I finally got an appointment

Well actually I am going to my first seminar in Nashville at Centennial. I have been waiting so long just to get this far. I know I have a long road in front of me but I am determined to have wls and lead a more healthy life. I have a goal to lose at least 75 pounds before January 18,2010. That is the day my husband and me are gonna renew our wedding vows. It will be 20 years of marriage. That may not be practical to think I could lose that much in just a year but I'm hoping to. I cant wait till January 10th to go to my first seminar yeah!!!!!!!!!

I hate the cliche:  A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!  Maybe because I was so afraid to take so many first steps on several occasions...  However, going to the seminar at Centennial was the best first step I've ever taken and I hope it is for you as well.  I also have faith that you will reach your goal for your anniversary. Keep us posted.

Thank you so much and if you dont mind do they offer the duodenal switch at Centennial? That is the operation that I think would be best for me.

Yes!  You'll want Dr. Houston.  He did mine.  I think Dr. Olsen was going to start doing them, but I don't  know if he's started yet.  You can find out at the seminar.  If you don't mind, would you PM me after you go?  I'm curious to see how much about the DS is being discussed.  I went to my first seminar over 3 years ago and it was just lap band and RNY.  I as so glad now that I was initially denied because when I started doing all my research again, I learned about the DS.  I realize that surgery choice is a very personal decision and I'm happy for anyone who undergoes WLS and improves their health, no matter what method they choose.

I sure will let you know what all they say about the ds. I was originally thinking about the lap band but after reading alot of research I know it is not for me. I read Dr. Houstons profile and I am swaying his way. In fact none of the other surgeons even state on their profile that they do the ds. I am sure the ds is what I want I just wonder if the doc will think so. Is it harder to get over? I am gonna discuss the ds operation and let them know that is what I really would rather have. I hear its more aggresive but the resukts are better and last longer.

Dr. Houston seemed very open to what I wanted.  At least he didn't try to change my mind.  He was also very patient explaining it to DH who was with me at the initial consult.  I guess my DH isn't too good at hiding his anxious face.   As far as it being harder to get over, I have nothing to compare it with.  I think it takes a little bit longer to do than an RNY, but when I read about them it seemed like the DS was less drastic because of preserving the pyloric valve.  I'm not basing this on anything scientific, just my (pardon the next word) "gut" feeling.  I think the malabsorption is more drastic.  Dr. Houston tends to make a smaller sleeve than some DS surgeons because he wants his patients to rely more on the restriction part and use the malabsorptive part as a back-up.  If he gives the seminar, you'll be able to ask him then. 

They offer the DS, but when I called to ask about it, they said they didn't do very many of them.   Dr. Spaw is also in Nashville and I'm thinking he's approaching or has done 100 of them.   Which isn't a LOT for the DS, but he's such a good surgeon in general, I'm confident everything will be okay.

Good luck with your seminar!   Dr. Huston is great, too.

Dennie