ISO: DS surgeon in DC/MD/VA who accepts BCBS

Any suggestions?  I  have a appointment with Dr. Afram in two weeks.  His website says her performs DS, but I called yesterday to double check and his staff said, he know longer does this type of surgery. 

You could check with St. Agnes?  Doctors Singh, Averbach and Von Ruden operate out of there, and Dr. Singh is my doc and I have BCBS.  I do know that they do Gastric Bypass, Lapband and the Vertical Gastric Sleeve, but not sure about the DS but worth a shot if you're considering other options?  Plus they are offering the new Stomaphyx and Esophyx surgeries which are done through the mouth.

410-368-8725 is the number if you want to call and find out any particulars.

Thank you. Sugar!  I'll check it out.  Is St. Agnes in B'more?

The only doctor i saw listed at dsfacts.com in Maryland that does DS is Vanguri.

I know that Von Rueden does not do it.

Vanguri, but not sure how many he's done.

Schweitzer of Johns Hopkins will do a DS but in TWO steps, not all at one time.  He used to but recently changed his policy.

Hazem Elariny I believe is in VA.  Not sure if he accepts insurance tho.

Those are the only ones I'm aware of in this area.

NEVER heard of Afram for the DS and I had done quite a bit of research on this surgery type for myself.

Good luck

Angie, thanks for the information.  When you say that Schweitzer does it in two steps, does that mean two different operations?  Is this done days or months apart?

Yes, 2 different operations.  He'll do the Sleeve portion first, and then, if you still need it about a year later, the 2nd part - the switch or intestional re-route if you will, as a 2nd operation.

Word is he made this change in policy because he feels most people will be successful with the sleeve alone.  

The DS is the 'granddaddy' of weight loss surgeries and the patient MUST be vigilant about supplements and labs or they run a risk of vitamin deficiencies/malnutrition.    My opinion is that he's concerned about the non-vigilant patient getting this surgery and holding him responsible. (or maybe that already happened?  I don't know.)

Uhmmm, okay.  I haven't researched VSG at all. I guess that's next on my TA DO list.   I really was turned off with th RNY when I read that you can NEVER eat certain foods again.  I don't know.  Hell, back to the drawing board, I supposed. 

I had RNY October of 2007 and I have yet to experience a food that I cannot eat. Portion definitely. Where I could eat a huge bowl of ice cream before, my body lets me know after a couple of tablespoons that it's done. Whereas before I could a bar of candy or two, now 1 square is enough to put me in a sugar coma like state. I even drink, 1 beer is usually enough or 1 mized drink. Every now and then, I have done a shot as well.

No problems with any meats, veggies, carbs ...

I know everyone's experiences are different but as far as mine go, my RNY hasn't limited my food in any way except for portion.

I would not say that you could NEVER eat certain foods again, it all depends on you personally. Some people have no intolerances, some have a lot.  For me, personally, I didn't care for the RNY because I do take NSAIDS for migraines and RNY'ers cannot take NSAIDS - it's bad on the pouch.

I loved the idea of the DS; however, you MUST be vigilant about your vits and supplements. Well with all surgeries you must be vigilant, but the consequences could easily be more severe with the DS as they absorb so little of what they injest.  I am not proceeding with the DS because I'm in a place in my life where that truly scares ME.  I also don't have anyone in my life right now who I feel could go to bat for me if I'm in a coma or something and unable to make my own decisions. Hospitals are not all familiar with the specific nutritional needs of DS'ers.

Go check out the DS board... there are many who truly LOVE their decision. The biggest thing to contend with is sometimes gas from eating white flour items so they just determine WHEN to eat the items that may bother them. Several have no intolerances. 

Check out each board - lap band, RnY, DS, VSG.  Check out the revision boards.  I can't offer any opinions on the lap band or RnY because I decided early on those were not for ME but they might be right for you.

Best wishes....

Angie