Question:
Endorsement of DS

I know that RNY is endorsed by NIH. From all the conversations, it appears that DS is not. From my perusal of the ASBS web site, it is not endorsed as their procedure of choice either. Thusfar in my research, I haven't found a bariatric surgeon who does. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm interested in learning more about the DS, but it is highly important to me that it be supported by surgeons specializing in bariatric medicine. I want more "medical and technical" information. Can someone give me some links aside from the DS website? Thank you.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on February 15, 2000)

February 15, 2000
Denise, your questions and concerns are valid ones. I will do my best to answer what I can. The DS procedure has neither been endorsed nor rejected by the NIH. It is a distal gastric bypass, and as such, falls under the same umbrella as distal RNYs. Neither has the ASBS either endorsed or rejected the DS or the RNY - their layperson's essay on the history of WLS merely describes the different procedures and possible outcomes. Sadly, the part that deals with the DS is not current and not very comprehensive. I had many of the same questions and concerns as you do, and it was difficult to find specific information on the DS. What I ended up doing was researching through medical journals and on-line professional archives for bits and pieces of information. If you'd like to know more, please feel free to e-mail me and I'll happily point you in the direction of more resources.
   — Kim H.

February 15, 2000
Denise...how about emailing some of the DS doctors. My doctor in particular has performed all WLS. He might be a good one to start with. [email protected] Good luck! Kris
   — Kris S.

February 16, 2000
Denise, please email Dr. Kenneth Welker from Oregon Health Sciences University. He does both the DS and the RNY and will be very eager to share what he knows with you. His email address is [email protected] He performed the DS on me on 2-4-00 and I couldn't be more pleased with him.
   — Cheryl C.