Duodenal Switch at Bayview?

I have been persuing RNY, but I have heard some interesting things about DS and plan to look into it further.  I HAVE to have my surg at Hopkins because of my insurance.  So if you went to Bayview and had DS, who was your surgeon?  Tell me about your experiences.

I highly recommend Dr. Michael Schweitzer (www.smallscar.com) at Bayview.  He did my Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) on 6/11/09, which is the first part of the DS, but I am only having the sleeve done.  I had to have my LapBand (had that surgery 9/14/06) removed because of a lot of scar tissue which is why I was revised to the VSG.  Dr. S is an EXCELLENT surgeon and I trust him completely.  If you want specifics, just ask, I'm an open book.

p.s. Dr. Steele works with, and learned FROM, Dr. Schweitzer so I'm SURE she is also excellent!

Good morning,

Dr. Schweitzer is the only Dr. at Bayview that does the DS.  He however is only doing it in two parts now.  He has began requiring everyone to start with the sleeve.  He believes that most people do well with just the sleeve and do not need the full DS.  I want to say that after a year he will complete the DS if it is still necessary.

I think you can call Christine at Bayview and get the complete story on this, she is the program coordinator.

If you are considering a DS and there is ANY way to can go to another hospital I would advise it. I don't know your insurance situation but don't take at face value that you MUST go to Bayview ~ there may be other options. There are not a lot of long term studies on the effectivness of the VSG alone. It could get you to a weight that would make you ineligible for the intestinal part of the DS but still not get you to a normal BMI. See the problem?

That said, I have had a great outcome with my surgery and had a good experience with Dr. S (he is the only Bayview doc who did the DS) but could not in good conscience send a patient wanting a DS to him. I have only heard rumors as to why this change took place.

Please come over to the DS forum if you would like to learn more. We have several insurance gurus there who might be able to advise in that regard as well!

All the best!
Heather