Any DS regrets?

I'm somewhat leaning towards the Duodenal Switch WLS (or just the VB) and was wondering if any DS or VB recipients have had regrets??...wishing you got another surgery, complications, unbearable side effects, etc... I've pretty much researched the RNY and found that I wouldn't get along with the side effects, etc and I was just wanting to learn more about people who had the DS and what it's like. I want to go into this surgery with no suprises. Granted, I'm sure there will be a couple but I just want to expect the worst so I won't be too floored if the worst actually happens (*knock on wood that it doesn't*). I heard a few people say that waking up in recovery was rough as well. Anyways, anything will be helpful and greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Jennifer

No I am sorry, I do not even know what kind fo surgery that is. I am having the gastric bypass this Monday, Feb 14th. I wish you all the luck in your research. Please keep me up to date on what you decide. Lora P.S. Can you explain to me what DS is exactly? In comparison to RNY?

Hi Lora! Well for starters, you can go here and read about the Duodenal Switch procedure http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/DS/about.html I'm just learning about it myself so this site will probably help you out more than I will! But what I like about it is that you can keep the full length of your stomach (only about half is removed and you don't have a pouch) and you have the freedom to eat more foods. It's a slightly larger pouch so you can eat bigger portions and don't have to chew your food to mush since you have a higher degree of malabsorbtion. If you have a big sweet tooth and eat high fat foods, the RNY is for you because of the dumping or throwing up the bad foods. With the DS, it comes out the other way! lol Some people will say you have explosive dirrahea, etc but that's not the case with all the DS patients. They can eat the food that they know will cause diarrhea and just stay in the safety of their home when that happens. I love that fact more than the RNY because I HATE HATE HATE to throw up. It always freaked me out when I was kid and I still don't like it to this day. But that differs from person to person. The DS has the malabsorbtion where it won't absorb the calories, fats, sugars, etc - all the stuff that contributes to obsesity. That's why you have it come out the South-end instead of the North-end! I don't think the RNY has that - someone correct me if I'm wrong and I apologize if I'm incorrect on anything here... With the DS, you're less likely to have ulcers that you have with RNY.

Oops! DSers do absorb sugar. Sugar absorption starts on the tongue. (Drat!). The DS stomach is not a "pouch". It is the "real" stomach, but after surgery it looks like a banana. Stomal ulcers are not a problem because the stomach remains the "holding tank" for food and the pyeloric valve remains intact so that gastric fluids do not come into contact with mucosa as happens with the RnY's pouch. DSers have complete freedom of choice with food. High fat food contributes to loose stools and refined carbs seem to really get the methane bellows blowing. I'm told a product called Devrom helps with gas odor, and GasX with the gas. The only time I have gas is when I eat something like a few potato chips. (Naughty me!) I rarely have loose stools. I've never had "accidents" in public. I've never, not for a moment regreted having the DS. I work out, and thanks to that and the fact that I get in a lot of protein, I'm not losing a significant amount of muscle mass--a situation that challenges anyone with rapid weight loss. Good luck. Roz DS 8/4/04 246/145/125

"The DS has the malabsorbtion where it won't absorb the calories, fats, sugars, etc - all the stuff that contributes to obsesity. That's why you have it come out the South-end instead of the North-end! I don't think the RNY has that - someone correct me if I'm wrong and I apologize if I'm incorrect on anything here." Hey there Jennifer, I just wanted to say that I think it's wonderful that you are researching your options and choosing what is best for you. And, I will be the one to correct you on the RNY and malabsorption..LOL RNY is not only a restrictive procedure, it is a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive (Intestines are rerouted as well due to the formation of the pouch). That's why some Rny'ers get "dumping", because they can't absorb sugar...it just "dumps" into the intestine. Luckily, I have not experienced that yet, nor have I experienced ulcers, vomitting, "foamies", no complications *Thank God*. I think all of these surgeries are different for each and every one of us. Because, like snowflakes, every one of us is unique. Just thought you should know and anyone else *****ads this so they are not misinformed. And don't worry about it, none of us know everything about these surgeries, if we did...there would be no need for these WoNdeRfuL boards!! Again, I wish you luck and am sure whatever you choose will be right for you! -Phoenix 287/231/150

Here are some more websites to check out... This has a chart of all the WLS procedures where you can compare what is done and the pros/cons of all them... http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html http://www.lapsf.com/duodenal-switch-weight-loss-surgery.php I wish you the best of luck in your upcoming surgery! What a great Valentines gift!!

Jennifer I am researching the various surgeries at this time. Thanks for these websites...I've been trying to make an educated comparison. Linda

You're very welcome Linda. I've researched for about 3 weeks nonstop so I still don't know all I need to but if you want to talk or ask me any questions, feel free to email me! Jennifer

Great chart!

I asked the same question just a few threads below yours, but I mistakenly put DDS... Anyway, you might want to read the repsonces to my post too... I am having the DS, and will get my surgery date this week.