DS in MN

Anyone had the DS surgery in MN?  Wondering how it went and is the Dr. Buchwasl (SP) the only one here out of the U  of M?  How are you doing how did u com up with this decision instead on RNY? 
thanks

I had the DS with Dr. Buchwald and am thrilled!
I weighed the pros & cons of all the surgeries and decided I wanted the DS.

Please visit us on the DS board and ask lots of questions....and feel free to PM me with any questions you have about the DS lifestyle, Dr. Buchald, my experience or anything else!  I'm happy to answer!

Good luck!

 Dr. Ikramuddin is also out of the U of M.  They are both great surgeons.  I chose Dr I because I wanted the DS done laproscopically (it ended up being changed to open) and because I knew in the future Dr. I  will be the only one performing the DS, unless they bring someone else in if they haven't already.  I had surgery a little over 5 months ago and feel great and am extremely happy with my weight loss so far.  I came to this decision to have the DS because I was, (to be honest), "too fat" for the clinic I was going to and after six months of going there they said they couldn't do the surgery because of my weight.  I transferred to the U of M and Dr I  told me about the DS and said he does not like doing the RNY on people of my weight.  (He showed me 3 different published studies why, and there was no looking back.

Please research the DS extensively because you need to be your own advocate in your health, especially after surgery.  Go to the DS forum here and DSfacts.com if you are interested in getting the DS.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Jeff.  

Thanks guys for responding to me.  I think I need to attend one of there seminars and maybe meet with one of them to discuss it.  Not sure if my insurance will apporve it with out a refferal or not.  Appreciate the repsonse.

just one more reason to come over to the DS board
lotsa smart folks can help with insurance issues too
which, btw, if you can get approved for RNY you can appeal for the DS - that's what I did!

I tried to PM you but it seems that you are private.  CAn I ask what your BMI was? and what were your issues in gaining weight?

 I had an open Duodenal Switch with Dr. Buchwald. Love him and his bedside manner! As Jeff said, Dr. I does the DS as well, and can perform laparoscopically.

I was planning to have the RNY but always felt nervous with that decision. Then, I found information on OH about the DS and all of my fears were gone to be honest. Everything I wanted out of a weight loss surgery was found with the DS.

I have lost 165 pounds with my DS and I am just entering into maintenance mode at 15 months post op (reached goal about a week ago). And I think back to my struggle getting approved (fought my ass off to get covered!) and honestly, I'm just so pleased with my decision and the DS that I really almost forget what life was like before - miserable, I remember that, but it's like this has been my stomach all along - just my appearance is different or something.

PM me if you have any specifics and for sure, visit the DS board on OH. Lots of vets to help you out!!

Oh - and just to let you know, there is a MN DS'er who started her own business who's sole purpose is to assist potential DS'ers with insurance help, so don't rule out the DS just because of your insurance at this point!