Question:
Lap BPD/DS

Anyone out there who's had laparoscopic BPD/DS, particularly with Dr. Gagner? What can you tell me about the whole process, pre-op to post-op? How was the surgery itself? What general advice can you give? What kind of progress have you made? What's your post-op diet like? Thanks.    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 30, 2000)

March 30, 2000
You didn't post your e-mail address so my guess is that you're wanting the answers posted here... Might I suggest the "MAIN" page search engines feature. Just type in any key words you choose and I'm sure you will have lots of fine reading information and sites to research. Start with typing in BDS-DS... or just DS... There are many members at AMOS that have had DS and would be willing to asst. you.
   — Victoria B.

March 30, 2000
umm that would be BPD/DS ...oops sorry my fingers are rented tonight..the old ones wore out typing recipes ;-)
   — Victoria B.

March 30, 2000
Duffy had a LAP DS with Dr. Gagner - you may want to contact her. Also, the DS list is full of people who've had Dr. G do a lap on them - to subscribe, go to www.duodenalswitch.com and follow the links on the first page.
   — Kim H.

March 30, 2000
Have you tried looking on the www.duodenalswitch.com website? Also you can subscribe to the duodenalswitch email group on www.onelist.com. Or just stick around, I'm sure Melanie Magruder or Kim H or Fran Gomez or one of the other helpful DS folks will be able to give you an answer.
   — Roseann M.

March 30, 2000
I'm also a patient of Dr. Gagner's. I have LAP RNY surgery scheduled for Monday . Although I'm not having the BPD/DS, I belong to an online support group specifically for Dr. Gagner's patients. You can e-mail his DS patients at this web page- http://www.onelist.com/group/DrGagner OSSG Hope this helps and good luck.
   — DOROTHY A.

March 30, 2000
Sorry, let me give you that web address again. (note to self- no spaces in web addresses.) Duh! http://www.onelist.com/group/DrGagnerOSSG
   — DOROTHY A.

March 30, 2000
I had a lap BPD/DS with Dr. Gagner over five months ago. Dr. Gagner is a preeminent laparascopic surgeon who previously performed RNY WLS. Last summer he introduced BPD/DS and due to the success of his patients is doing more and more BPD/DSs. I feel very lucky to live close enough to have used Dr. Gagner, as patients travel from all over the country as he accepts patients of "Super Size" (800 lbs) that other surgeons will not touch, particularly laparascopically. In less than 6 months I have lost over half my excess weight -- 100 lbs! I had NO complications. I returned to work after 3 weeks. I was working out in the gym after 6 weeks. I can eat anything I want. In the beginning, I was only able to eat small portions of food at a time, although BPD/DSs do not have to go through the post-op liquid, pureed diet and can eat solid foods after surgery. Now I am able to eat more "normal" sized portions (just ate 6 fried dumplings for dinner after the gym). The genius of this surgery is that we do not absorb fat. I have NO problems with gas, diarrea or any of the other myths. I have recommended Dr. Gagner and this surgery to my coworkers, friends and neighbors. They too are happy with their results or impatiently awaiting surgery. Feel free to contact me with further questions. Life is GREAT!
   — Jill L.

March 30, 2000
I had a lap BPD-DS with Dr. Gagner on 1-6-00. As far as the whole pre op process is concerned, I never had any dealing with him, only Bernadette, his nurse, and Nalini, the office assistent both of whom are very helpful. Dr. Gagner is very reserved and professional. He treated me with respect and answered any questions I posed to him. I didn't have too many questions, though, because I had done my homework and found out about the DS way before I ever met Dr. Gagner. I have a slightly different experience since I live in Florida and I knew I would have to travel to New York City to have the operation. All of my pre op testing was done at home and the results were sent up to Dr. Gagner. When I had my first appointment with him, it was on Wednesday,1-5-00 and I was in the OR the next morning. I admit that as a RN I was in a different position than some regarding my zest for details and pre op clearances; there was very little required testing pre op. The surgery itself is major challenges, but the morphine pump took care of the pain management. Be realistic about what to expect, know that some people have miserable pain, some, very little. Post op diet is really clear liquids to soft foods to what is tolerated. There is a guidline for diet progression but with the DS it is less ridgid. I am 12 weeks post op and have lost 68 pounds but I do not presume to expect the surgery to do it all, I go to the gym and exercise aerobically for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week. Dr. Gagner is very accomplished and I checked out his credentials, medical school, if any legal actions pending, medical license, association affiliations, etc. He ia A plus. I am very glad I had the surgery and used Dr. Gagner. The fact that my 3 sisters live nearby in New Jersey really clinched my decision to have the DS and then choose Dr. Gagner. Good luck to you. I could say a lot more but you may e-mail me privately for more information.
   — Fran B.