African American Dsers
DaTrace --
In short, no, there are no stats specific to AAs and the DS that I am aware of. DSes comprise only about 10-15% of bariatric surgieries currently performed in the US. If you then factor in the percentage of AA patients in the bariatric community, it's relatively simple to deduce why AAs are underepresented relative to the DS.
Many of the factors that should be considered are patient-specific, not necessarily related to ethnicity. Have you had any pre-op labs run yet? Suggest that you get a full metabolic panel (including iron, ferritin, hematacrit), glucose, triglycerides, D-25, PTH-Intact and Calcium to get a baseline. Understanding how your body currently metabolizes food may be a big help in making a final decision.
Believe it or not, MANY overweight people are deficient in several vitamins and don't even know it. If you do decide to go w/the DS, there are things you can do to try to get your levels in tip top shape prior to going in. It'll make maintaining great labs that much easier.
In short, no, there are no stats specific to AAs and the DS that I am aware of. DSes comprise only about 10-15% of bariatric surgieries currently performed in the US. If you then factor in the percentage of AA patients in the bariatric community, it's relatively simple to deduce why AAs are underepresented relative to the DS.
Many of the factors that should be considered are patient-specific, not necessarily related to ethnicity. Have you had any pre-op labs run yet? Suggest that you get a full metabolic panel (including iron, ferritin, hematacrit), glucose, triglycerides, D-25, PTH-Intact and Calcium to get a baseline. Understanding how your body currently metabolizes food may be a big help in making a final decision.
Believe it or not, MANY overweight people are deficient in several vitamins and don't even know it. If you do decide to go w/the DS, there are things you can do to try to get your levels in tip top shape prior to going in. It'll make maintaining great labs that much easier.
HW 344 / SW 333.7 / GW 180 H: 5'8
Well I didn't Have the DS done yet. Matter fact My doctor says I'm doing well with the VSG. It's been 4 months since my surgery and I'm done 102 pds already.
So many people are used to getting the RNY because it's been around much longer than other gastric surgeries. Before you take that big step, just make sure you do as much research as possible for ur self before you do anything.
So many people are used to getting the RNY because it's been around much longer than other gastric surgeries. Before you take that big step, just make sure you do as much research as possible for ur self before you do anything.
God is good all the time!
I'm a DSer!!!!
I don't know the stats, but consider the following:
1. Less people get DS than RNY of any race not just black.
2. DS cost more, so self pay would likely get RNY
3. Less insurance plans cover DS
4. Less people are educated about the DS
5. Less black people get wls than whites overall for any wls surgery types. It is more acceptible in AA culture to be thick, fat, heavy. AA culture still has some negative views of wls. This is changing w/ some of our celebs like Randy Martin, Al Roker, Khalia Ali and Star Jones coming out.
6. There are few if African American surgeons that do the DS. I don't know of but 1 and he has only done 1 DS as an "experiment". All of the "popular" DS surgeons are white. Many AA people feel more comfy with an AA surgeon.
If you have insurance that covers DS or have the cash for self pay. Please consider it as one of your options.
I don't know the stats, but consider the following:
1. Less people get DS than RNY of any race not just black.
2. DS cost more, so self pay would likely get RNY
3. Less insurance plans cover DS
4. Less people are educated about the DS
5. Less black people get wls than whites overall for any wls surgery types. It is more acceptible in AA culture to be thick, fat, heavy. AA culture still has some negative views of wls. This is changing w/ some of our celebs like Randy Martin, Al Roker, Khalia Ali and Star Jones coming out.
6. There are few if African American surgeons that do the DS. I don't know of but 1 and he has only done 1 DS as an "experiment". All of the "popular" DS surgeons are white. Many AA people feel more comfy with an AA surgeon.
If you have insurance that covers DS or have the cash for self pay. Please consider it as one of your options.
**** I AM AN OH SUPPORT GROUP LEADER ****
WHY I CHOSE DS: No dumping. Highest percentage of weight loss, Best long term results, Won't regain weight! Eat normal sized meals, 96% diabeties, 90% high blood pressure, 80% sleep apnea cured. I 
MY DS!
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four unless there were three other people. ~Orson Wells
Chelle B.
on 8/6/09 2:52 am
on 8/6/09 2:52 am
Hey there, I haven't been to BAF in a long time due to workload and such, but I checked in and saw your post.
I have some good DS friends who can help you with any level of research on the DS as well as help in getting the insurance to approve it.
My take: DS'ers love their surgery. They can continue to eat a lot, and never feel deprived. There are some side effects that may occur due to a higher fat diet.
I got the band because I wanted the least invasive surgery. I love my band, AND my replacement band - but being a bandster does require some self control.
RNY "might" cause dumping for some people - not all.
PM me if you would like names of people who can answer DS questions. Good luck!
I have some good DS friends who can help you with any level of research on the DS as well as help in getting the insurance to approve it.
My take: DS'ers love their surgery. They can continue to eat a lot, and never feel deprived. There are some side effects that may occur due to a higher fat diet.
I got the band because I wanted the least invasive surgery. I love my band, AND my replacement band - but being a bandster does require some self control.
RNY "might" cause dumping for some people - not all.
PM me if you would like names of people who can answer DS questions. Good luck!
Be careful, or you may find yourself in my novel...
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