Lap Gastric Bypass Proximal to DS Revision Questions

Good morning all of my gorgeous and handsome Obesity Help Revision family.

I had Lap Gastric Bypass Proximal back in 2002 and lost 100 lbs in 6 months and before my one year anniversary I made it below goal weight.

I was successful with keeping the weight off until 2007 when I got a gastro gastric fistula and gained some weight back.

I am now planning a repair and revision and am interested in DS if insurance approves it and Extended RNY if they do not ( I do not have time to fight a long drawn out appeal process}.

I am writing to get some answers to some questions that I have about people who have been revisioned to DS.

I am posting my question here as well as on the DS site so please bear with me.

I also wanted to make sure that you all know that I am already researching the following websites, but I want real firsthand answers from you all.

http://www.dsfacts.com/index.html

http://duodenalswitch.com/procedure/procedure.html

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DallasDSers/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_PostOp_Problems/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/duodenalswitch/?yguid=413972281

 

1.       I want to know if you had DS as your original WLS surgery or were you revisioned to it?

2.     How much have you lost since your original DS surgery or revision to DS surgery?

3.     Have you made it to your goal weight?

4.     Have you had any complications with DS if so what are/were they and what was done to end the complication?

5. Did you get approved for DS right away or did you have to 
    appeal? (If so how long did it take to get approved?)
 

 

I thank you all in advance for your answers and insights as this revision is not being taken lightly by any means by me.

I hope you all have an absolutely fabulous Saturday.

Be kind to yourselves and to one another.

Hi, Teena

1. My original surgery was a VBG (an old stomach-stapling) in 1985, so I am definitely a DS revision

2. I had my revision with Dr Greenbaum in NJ in early May of this year, and have lost 88 pounds, so far (this includes the 20 I lost prior to surgery)

3. I have not yet made it to goal, but I'm over half way there!!! Wheee!

4. No complications, thus far, but I know the big risks are vitamin deficiencies, losing too much weight and bowel obstructions (obstructions can happen with ANY abdominal surgery, so that's not DS-specific). Also, if you still have your gall bladder, you'll want to have that removed to avoid issues with it as you begin to lose weight.

5. I am fortunate to work for a progressive company (Costco) with wonderful insurance (Aetna). I was approved within three days of being submitted, and have had no issues with insurance.

I hope this helps. After living with a pouch for so long, I can easily say I love my DS!

The best of luck to you, Teena.

Kathy

Kathy,

Once again I thank you for answering my post.

i knew I could count on you.

I am lucky again as I have already had my gall bladder removed with original surgery.

I am just wondering how hard it is going to be to have my approval for Lap Distal GB switched to an approval for Lap DS.

I guess I should post about that as well.

I am so proud of you and your weight loss.

I have 80 lbs that I regained.

I would be on cloud nine if I were in your shoes.

You will be at goal in no time for sure as you seem very compliant.

Good luck.

Hi Teena-

I don't have insight about DS to share, but I wanted to see if you've found this DS forum already (you likely have...) but in case you haven't found your way to it yet, it's very helpful!

http://www.duodenalswitch.com/forum/

Wishing you grace & light with your journey!

With Light and Blessings!

Starrgirrl,

You are right I already had found it, but thank you for posting it so others can see it.

I hope you have an absolutely fabulous day.

Hi Teena!

I am a revision to DS from a horizontal stapling procedure done in the 80"s.  I weighed 279 at the time of my revision. I weigh 130 +/- 3# now, so I am below my goal weight but healthy.  I have had no complications.  My insurance at the time would have paid 100% for RNY but after my research I chose to self pay for the DS.

Good Luck!
Michele

Michele,

Thank you very much for your answers.

I applaud you on your weight loss success.