Different types of WLS

So I've been reading about these different types of WLS. It's rather confusing if you ask me! I have a question. Will the surgeon suggest what would be best for me or is up to me? Confused......Jess

Ultimately, it's up to you. He/she can't make you get a surgery you don't want. That said, make sure the surgeon gives you enough info to make an informed decision. Also make sure the the surgeon you are going to doesn't argue against a specific surgery just because he/she doesn't do it. I've seen that happen. Bottom line: Be informed. The surgeries are different and have life-long consequences. jayme

Thanks! I think I've heard that the surgeon I'm going to likes lap bands best. But from what I've heard about them I don't want one. So I'm hoping he has changed his ways! Thanks again! ~Jess~

Jess, first I would love to be your angle as I am a "band lover" I had mine over 3 years ago and have maintained within 10 pounds since I was a year out. I lost 140 pounds and my health now is exceptional!I feel 20 years youngse and have been told I look it too! Since you are in Alliance I bet your having your surgery in SB?? I am one of Dr. Holloways first 100 banders and he and I are very good friends now. I also started the support group in NP, chapter leader for NE, and have started several supports in NE. I have been lucky enough to attend the national convention in Hollywood last year for OH and the conference in Denver in July. I understand there isnt any support groups in Alliance and I would love to come help you or anyone else start one...you name the time and I would come. Hope to hear from you soon, Hugs Beth in NP

Oh I'm so excited to have you as an Angel!!! Yes I will be having surgery in SB. My Dr referred me to Dr. G Forney. Wow I'm so amazed at the training you've had in this. That's great!! You are right we don't have a support group here. I know it was mentioned one time on here that someone was hoping to start one or something. I'm not sure. I sure wish we did have one here! I know there is in SB. I'm in the process of trying to find a good WLS book. I want more info on the different types etc. I have done so much reading on this that now I'm confused. ~Jess~

Jess, Welcome to this site and hold on to your "panties" -- this is a wild ride. Since you are in the "checking out things" stage, you might also want to consider the DS. You have one the country's foremost Duodenal Switch surgeon's in Gary Anthone...I believe he's in Omaha now. He is from LA, USC Medical school but recently decided he wanted to move back to his roots in Nebraska. One of our most active "posters" is having her sixth month check=up with him today so I'll have her get in touch with you when she checks in. The DS has been around for quite a while now. It affords us a more "normal" lifestyle in that our stomach is retained in its original form with the pyloric valve still intact, but a part of the stomach is removed so that we cannot eat as much. The second "half" of the surgery is where the small intestine is divided into two parts, one hooked up to the stomach (as normal) and the other half to the liver...then both parts are rehooked up into what we call a common channel where the gastric juices (stomach) and enzymes (liver) meet and digestion occurs. Because of this we don't absorb 90% of fats we eat as well as about 50% of protein. Therefore it is very difficult for any weight regain to happen. There's a site "GRDS.com" where you can get lots of questions answered as well as the Duodenal Switch forum on this site, available thru the pull down menu on the left side as you enter the home page. Good luck -- remember this is your body. Ask lots of questions and do lots and lots of research. You will ultimately make the best choice for yourself. Talk to lots of people, too. Trust their experience, not their opinions. By the way, I had my surgery on November 9, 2004 and have lost 91 pounds so far. My high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high tryglycerides have all been reversed and I am no longer at risk for Diabetes as the DS "cures" type II forever. Yeah. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Best regards, Fern B. 267/176/150 (who knows?)

Fern, I pasted in www.grds.com and got a domain for sale page.

Oy...it's GR-DS, which I see you've already figured out. Actually that site is now "dssurgery.com". So there. Thanks for your sterling editing ability. You go girl! Fern B. 267/176/150 (who knows?)

Fern asked me to review her post and correct her if she described the DS incorrectly, and I have just a teensy correction to avoid confusion -- where she said "The second "half" of the surgery is where the small intestine is divided into two parts, one hooked up to the stomach (as normal) and the other half to the liver...then both parts are rehooked up into what we call a common channel where the gastric juices (stomach) and enzymes (liver) meet and digestion occurs" -- I would describe it like this: The malabsorptive part of the surgery is constructed by dividing the small intestine in two places -- one, right below the stomach in the middle of the duodenum and the other about in the middle of the small intestine. The upper part of the lower half of the intestine is reattched to the bottom of the cut duodenum to create an alimentary tract, which is where the food goes. The rest of the upper half of the small intestine is then reattached in a sort of "Y" shape -- first, the top of the cut end of the second half of the duodenum is sealed, and becomes the biliopancreatic limb or tract, called that because it still is attached to the ducts that connect the liver (for bile secretion into the intestine) and pancreas (for pancreatic enzyme secretion into the intestine) to the intestine -- so those digestive materials which are required to digest fat, and to help digest protein and complex carbs, are now separate from the alimentary tract. The bottom part of this piece of intestine is then attached to the alimentary tract by making a "Y" junction about 100 cm from the large bowel. Thus, as the food passes from the stomach to the colon, it doesn't come in contact with the bile and digestive enzymes -- which trickle down the biliopancreatic limb to the "Y" junction -- until the last 3 feet or so of small intestine (called the common channel, where food and digestive products meet). This limits the amount of absorption of food you eat. Bah, I always get too wordy. I was just trying to explain how the intestine could be joined to the liver -- it sort of is, because it is NORMALLY (and to the pancreas too).

Diana, you're the bomb! Love, Fern P.S. I'm printing your response so I have it handy next time I need it.