Seriously, noone in my state does the DS?
wow! so i really just got to reading about the DS tonight, and looking at before after pics etc, and it kindof seems like the best of both worlds. sleeve goodness, rny goodness, can be reversed if need be, wow! but noone in my state does it. I can't belive it!
I suppose I could get the sleeve now, and if it's not doing it for me, then I could revise later?
I suppose I could get the sleeve now, and if it's not doing it for me, then I could revise later?
Where do you live? We can suggest many super D.S. surgeons in the East, middle and West in the US. Traveling takes a bit more planning, well worth having the best experienced surgeons for this kind of surgery.
It is more advantageous to have the D.S. as one procedure for maximum weight loss, reaching goal weight. If done in 2 parts, less weight is usually lost because the body has ways of holding on to the weight. Its not as easy to lose it. The usual surgery risks would be doubled with 2 surgeries. They say "Think twice, cut once". A virgin D.S. is the best way to go. I had this and am at my goal weight in 8 months. Its a life changing experience. I look like a completely different person. All my comorbidities are gone. My arthritis hip and knee pain is gone too. I couldnt take one step without pain before. Now I am exercising and walking 2-3 miles pain free. Having the D.S. was the best choice because of keeping the pilorus for digestion with a normal diet. I can eat any kinds of foods with no problems . I am so happy with my life now, and the positive healthy changes for longevity, thanks to the D.S.
It is more advantageous to have the D.S. as one procedure for maximum weight loss, reaching goal weight. If done in 2 parts, less weight is usually lost because the body has ways of holding on to the weight. Its not as easy to lose it. The usual surgery risks would be doubled with 2 surgeries. They say "Think twice, cut once". A virgin D.S. is the best way to go. I had this and am at my goal weight in 8 months. Its a life changing experience. I look like a completely different person. All my comorbidities are gone. My arthritis hip and knee pain is gone too. I couldnt take one step without pain before. Now I am exercising and walking 2-3 miles pain free. Having the D.S. was the best choice because of keeping the pilorus for digestion with a normal diet. I can eat any kinds of foods with no problems . I am so happy with my life now, and the positive healthy changes for longevity, thanks to the D.S.
Duodenal Switch- lap
Dr. Paul. Kemmeter Grand Rapids, Mi.
Dr. John Renucci, Plastics, Body contouring,Grand Rapids, Mi.
Start 255/ Surgery wt 235/ Current wt. 117
BMI-20, 135 lbs lost, 5'3"
Hi Virgo,
Michigans' "Top Doc" Duodenal Switch Surgeon, Dr.P. Kemmeter
Cutting edge, comprehensive care,compassionate, all describe Dr.Kemmeter. He is well respected by his peers in the surgical field. Considered a "Top Doc" in the country for bariatric surgery, and his speciality the Duodenal switch, performed by less than 50 nationally. Director of Saint Mary's Hospital bariatric department, and patient center located at Grand Health Partners, Grand Rapids, Mi. The Duodenal Switch, his prime surgery is considered by him and his colleagues to be the premier bariatric surgery because of its success rate with long term weight loss, and least chance of regain. Because so few surgeons master the Duodenal Switch, he is highly regarded in his field. Prospective patients travel from near and far for his expertice, in the hopes of qualifying for this highly saught after surgery.
I admire Dr. Kemmeters uplifting personality, professionalism, and personalized caring devotion to all his patients. I like his approachable open style of discussing all the patients questions about choosing the right weight loss surgery for them. Its apparent he is truly dedicated to each and every one of his patients throughout their surgical experience and beyond. Your journey with his care doesnt end with the surgery. He provides superior pre through post surgical care, with attention to individual emotional and spiritual needs.
All these unique traits make him my "Top Doc" pick for any kind of weight loss surgery, especially the duodenal switch, my surgery choice. I left my in-town surgeon part way through the pre surgery process to have the D.S. with Dr.Kemmeter. I knew after Dr.Kemmeters introductory seminar the D.S. was the only WLS I could see living the most normal life with long term varied choice of foods, and least weight gain.
One of my other Saint Mary's surgeons is also a nationally regarded "Top Doc", Director of gynecologic oncology . Dr. K. Brader said he works closely with Dr.Kemmeter. If he ever needed WLS he would only have the D.S. over all the other possible WLS, with Dr.Kemmeter. He stated the surgery was worthwhile to be able to lose my excess weight for cancer prevention. Maintaining a thin body helps lessen the chances of developing future cancer for everyone. This fact plus my arthritic hip and knee pain with walking was all I needed to spur me on to have this surgery.
My pain is all gone now, and I am able to exercise with a full gym program including weight machines, treadmill, bike, Zumba classes and more. This surgery with Dr Kemmeter went very smoothly.
Grand Health Partners is a designated "Center of Excellence", meeting utmost requirements for successful bariatric surgeries. Contributing to these factors is the highly trained staff of professionals, including internists, psychologists, nutritionists, and sports physiologists. The business office is extremely talented working with the insurance companies to help with your approval. The on site store is packed with the most up to date protein sources, and vitamin supplements. Its so easy to pick up my supplies after my appointments. I especially like to E-mail my nutritionist any questions about nutrition, or my other health concernsfor the doctors.The nurses respond by phone with answers after consulting with the surgeon or PA.
See my profile / Blog for the full report about my experiences with surgery. PM me, and I will answer any questions you may have. List of surgical requirements to follow.
Sandra ;-)
Michigans' "Top Doc" Duodenal Switch Surgeon, Dr.P. Kemmeter
Cutting edge, comprehensive care,compassionate, all describe Dr.Kemmeter. He is well respected by his peers in the surgical field. Considered a "Top Doc" in the country for bariatric surgery, and his speciality the Duodenal switch, performed by less than 50 nationally. Director of Saint Mary's Hospital bariatric department, and patient center located at Grand Health Partners, Grand Rapids, Mi. The Duodenal Switch, his prime surgery is considered by him and his colleagues to be the premier bariatric surgery because of its success rate with long term weight loss, and least chance of regain. Because so few surgeons master the Duodenal Switch, he is highly regarded in his field. Prospective patients travel from near and far for his expertice, in the hopes of qualifying for this highly saught after surgery.
I admire Dr. Kemmeters uplifting personality, professionalism, and personalized caring devotion to all his patients. I like his approachable open style of discussing all the patients questions about choosing the right weight loss surgery for them. Its apparent he is truly dedicated to each and every one of his patients throughout their surgical experience and beyond. Your journey with his care doesnt end with the surgery. He provides superior pre through post surgical care, with attention to individual emotional and spiritual needs.
All these unique traits make him my "Top Doc" pick for any kind of weight loss surgery, especially the duodenal switch, my surgery choice. I left my in-town surgeon part way through the pre surgery process to have the D.S. with Dr.Kemmeter. I knew after Dr.Kemmeters introductory seminar the D.S. was the only WLS I could see living the most normal life with long term varied choice of foods, and least weight gain.
One of my other Saint Mary's surgeons is also a nationally regarded "Top Doc", Director of gynecologic oncology . Dr. K. Brader said he works closely with Dr.Kemmeter. If he ever needed WLS he would only have the D.S. over all the other possible WLS, with Dr.Kemmeter. He stated the surgery was worthwhile to be able to lose my excess weight for cancer prevention. Maintaining a thin body helps lessen the chances of developing future cancer for everyone. This fact plus my arthritic hip and knee pain with walking was all I needed to spur me on to have this surgery.
My pain is all gone now, and I am able to exercise with a full gym program including weight machines, treadmill, bike, Zumba classes and more. This surgery with Dr Kemmeter went very smoothly.
Grand Health Partners is a designated "Center of Excellence", meeting utmost requirements for successful bariatric surgeries. Contributing to these factors is the highly trained staff of professionals, including internists, psychologists, nutritionists, and sports physiologists. The business office is extremely talented working with the insurance companies to help with your approval. The on site store is packed with the most up to date protein sources, and vitamin supplements. Its so easy to pick up my supplies after my appointments. I especially like to E-mail my nutritionist any questions about nutrition, or my other health concernsfor the doctors.The nurses respond by phone with answers after consulting with the surgeon or PA.
See my profile / Blog for the full report about my experiences with surgery. PM me, and I will answer any questions you may have. List of surgical requirements to follow.
Sandra ;-)
Duodenal Switch- lap
Dr. Paul. Kemmeter Grand Rapids, Mi.
Dr. John Renucci, Plastics, Body contouring,Grand Rapids, Mi.
Start 255/ Surgery wt 235/ Current wt. 117
BMI-20, 135 lbs lost, 5'3"
http//www.grandhealthpartners.com
Dr Kemmeter Pre Surgery Requirements:
1. Attend the introductory seminar- call the office for Dr Kemmeters lecture schedule. The other surgeons trade off dates. This is a mandatory first step, part of the education required by all insurances. You will meet Kathy Mooney, his nurse coordinator with Saint Mary's Hospital. She is the key link to answering all your pre surgery questions, and monitors your post surgical care in the hospital, along with Dr. Kemmeter.
2. Office visits booked back to back at Grand Health Partners- internist, surgeon,psychologist. The next visits will be PA, nutritionist, sports physiologist, these may be group lecture based.
3.The pre surgery 2 week diet is explained, and you will be assisted by the nutritionist to chose high protein based solid food products and drinks for every meal and snacks from their on site store. This is a mandatory out of pocket purchase. It is considered a pre surgerical bowel prep, It helps you lose 10-20 lbs, shrinking the fatty liver making room to work on the stomach. No way out of this.
4. Be prepared with an explanation of your plans for an exercise plan for post surgery. Dr Kemmeter will be asking during his office visit with you. Its an insurance requirement.
5. The PA check-up is during the 2 week diet to see if you are complying with the diet, on your way with weight loss, and catching up with whats needed for surgery like blood work.....
6. Pre surgery labs are done at Saint Mary's Hospital, or their satelite facilities which may be closer to your home.
7. Meet all your insurance requirements, such as medical weight loss program, or satisfactory attempts at failed dieting. Some insurance companies require documentation from PCP's for your weight from many prior years.
8. Show a familiarity and knowledge with the procedure you are having. Be able to tell Dr.Kemmeter the points of anatomy which will be changed, and why they will be helpful for you. Use the proper names of anatomy in the surgery. Be entheusiastic and confident about your choice to have this surgery.
9. Accept the fact with the D.S. there will be daily required vitamins, supplements for calcium and iron, minimum requirements for protein, fluids, and limited carbs. The vitamins are determined by your labs, monitored by the PA, with each scheduled blood draw about 4 times the first year. Some of these can be done through your home PCP, with shared results for analizationby all your doctors.
10. There may be an additional program fee not covered by your insurance. Pre paid at the start of the process, out of pocket. The cost varies with the seasional discounts that may be offered. This fee covers lectures by the sports physiologist, psychologist, and nutritionist, along with general program fee. Call the office for current price.
11. Discuss with Dr.Kemmeter all about your medical issues connected with your curent high weight. Make a list to bring to his visit of your comorbidities. I found some of the main ones on line, but there are over 30. He can help you find more with your medical history if needed for insurance requirements. List all your previous surgeries, and any difficulties if any. Bring a list of your medicines to all ofice visits, allergies, and detailed medical history, all the same things as you need to remember about your history if you were beginning with a new PCP. Your family history is good to know too, such as their diseases, predisposition to being over weight, or not. Obesity is genetic, with many medical reasons out of our controll. The staff is completely understanding and helpful with any of your needs. They all have such positive caring attitudes. Its a pleasure to be in this up beat environment. I always look forward to my visits with all of their professionals. They all are so friendly, unlike the other offices I have been to in my town.
12. C-Pap sleep test- may be required, but not always. If you already use this, bring to surgery the one you use. It may be necessary post surgery.
13. The D.S. has post surgery requirements absolutely necessary to continue for life, taking vitamins, eating the D.S. way with lots of protein and monitoring your health needs. You need to be prepared to research on a continuing basis about all your health needs. Most other doctors dont have a clue about the D.S., and its complications that may arrise at any time. This is why a full knowledge is imparative for discussions and educating your PCP, if they need it. I gave print outs of the anatomy, and discriptions of the surgery, the diet, and anything else I could find of interest. We carry anatomical cards, and wear medical alert jewlery with D.S. identification, important for emergency room medical care. Future upper endoscopic procedures need special care, and instruments. I asked Dr. Kemmeter to do mine, he is the most able since he knows all about my configuration better than anyone. He gladly will talk to any of your doctors who need advice about your D.S. when you need other kinds of surgeries, or medical care. He is a great general surgeon too, who can do many surgeries for you down the line as the need arrises. I needed an appendectomy and gallbladder removal from a gallbladder attack 8 months post D.S. He was the best for laparoscopic techniques to handle this. I had the surgery 2 weeks ago. I feel great, able to work last week, done on an outpatient basis at the hospital.
There may be other requirements, I think I touched on the main topics necessary for your visits to Dr.Kemmeter and his staff. Best wishes with your fact finding search about the surgeons and the D.S. you are on the right track gathering information for an educated life altering decision.
.
Dr Kemmeter Pre Surgery Requirements:
1. Attend the introductory seminar- call the office for Dr Kemmeters lecture schedule. The other surgeons trade off dates. This is a mandatory first step, part of the education required by all insurances. You will meet Kathy Mooney, his nurse coordinator with Saint Mary's Hospital. She is the key link to answering all your pre surgery questions, and monitors your post surgical care in the hospital, along with Dr. Kemmeter.
2. Office visits booked back to back at Grand Health Partners- internist, surgeon,psychologist. The next visits will be PA, nutritionist, sports physiologist, these may be group lecture based.
3.The pre surgery 2 week diet is explained, and you will be assisted by the nutritionist to chose high protein based solid food products and drinks for every meal and snacks from their on site store. This is a mandatory out of pocket purchase. It is considered a pre surgerical bowel prep, It helps you lose 10-20 lbs, shrinking the fatty liver making room to work on the stomach. No way out of this.
4. Be prepared with an explanation of your plans for an exercise plan for post surgery. Dr Kemmeter will be asking during his office visit with you. Its an insurance requirement.
5. The PA check-up is during the 2 week diet to see if you are complying with the diet, on your way with weight loss, and catching up with whats needed for surgery like blood work.....
6. Pre surgery labs are done at Saint Mary's Hospital, or their satelite facilities which may be closer to your home.
7. Meet all your insurance requirements, such as medical weight loss program, or satisfactory attempts at failed dieting. Some insurance companies require documentation from PCP's for your weight from many prior years.
8. Show a familiarity and knowledge with the procedure you are having. Be able to tell Dr.Kemmeter the points of anatomy which will be changed, and why they will be helpful for you. Use the proper names of anatomy in the surgery. Be entheusiastic and confident about your choice to have this surgery.
9. Accept the fact with the D.S. there will be daily required vitamins, supplements for calcium and iron, minimum requirements for protein, fluids, and limited carbs. The vitamins are determined by your labs, monitored by the PA, with each scheduled blood draw about 4 times the first year. Some of these can be done through your home PCP, with shared results for analizationby all your doctors.
10. There may be an additional program fee not covered by your insurance. Pre paid at the start of the process, out of pocket. The cost varies with the seasional discounts that may be offered. This fee covers lectures by the sports physiologist, psychologist, and nutritionist, along with general program fee. Call the office for current price.
11. Discuss with Dr.Kemmeter all about your medical issues connected with your curent high weight. Make a list to bring to his visit of your comorbidities. I found some of the main ones on line, but there are over 30. He can help you find more with your medical history if needed for insurance requirements. List all your previous surgeries, and any difficulties if any. Bring a list of your medicines to all ofice visits, allergies, and detailed medical history, all the same things as you need to remember about your history if you were beginning with a new PCP. Your family history is good to know too, such as their diseases, predisposition to being over weight, or not. Obesity is genetic, with many medical reasons out of our controll. The staff is completely understanding and helpful with any of your needs. They all have such positive caring attitudes. Its a pleasure to be in this up beat environment. I always look forward to my visits with all of their professionals. They all are so friendly, unlike the other offices I have been to in my town.
12. C-Pap sleep test- may be required, but not always. If you already use this, bring to surgery the one you use. It may be necessary post surgery.
13. The D.S. has post surgery requirements absolutely necessary to continue for life, taking vitamins, eating the D.S. way with lots of protein and monitoring your health needs. You need to be prepared to research on a continuing basis about all your health needs. Most other doctors dont have a clue about the D.S., and its complications that may arrise at any time. This is why a full knowledge is imparative for discussions and educating your PCP, if they need it. I gave print outs of the anatomy, and discriptions of the surgery, the diet, and anything else I could find of interest. We carry anatomical cards, and wear medical alert jewlery with D.S. identification, important for emergency room medical care. Future upper endoscopic procedures need special care, and instruments. I asked Dr. Kemmeter to do mine, he is the most able since he knows all about my configuration better than anyone. He gladly will talk to any of your doctors who need advice about your D.S. when you need other kinds of surgeries, or medical care. He is a great general surgeon too, who can do many surgeries for you down the line as the need arrises. I needed an appendectomy and gallbladder removal from a gallbladder attack 8 months post D.S. He was the best for laparoscopic techniques to handle this. I had the surgery 2 weeks ago. I feel great, able to work last week, done on an outpatient basis at the hospital.
There may be other requirements, I think I touched on the main topics necessary for your visits to Dr.Kemmeter and his staff. Best wishes with your fact finding search about the surgeons and the D.S. you are on the right track gathering information for an educated life altering decision.
.
Duodenal Switch- lap
Dr. Paul. Kemmeter Grand Rapids, Mi.
Dr. John Renucci, Plastics, Body contouring,Grand Rapids, Mi.
Start 255/ Surgery wt 235/ Current wt. 117
BMI-20, 135 lbs lost, 5'3"
At the time I had mine, there was one surgeon in my state doing the DS, and he had done very, very few. I had a consult and just didn't like or trust him. So I chose to instead travel and go to one of the BEST surgeons in WORLD -- Dr. Marchesini in Curitiba, Brazil. Travel is worth it!!!
Amanda in ID
DS ~ Dec. 7, 2005, with Dr. Marchesini in Curitiba, Brazil
sw289/lw135/gw137/cw150
PS ~ June 6 & 19, 2008, with Dr. Kuster, Vila Velha, Brazil
check out my website at http://myweb.cableone.net/aeller5/DS/default.htm
I wonder if my insurance even covers the DS. I will call tomorrow. I can see traveling in the us, but not to brazil, sadly.
how do you go about going to the seminar and the pre op visits? just drive/fly every time? or do they waive some of that and let you do it locally or something, so that you dont have to make so many trips?
thank you all for hte advice- i appreciate it so much!
eta: I'm in central, MO. I'm willing to travel- just not sure how to work that out, with 6 children 11 and under and no reliable babysitter. I'm married, but he can't take too much time off work. My ins is BCBS MI PPO
how do you go about going to the seminar and the pre op visits? just drive/fly every time? or do they waive some of that and let you do it locally or something, so that you dont have to make so many trips?
thank you all for hte advice- i appreciate it so much!
eta: I'm in central, MO. I'm willing to travel- just not sure how to work that out, with 6 children 11 and under and no reliable babysitter. I'm married, but he can't take too much time off work. My ins is BCBS MI PPO
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