PLEASE CLARIFY FOR ME

I am contiplating having surgery but I don't know what all the abbreviations mean. I keep seeing Ds and Lap. I want to make the best possible case before going to talk to my Doctor. Can anyone help me. Thanks Robin

I can help a bit, but my spelling sux...check out the library for a bit more help.... WLS - Weight loss surgery DS- Duodenal Switch surgery (just another form of WLS) Lap- Opposit of "open" means Laproscopic, or performed without a huge cut Most surgeons perform surgeries (of all kinds) open, the ideal is Lap because the heal time is shorter, but few Dr.s do their surgeries this way. You would have several small scars (5, I think) instead of one large open one down your tummy. hope this helps! Good luck in your journey! Brandi

You said it great Brandi, our little info fairy... What would we do without ya! I had Lap, it was great and I was feeling great in a short amount of time and she's right 5 3/4" scars. And a short recovery, alot depends on your weight, some Dr.s won't do Lap on people above 350, it depends on the Dr.. Lap is a done by scope, to where the open they open you up I think it's 8-12". Look around this site there is some great information here. I'm 5 mo. out and I'm here every other day. My version of a great support group! Good Luck