No part of the intestine is "removed" during the DS surgery...the intestinal part of the DS is reversible/ adjustable.

That is simply not true.  Nearly all RNY gastric bypasses are laparoscopic these days.

The MGB is a somewhat controversial procedure in some circles.  Anyone considering it should really make sure they understand the history and anatomy of this procedure.  It's heavily marketed because it's easier for the surgeons to perform.  Whether it's also better for patients is yet to be proven conclusively, but you can do your own research and reach your own conclusions there.  (Consider the sources of whatever you read though!)

Hi, just had to chime in here as a new member. I did have the MGB with Dr. Rutledge in 2004, and yes, I am one of the people that has been very happy with my decision. I think Dr. R is a skilled surgeon, and I like that he is acccessible for questions by phone at any time. I will say, that my experience of him is not unlike many other surgeons I have met though, in that he does seem to come off as rather "full of himself". I do think that despite that, he is a caring doctor who is dedicated to offering a safe and effective weight loss surgery.

I am not one of those MGB'ers who can quote all of the reasons this is a superior surgery, etc. I can tell you that I had the option of going with a RNY which would be completely covered by insurance, and I chose to take out a loan and pay for the MGB myself. In part it was because of the lower mortality rate and researching that patients who had this surgery had few complications. Mostly it was because after doing all of my research, I just knew this was right for me. And it was. I have lost 170 lbs, regained about 20, and have never had a complication.

That all being said, I don't think that ANY one surgery is right for everyone. I would strongly urge everyone to do as much research as possible and make the best decision they can.  Just make sure you are not completely swayed by any one person........positively or negatively!

Hi Scott,
I too am from the Seattle area and had my MGB in Las Vegas in 2004. The follow-up was all done with my local physician. There are absolutely no requirements for you to return to follow up with Dr. R. By the way, I am still amazed by this surgery and have never regretted it.
Good luck!

Ok so i am having the MGB on December 3rd with Dr R he happend to be in San Francisco for a Medical conference and held a seminar. You mentioned that the only people that you ever hear are people that sing his praise and that you wanted to talk to someone that wasnt affiliated with him? AT the seminar there were several post op patients that actually had some issues and symptoms. Dr R spent the time talking to them about what they could do about it and at the same time giving us the information. As far as "keeping the negative out" if you watch the live feed videos its hard to cut that out. I have researched for over 2 years and have come to the conclusion that this is the best option for ME. Not for anyone but ME. No one is draging me to Dr R to have the surgery my body my choice.  Gee now i sound like a pro choice advocate :)  I have friends that have had the lapband and they sent me to a site that was Pro Banding. They waved the "greatest thing ever" flag there were no negative people on the focus group they had contacts that i could talk to , Seminars to go to hmmm sound familuar? I looked into that until my friend told me she only lost 40 lbs in 3 years. Once again personal choice. If its not for you thats fine.  you can find fault in everything if you look hard enough. My insurance covers weight loss surgery but not the MGB because it hasnt been done long enough. I have submitted letters from my doctor, a weight loss dr that i have gone to off and on for 7 years and a personal letter from me with a full life history. I am waiting for thier decission. Either way the health risk at 377 lbs far out weighs the risk of surgery. I believe that the MGB is the only wls surgery that is reversible.