Question:
Anyone know of doctors in Pittsburgh area who perform the biliopancreatice/duodenal

switch? Also, anybody have it? I saw a special on discovery health channel and the lady had it done. Any pros for it over the RNY?    — Christie B. (posted on January 16, 2004)

January 16, 2004
Hi fellow pittsburger! I dont believe theres a surgeon here doing the DS currently. I suggest you check the pittsburgh yahoo group, its very active with patients from every pittsburgh area surgeon. I am very happy with my RNY from Dr Schauer:)
   — bob-haller

January 16, 2004
Christie, You might want to check out www.duodenalswitch.com - it's a great web site, and it does a good job of explaining the BPD/DS as well as the differences between it and the RNY. There is a page on the main DS site that lists all of the DS surgeons world-wide, but the two that are listed in Pennsylvania are: Kevin M. Hoddinott, MD Phone: 1-610-867-2371 701 Ostrum Street, Suite # 504 Bethlehem, PA 18015 William S. Peters D.O., FACS E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 570-969-2527 Professional Service Building MidValley Hospital 1400 Main St. Peckville, Pa. 18452 http://www.cutweight.org Hope that helps! Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

January 16, 2004
I had the DS just over a month ago, and I love it! Things have gone super-smooth for me--no complications, no nausea or vomiting, etc. I'm eating more and better-tasting food than I've EVER had, on a "diet", and I'm losing weight at a good rate. E-mail me if you have questions you think I can answer. I CAN recommend a good surgeon if you want to come to Nashville, TN.
   — MsBatt

January 16, 2004
I had the BPD/DS on 3/18/03 and was at goal at 8 months. Pros: #1 No pouch - no problems with ulcers or stoma issues. I can go to a restaurant and eat like a normal thin person instead of only 2 bites. #2 No dumping - I can eat a piece of pie if that's what I want. #3 I've had no vomiting - I read of some people with the RNY who have vomited every day since their surgery - I could never deal with that. #4 I have read studies that indicate that the BPD/DS may have less late regain of weight - I'll let you know in a couple of years! Cons: #1 Smelly Gas - but then I've read numerous RNYers also have this problem - especially proximal. If I isolate what brings it on and then counter it with Beano the next time I have it I'm fine. #2 Supplements - but then we should all probably take a vitamin and calcium daily - surgery or not. Rnyers also need suppliments like calcium and B12. #3 Hair loss - but you may have this with ANY surgery - some of both rnyer's and dser's go thru it. Both surgeries are excellent choices for weight loss - it is just deciding what you can deal with! Cera
   — Cera H.

January 17, 2004
Christie, I believe the switch was the superior operation (for me) due to the better post-op quality of life, the possibility of reversal, the fact that you retain normal functionality of your stomach because your pyloric valve remains intact and you will still have the ability to take medications that must be broken down by digestive juices, like anti-inflamatories (Motrin, etc) and people with RNY should NEVER take those types of meds because they can cause an intestinal bleed. I just had the BPD/DS on December 2. So far, so good! I went with Dr. Peters, in Scranton, even though he is two hours away from home, and I would reccommend him in a heart beat! My best friend had the switch 2 1/2 yrs. ago, she looks amazing, feels great, and eats normal sized portions. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail me your phone number (my long distance is free) and I'd be happy to call you. Susan Rosen
   — Susan R.

January 17, 2004
William smith from Peckville, PA does it (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre area). From what I hear, it is better than the RNY, but most insurances still consider it experimental and don't cover it. I'm thrilled with my RNY.
   — jengrz