Warning to Newbies

When researching the DS surgery, you want to make a wise decision.  You want the best surgeon and the safest surgeon for yourself.  I have found that I spent many weeks researching the board in search of the best surgeon for myself.  I found one based on his credentials looking at his experience, number of surgeries he had performed and the testimonials.  After I posted my choice, I got several messages from people telling me horrible things about the surgeon I picked, nothing specifically to back up what they claimed, no real proof.  But I was scared enough to search for another surgeon.  Once I posted finding a 'new' surgeon, I got yet more messages, not on the board mihd you, but in the message box that is personal.  Then, after the third surgeon, the same thing happened.  I realized that no matter what surgeon you pick, there will be people for whatever their reasons may be, that will find fault with the surgeon.  My advice is to not be so gullible as I was and do your own research based on the surgeon's experience and HIS patient's testimonials and call the surgeon's office for any questions.  After going the whole circle of rumors from people claiming this or that, which I later found to be totally without foundation, I picked the surgeon that I FIRST wanted based on my own personal research, and have decided to ignore these little personal messages I get that people obviously use to try to discredit whom truly is, one of the very top surgeons in the US.  My bottom line is, when you get those personal messages in your mailbox, don't listen, because you will find out no matter what, there are people on the boards that will have something bad to say about everybody.  They are a minority.  Just do your own research and don't listen to rumors. 
My research has led me back to Dr. Husted, my first choice which was based on my own research of his credentials.  The boards are good as far as living a post op way of living, but not good in finding who is the best surgeon because of some people on here that want to send you false rumors. 

IN THE END ITS YOUR DESICION YOU HAVE TO GO WITH WHAT YOU FEEL IS RIGHT FOR YOU. I MYSELF CHOSE EXPERIENCE. SURE I AM PARTCIAL TO DR. DYER AND CENTENNIAL. THEY BOTH ARE WORKING OUT FOR ME. I THINK ALL 3 SURGEONS THERE ANY WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT CHOICE. I THINK EVERYONE IS PARTIAL TO THEIR OWN CHOICE. AFTER ALL WE CAME OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE.

I agree that it is a personal choice, and a person needs to make the decision for themselves with the information that they have been given. In my answers, I do not try to convince people (a) to have the surgery or (b) use my surgeon should they choose to have it done.

Of all the area surgeons, there is not one doctor that I would not trust. All of the gastric doctors that I know in Nashville are qualified and have a history of goodstanding within the community.

I do want to say, however, that I still stand by my original statement and would suggest that to everyone: choose a program that can support you should your gastric surgeon leave.

I'm not plugging this for Centennial because I know that Vanderbilt and Baptist both have the same type of program: you are their patient for life... should a surgeon leave the practice (move away, etc), there is another surgeon who will provide your aftercare.

The only thing that does concern me with Dr. Husted is that he has moved several times, and that I have heard from his patients that aftercare was nearly impossible for some of them, or very difficult for others. One man standing alone as a Lone Ranger (REGARDLESS of how good he is) just is not a good factor in the mix when choosing a surgeon.

It's normal that folks think their choice of Doctors,  hospital, surgery type, or whatever is "THE BEST". That's why you have to do your own non-biased research to find what's best for you - then go for it.
Bottom line - it's a personal decision.

I have read some of your recent posts and feel I need to add my .02.

People who know me know that I personally do not care for Dr. Husted...I have my reasons.

However, he is an expert on revisions. Since you are looking for a revision from RNY to DS, you need an expert on revisions. Whether you choose to continue with him for follow-up care will have to be your decision.

I hear Dr. Houston AND Dr. Husted are equally talented and are great surgeons!  I wish I didn't have to have a revision.  i wish I could do it all over from the beginning because i failed miserably and it is pretty scarey trying it all over again.

I am Very glad to read this.   I know that all the doctors you considered are great doctors.   However, Dr. Husted is one of the two or maybe three in the whole country that you want to see when you are interested in a RNY-DS revision.   

I'm glad that, if you're going to go for the DS, you're going to use the most experienced and accomplished revision doctor AND that you're having a DS instead of the hybrid.

Make sure that you look at all the information that the doctor's office gives you as far as supplementation and vitamins.   Supplements and vitamins are NOT optional.   You can Google "short gut" if you don't want to look at the OHDS boards to see how bad malnutrition can be.   Malabsorption does NOT equal malnutrition when you supplement correctly and follow your labs carefully.   If you have any questions about the supplements, you can find schedules and recommendations on VitaLady's website.  She teaches the surgeons about how the supplementation and labs should be, she is truly an expert.   Another expert who is extremely generous with information is Dina.   You should probably read her blog.   She's a beautiful writer to begin with, even if you weren't learning REALLY valuable information with every line.  

http://livingthedsl ife.wordpress. com/

Look at her "DS Resources" section, specifically.  

Good luck and I'm glad you've made a decision based on things that you've specifically learned, and NOT innuendoes from weird people in PMs

Dennie