duodenal switch

I know this isn't the ds board, but I want your input too.  Do you know of anyone who has had the ds, how are they doing? Were you considering the ds for yourself, why or why didnt u choose it? Thanks.

Hi Bobbie, I had the RNY, and probably the primary reason for doing that is because my insurance doesn't consider DS safe because of the malnutrition componet of that surgery.  They will only cover RNY and sometimes lap-band. They want something with a proven track record that will leave their patient healthier without a greater risk of developing a deficiancy.  They are concerned that ds could leave you as vitamin deficiant and nutrient deficiant. I'm not sure how much of a problem that really is, but I know that was the concern and the reasons they gave for not covering it.  I have Kaiser Permanente insurance. This is surgery is serious business, and you are smart to look at all the options and make the decision that is best for you.

I am having the DS on Tuesday and I can't wait. Please read my profile for June 24 and you will see all the reasons I chose the DS as opposed to a different weight loss option. Best of luck and do your research till you find the one that is right for you. Hugs. Jo

I think I would have chosen DS if it had been an option for me, but it really wasn't as my insurance doesn't cover it and also there are few surgeons in the area that do it.

I have to disagree with one of the posters...the DS is just as safe as the RNY..regardless of what Kaiser has said.   Statistically the DS has the same surgical risk, and DSers (just like the RNY) develop nutritional deficiencies at about the same percent (ruffly 20 percent of all malabsorbtion pantients develop some type of deficencies...which can be tracked and fixed by doing regular blood work).  I had the DS in Feb. of 2006, I was 492 lbs the day of my consultation a month before surgery, I went into surgery at 472...and today I weigh 202 lbs.  I've lost almost all of my excess weight and am now preop for plastic surgery.   I have not had any major nutritional issues,  or surgical complications ( you can read my profile for more details about my journey, why I chose the DS  and for some sample menus from different stages). For a recap I chose the DS because it is the best surgery for the super morbidly obese.   That is not an opinion, that was the finding of Dr. Prachard at the University of Chicago's bariatric program, and Dr. Gagner's study comparing the RNY and the DS.   DSers lose a higher percentage of the excess weight, and have less regain then RNYers.   I should add here that the lap band and the VSG were really not options for me, my surgeon told me right up front that I wouldn't lose enough weight, and still be Morbidly obese weith either of those surgeries.  In addition to the better results with the DS....here are some reasons I did not have the RNY: Blind stomach ulcers (which can be deadly and have no symptoms) Marginal ulcers Stomas: strictures, stretched out stomas Dumping (feeling like your gonna die is a benefit? besides 50 percent of RNYers do not dump and for a majority they stop dumping after 2 years) I wanted a functioning stomach, it helps with absorbtion of  vitamins and minerals) In addition, I know I like to eat.  Hey I didn't get to 500 lbs by eating carrot sticks and gorging on wheat grass juice.   I knew I needed as much help as possible.   The whole "you have to use your tool" and living by "pouch rules" for the rest of my life wasn't realistic.  If I could do those things, I would have succeeded in dieting and keeping off the weight long term.   Today I eat about 3000-4000 calories on most days (some days up to 5000-6000).  My diet is a high fat (fat is malabsorbed at a 80 percent level with the DS), high protein, and now that I'm at goal...regular amounts of carbs...including rice, potatoes, bread,  ice cream, candy etc etc etc.  Before I hit goal, I would eat a lower carb diet....which wasn't that hard because the restriction in the beginning post op is very similar to the RNY...you spend most of your eating time, trying to get in enough protein).  I'm not saying the DS is perfect...it is not.  It does require dillegence in taking suppliments, it does require annual (or semi annual) blood work....but it's been the ABSOLUTE best decision I could have made for myself.  I wanted a weight loss surgery, that wouldn't punish me for the rest of my life, or fail me 2 or 3 years post op;  I wanted to have 1 weight loss sugery, and to be done with it. HOpe this answers your question........and please visit the DS forum on this site...it's the most supportive group of people you could ever imagine....as one of our DSers says in her signature line: Come to the DS side....we have cookies. Scott

Thank you all so much for the replies. I am leaning towards the DS. But I have medicaid. I have been told that they cover it, but I have also been told they do not. I'm going to call them this coming week and find out.  Thanks again.