Duodenal Switch surgeon

I seem to need help once again with surgeons. I got my referral from my PCP and I've been trying to call Dr Schweitzer's office for 3 weeks to set up an appointment. The first time I left a message on Debbie's voice mail. Didn't hear anything. The second time I talked to a receptionist and she took my info and said she'd give it to Dr S and he'd have to call me to set up the initial consult. Didn't hear anything. Called again on Monday, talked to Debbie, she said I had to e-mail my info to Dr S, he'd review it, then call me. Still haven't heard anything. I'm going to try one more time on Monday but I'm not optomistic. So, I'm now looking for another surgeon who does the duodenal switch. Has anyone seen Dr Singh? My mom's boyfriend's son (did you follow that?) actually just had WLS this week with Dr Singh but he had Rxn-y. I'd like to hear from someone who had DS with him. One thing i did hear that I liked about Dr Singh was the amount of time it took for my friend to go through the process. For Dr Schweitzer someone told me it took them 4-5 months to even get in for the initial consult. My friend who just had surgery made it through the whole process in about 6 months. Of course I want someone thorough and careful but, holy cow, 5 months to even get in for the initial consult? I'm very impatient. If I have to wait that long, I will, obviously. But, if I hear good things about Dr Singh's practice I may give them a call. Or, if anyone else has had the DS and has any recommendations for a surgeon?

Did you email them...they are really busy, but on the web site the request you email your request for consult. Try one last time DARN---I wish you would have posted this 3 days ago because I had an appt for Monday that I just canceled. It may not be filled yet. maybe call Monday morning to see if it's still available...it was 2/9/2006 at around 11am (I think)

Hi, Tina. Dr. Singh's office does not do the DS. I can tell you that I was also considering the DS a year ago and gave up on my surgery because the insurance company wouldn't approve it. They did approve me for the RNY a year ago, but I wouldn't have it because that wasn't what I wanted. As my health continued to deterioate, I decided I would go with the RNY in order to have this surgery. I won't knock the DS because I know it's a very hard decision to make. However, I will tell you that I'm very happy with my decision to have the RNY with Dr. Singh. Having the surgery laparascopically allowed me to have a very speedy recovery. As far as the type of foods you can eat, the nutritionist doesn't tell you that there are certain foods that you can't ever have again, because everyone is different and has different tolerances. I had also considered Dr. Sweitzer, but even with two insurances, his office wanted $5,000 up front. That wasn't an option for me. Unfortunately, he is the only surgeon in the immediate area doing the DS. The next closest surgeon is Dr. Elariny in VA. I wish you the best in choosing the surgery and doctor that is best for you. Robin

Hi Tina, On Dr. S's website - it says that you have to email for an appointment. I did and I was called within 10 days of sending the email. I know that for *some* insurances, he charges an extra fee but my insurance company (Alliance PPO) paid for everything and he didn't charge me anything extra. I really love Dr. S - he did mine lap on Dec 1st. Email me if you have any questions! Dawn 303/259/150