I'm approved and I have a date

Hi everyone, As some of you know, I was scheduled for a RNY in Feb and decided to cancel in order to research the Duodenal Switch a bit more. I found a doctor in Dayton who does both, so I attended an info session where they overviewed both. I decided the DS is going to be the best fit for me. I just received a call from the surgeon's office and I've been approved by my insurance company and I have a date of 7/11/05. I had to schedule out pretty far due to cir****tances at work. I'm terrified and yet excited. I can't believe it's actually going to happen. I just wanted to share. Denise

Denise, Congratulations on getting a date! Your emotions will swing both ways but it will be cool once you're on the losing side. If I'm not too nosey why did you decide on the "switch"? Best wishes that the time flies by until July. Luann

Hi Luann, You aren't being nosey at all to ask why I decided on the DS over the RNY. After the info session, I could definitely see that the RNY might work better for some, but the DS has my name all over it! A few things that stood out to me were: 1. Can drink water with meals 2. Can take NSAID's down the road if necessary 3. More normal eating down the road (normal is NOT defined as I eat now, but more like an average person might eat). 4. No dumping There were many other things too, but these were just a few. I do know there is a stronger chance of malnutrition, so it's stressed that I will have to have blood work done the rest of my life and MUST take a variety of vitamins daily. The DS surgery itself is supposedly a bit more risky, but my Dr. has done over 1000 of them, so I'm confident of his abilities and I'm willing to take the extra risk. The one possible side effect that is discouraging is excessively stinky gas and BM's. However, most DS patients say it is manageable once you figure out the trigger foods. To read more about it, you might want to visit duodenalswitch.com or come to the DS board here on Obesityhelp.com. I can truly see where the RNY might be a better choice for some people's lifestyle, so if you can find a doctor who does both, it's a great way to get a balanced view of your choices. I hope you can beat your insurance problems and best of luck with your journey. Denise

~CONGRATS ON YOUR APPROVAL AND NEW DATE~ I HOPE ALL GOES WELL........KEEP US INFORMED!! GOOD LUCK ON THE "LOOSING SIDE" ~TABITHA~

Yay for you! That's great news. You will appreciate the time you have to get everything in order. This surgery really takes the wind outta your sails for awhile and you will appreiate having time to prepare beforehand. Hugs and congrats! Jaimee

Congratulations. You made a great choice in Dr. Maguire and the NLS Group. I am with them as well, but I have Dr. Gary Anderson. My surgery is next week, and I haven't second guessed my choice of surgeons since I made my final decision last summer. You will be suprised at how quick the next few months go...it actually flies by! Best Wishes! Sheila

Hi Sheila, Thanks for the kind words or encouragement. You must be getting so excited to have your surgery date coming up. Dr. Gary Anderson spoke for a little bit of time at the info session I attended and I just loved his sense of humor. I definitely don't think a person could go wrong with any of the surgeons at NLS, no matter what procedure you might choose to have. Best of luck next week and I'll be anxious to hear how you are doing. Denise