DS Complications????

Any one who has the DS and have any complications? Anybody 1 month-2yrs post-op? I am looking for answers? So far it seems like I have not read anything negative about the DS, so maybe if I posted this someone might reply with some information? Lez

Hi Leslie I have not had this surgery. I am scheduled to have another type of WLS surgery 3/31. I just wanted you to know that I have seen people with severe malnutrion after DS. I have had 2 patients come back for revisons because they were so malnurished/weak/pale and were really sick. I know not all people have these problems. Maybe these people didnt follow their surgeons instructions. This surgery you can eat what ever you want, but poor choices cause big problems 2-3 years down the road. I think any WLS is a life changing event which requires total dedication to the rules. I wish you much luck on your search. And if you decide on surgery learn all you can. Cherylynn

Hi Cherylynn, What type of surgery are you getting? I have a question for you. You said sometime down the line, you can suffer severe malnutrition with the DS, does that also appy to the RNY too :ohoh:? Do you know what is it that can cause the severe malnutrition? Leslie

I am pre-op. But from all I have read it seems malnutrition is more of a problem with the RNY. If you post this question on the DS forum there are plenty of folks over there who can answer your questions.

Actually, the DS is considered to be "more malabsorption" and the RNY is considered "more restrictive". Either one can have probs with nutrition, but I think it has the potential to be much more severe with the DS.

The only way you can have severe malnutrition with the DS is if you stop taking your vitamins and stop seeing your surgeon. A lot of people think that after a year, 2 years, 3 years, or more after the surgery they can stop seeing their surgeon on scheduled visits and slow down their intake of vitamins and supplements. My surgeon has a required schedule of appointments after you have the surgery - 2 weeks after, 1 month after, 6 months after, 18 months after, 1 year, 2 year, etc... Blood work is required every month for the rest of your life to make sure you're getting the right nutrition. So is taking vitamins. That is NOT an option! When people get a few years out of surgery, they still have to keep track of their vitamin intake and PCP visits. Lacking to do so is the reason that there is a 30% chance of nutrition deficiency. However, there is also a 30% chance of nutrition deficiency with the RNY as well...not JUST the DS! Even though the malabsorbtion is greater with the DS, you can still have severe malnutrition with the RNY as well. Malnutrition is the most popular complication involved with the DS...I haven't really heard of any other. However, malnutrition is preventable and easily treated if caught in time.

Hi Jennifer, I had the DS on June 4 2002 and I had problems with malnutrition. I never got to the point of really getting to take my vitamins. I couldn't kept them down from the beggining. I lost from 296 to 126 and then had to go get a revision. I'm now back up to 177 and gaining I'm not sure what the solution is but all I know is that you really have to be careful and make sure you research. I'm thinking about doing something, what I don't know! I hope all works out for you and even though I had complications I wouldn't change a thing and would do it all over again for the weight I lost and for the new life I've gained!

Hi there, Just a reminder that there's a Duodenal Switch Forum as well. Perhaps posting on that forum would give you more answers.