DS?

IS THERE EVEN ONE FAILED DSER HERE OR ONE UNHAPPY ONE? I AM SCHEDULED FOR RNY BUT HAVING SERIOUS DOUBTS. ANYBODY FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN....THANKS

I have heard of DSers who experienced some regain or complications from the procedure. However, the majority of them who post here on OH are quite happy with their choice of surgery. You should check out the DS forum - the members give honest testimonies.

Thanks for asking this question.  I'm confused as well. 

I see so many more people here who are dissatisfied with their RNY procedure than unahappy DS people.  But then there are thousands more RNY procedures done every year than DS procedures too.  RNY and lap band seem to be almost the only procedures done in some parts of the country (like here in Texas) so I wouldn't expect to find unhappy DS folks.

For me it boils down to; DS=better chance that weight loss will be permanent, with a more complex surgery and higher risks versus; RNY=higher chance for regain and dealing with dumping syndrome but simpler surgery and less complications.  The other factor is that I can have the RNY done locally by a great surgeon who is experienced in revision where if I decide to do DS, I will have to travel a great distance.  The travel doesn't bother me, but if I have complications I probably won't want to keep flying around the country or world where I won't have my family with me and if I have the surgery locally, I will have the support and follow up/aftercare available as readily.

Decisions, decisions...

I was also going to get rny but after researching the ds, I feel that is the better surgery. I only want to do this one time.
                     I will have to travel 6 hours for ds and stay for a week afterwards in a hotel. The surgeon I am going to see only does them open but, I understand that he is very competent and I trust what I have read about him on the DS boards. Good luck to you in making your decision. I know it is not easy.

Mary,
There are DS surgeon in TX, I have one in Denton, Dr. Daryl Stewart.  I also am pretty sure that there are others, I know in Houston.  Go to the D.S. board and ask around I think you will be suprised at how many are actually in TX.

Thanks for your reply, Deborah.

I am one of the unlucky ones who had the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) back in 1992.  The failure rate is astronomical.  It is very hard to "undo" the VBG because of scarring and adhesions so most doctors don't want to do revisions - particularly to a DS.  Most doctors really prefer a "virgin belly" to operate on and it is only a very few who will tackle a VBG to DS.  I wish I was going for my first surgery instead of a revision but so far I've only found three doctors in the U.S. who will do the procedure I want and none of them are in Texas.  I have to weigh this really carefully.

I'm so happy for all of you here who are having great success with your procedures - first time around!  That's the best way.  I actually loved my VBG - but the staple line gave way so now, it's like I never had it...except I have a doughnut hole cut out of my stomach and lots of adhesions to intestines, liver, pancreas, etc.  I just know I will make the right decision - because of nice people like you who offer your insight and help.  Thank you!

Hi Mary!

I don't get over here often so am late in posting this.

I am a revision from a horizontal gastroplasty and so I looked for a surgeon that had done at LEAST 100 revision surgeries.  Dr. M had actually done a lot more. I interviewed (mostly by email and phone) many Dr.s here in the US and 3 out of the country.

Dr. M usually does a "virgin DS" in an hour and a half,  Mine took 6 hours because of the adhesions and scarring. 

I think my main reason for responding to you is that I was impressed that you had done your homework and know the difficulties involved.  There are so many who just yell FIX ME!

You lessen your chance of any complications by finding the right Dr.  You are a wise lady.

Good Luck!

Michele

Just for your info:  there are a couple of good DS surgeons in Houston...not too far.

I am having my band removed and had considered DS. 

 I dont know where you are in Texas but we have 2 DS surgeons in Texas that are listed on the DSfacts.com website.

I personally used Dr. Stewart in Denton for the DS on July 22nd 2009 and he is awesome. I travelled 400 miles to use him as I am in far west texas.  The DS is WORTH travelling for I promise you.

www.weightlosssurgeon.com is Dr. Stewarts website.

 Here is the list of the reputable DS surgeons in the US on the dsfacts website. There is a seperate list for overseas and Mexico.

http://www.dsfacts.com/North-American-Duodenal-Switch-Surgeo ns.html#

 My husband had RNY on 10/31/06 and is seeking a revision to DS with Dr. Stewart due to still be MO.. with BMI of 48.5 after 150 lbs weight loss.

HTH.

Ami

 The DS does seem to have pretty good statistics.  But that does not mean it is without issues.  Seems most on OH have had pretty good luck with it overall.  Perhaps those who have issues don't post as much...  

Check out the board on Yahoo Groups, DS postOp problems.   Never hurts to do research on several different sites to get a well rounded picture.