How much intestine?

I am 60 pounds over weight but am considered a candidate for mgb because of my insulin dependent type 2 diabetes.  I've exchange emails with two doctor about my mgb surgery.  One (Dr. Quesada) says that he gets excellent result with diabetes patients if he takes more then six feet of intestine, and the other (Dr. Peraglie) suggested a "shorter" bypass - which I assume means less than six feet.

The doctors having different opinions make me nervous.  Anyone know about any research, or have any educated opinions about the amount of intestine to take with someone who need to lose less than 100 pounds and has diabetes.

Dean
 

Hi Dean,

They are probably basing that on your current weight.  You are not that heavy compared to most folks having this surgery.  I never heard of Dr. Quesada.  Was he trained by Dr. Rutledge?  There is always a chance of you losing too much weight.  Yea, it can happen so that is probably why he is thinking a lesser bypass in your case.  Diabetes almost always goes away with this procedure.  Many other health issues as well.  Good luck!

Dr. Quesada works out of Casta Rica.  Has anyone had any experience with him?
Dean

One option to consider is doing just the intestinal portion of a DS.  It is being done more and more frequently specifically in diabetics--and I have yet to read of somebody losing too much weight.  You could try contacting Dr. Baltasar in Spain, Dr. Gagner in NYC, or Dr. Antelmo Sasso-Fin in Brazil for starters.  If you check on the DS forum, I know they will have more info.

As for the two doctors you mentioned, I would be more inclined to go with Dr. Peraglie... simply as I know he was trained by Dr. Rutledge.  The other surgeon I've never heard of... but I haven't been active in MGB circles for quite a few years.