). Can drink fluids with meals. Because of the malabsorption component, you must be totally committed to taking your vitamin supplements every day, and getting in all of your protein requirements. I can't encourage you enough to read all that you can get your hands on about all of the different surgeries, and decide which is right for you. You can check out the Duodenal Switch forum on this website, for more information, or go to duodenalswitch.com. That website if totally devoted to the DS, and is chock-full of great information. Be assured that Dr. S will be a straight arrow with you, and will help you to make your decision about the best procedure for you. You will be in great hands, and will do well with whatever you decide. Good luck! M

Heather, sorry, but I am not the Joanna you thought I was. :-) Thank you everyone for all the support. Marcia thank you for responding with the information you did. I really appreciate it. It makes me even more confident that DS with Dr. S is the way to go. If you don't mind my asking, what was your starting BMI or weight. What did you have to do pre-op besides a psy and nutr consult. Does Dr. S require a special pre-op diet. Did you have to have any kind of endoscopy, does he require a bowel prep for surgery? And speaking of bowels...how are you doing with gas and the like? What kind of vitamin regimine are you on and what kinds do you take? I am so looking forward to this surgery. I am traveling on business and between the places I have to go this week, I will be flying in 5 little prop planes. UGH!! Thank you again. Jo