DS Friends - Could you pls connect with RNY poster?

Hi Tammy,

These DSr's will be able to help you get started, I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I'm glad you were able to have an open mind about checking into a different surgery.  Hopefully I didn't upset you by coming to this forum and asking folks to check in with you and talk to you - I just couldn't stand the thought of you going through an RnY and likely not having the success you want and NEED.  I wouldn't have been able to live with myself without at least bringing these folks in to the discussion.  I mean, this is your LIFE we are talking about here.

Anywho, I just know this will work out for you.  The DS forum peeps will be very helpful in getting you moving in the right direction and helping you with any changes you need to make.  Since you've done all the pre-op tests you should just be able to move straight into a new surgery date with a DS doc, I'm sure they'll accept your current test results.  Good luck to you, and good for you for not being afraid to make a last minute change.  You won't regret it.

aawwwww, thanks!  (blushing)....

just hate to see someone go through a wls only to be SO likely to have to not have it work and have to do the correct one later.

Thanks to YOU GUYS for taking the time to post to Tammy.  You've really turned her situation around=)

"As I said on my post on the RNY board, my greatest concern was that I HAVE changed my eating habits.  I eat healthier than anyone I know.  I am diligent in taking supplements.  I log every morsel that passes between my lips and rarely do I indulge above 1500 calories a day, with an average of 1100.  I have health problems that limit my ability to exercise vigorously.  I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and take several medications for that.  With all I've done, I am repeatedly disappointed that the scale barely moves.  "

Tammy, you sound just like me! The reasons you cite are the exact ones I had for picking the DS over the RNY. I'm only a few months out so I'm not at goal yet, but I have no regrets! I haven't been able to loose this much weight on my own, and it's a relief that FINALLY I am seeing the scale move consistently. Sadly I cannot advise on the insurance situation, but I highly recommend Dr. Stewart in Denton TX.

Best of luck to you, I'm very glad that you're looking in to the DS.

Yeah Tammy!

Wonderful to see u here. Remember to keep asking questions, keep an open mind and just keep plugging away until you get the surgery you want. I agree, being confident in your surgeon and the choice of surgery is paramount. This is not an area to be 'unsure'. It's your life you are dealing with and that's major.

Keep us on track as you make your decision etc. The board is here for you, utilize it. There are some wonderful and wise people here; without whom I don't know what I would have done.

Dana

HURRAY!!!!!  

Well, the best place to start looking for a DS surgeon is www.dsfacts.com . There are some other good surgeons who are not (yet) on that list, but it's an excellent starting point.

Yup, you need the DS for medication reasons alone. Obviously RA doesn't go away with weight loss. And you're already a devoted pill swallower, so learning a DS supplement regimen will be a breeze at least in the pill taking department :-). 

Next steps: Read several pages of this forum. There are many common/recurring questions that you'll see answered over and over in various ways and that will help. Keep reading the stuff on DS Facts. Look at the info on Dr. Douglas Hess's website, the surgeon who pioneered the DS as it is currently done today: www.dshess.com .

That'll keep you going for a bit :-).

I changed my surgery of choice from RNY to DS at month 4 of the 6 month pre surgery requirement.  The bariatric center that I am going to has a DS surgon though.  I had to see the nutritionist  again to go over the DS and the Dr again.  Everything was still usable with the change.  I hope you find a new Dr and get approved for the DS.  Good luck

Welcome, Tammy. May I suggest that you call Dr. Stewart's office in the morning?

Good luck and keep reading and posting.

I also started out with the RNY mindset until my surgeon suggested DS to me. I'm so glad that I checked into it further. (I tend to get an idea in my head sometimes and am too hard-headed to change it.) I wanted to not only lose the most weight possible, but also keep it off. I'm glad that w/DS I won't have to completely stop taking my NSAIDS or caffeine and that I will still be able to drink with my meals.