Question:
Have any other DS patients not lost close to goal?

I had the vertical gastroplasty first. Then7 months later had the ds portion where the doctor did the "switch" of my intestines. I started out as a "lightweight" (although not light to me). I have only lost a total of 65 lbs. and cannot seem to lose more. Do you think a revision is in order? I am no longer mo but not close to goal either. I'm like 40 lbs. away. HELP!    — Cinna G. (posted on December 14, 2004)

December 13, 2004
Hi Cinna, We have the same surgeon. I am a year out and I am still losing at this point - thank goodness - but I didn't start out as a lightweight and my DS was done all at once. You may want to pose this question on the DS messageboard here at OH. Have you discussed this with Jennifer at his office? My friend Susan V was a lightweight too and she will be out a year tommorow. I think she is down 78lbs and is pretty comfortable with her weight. Come talk to us on the DS messageboard. Lyric
   — Lyric

December 15, 2004
Not everyone, especially revisions, loses 100% of their excess weight, even with the DS. However, the DS makes it much easier to maintain that weight loss long term, which is wonderful. I'm wondering if the two step DS isn't in fact more like a revision, because the body doesn't respond with the drastic weight loss after the second portion of the procedure. Check out these Yahoo groups, if you haven't already joined them: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Revision/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG_DS_Slow_Losers/
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 16, 2004
For the sake of the pre-ops in particular, I wish we'd all be clearer about what we mean by "goal weight." If we mean "100 percent of excess weight," then no procedure, including my beloved BPD/DS (bilopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch), produces this result in a majority of patients. Eighty percent of excess weight lost is regarded as an "excellent" outcome by DS surgeons, and if it is reached, there typically is some rebound thereafter (at the time of my surgery nearly four years ago, I was hearing 10-15 pounds, but many people experience more than that as the years go on). As more surgeons offer the DS and more people undergo it, a variety of experiences is coming to light, as revealed in the sites Diane listed. For me, the DS has been ever better than advertised, but I think it's important that people go into it (or any other weight-loss surgery) with realistic expectations.
   — Kay B.

December 16, 2004
I have heard of several. Come over to the DS Forum and talk!
   — PattyL