Question:
Duadinal Switch or R & Y? Anyone had the DS?

I am considering surgery, and am reseaching both procedures. I am morbidly obese with a BMI of about 57. Has anyone had the DS? Can you tell me about the pros and cons vs. R & Y? How is it to live with? Is anyone more than 5 years out? More than 10 years out with good results?    — emroseb (posted on October 1, 2008)

October 1, 2008
Haven't had surgery yet but am having RNY on Nov 5 have a bmi of 59 RNY because I don't want to be ABLE to eat all the foods that made me fat in the first place. Also want lapriscopic so this is it for me. I have enough big scars now.
   — sheri139

October 1, 2008
I had the RNY. I was told the RNy is safer , but you losse weight slower. the rny is sapose to be for people who are atleast close to 100lb over weight. and if your more then that some dr, prefer the DS
   — yvettetas

October 1, 2008
It's good U R researching and asking questions. As to your question...the RNY is a bit safer...however the DS is USUALLY done in 2 steps...here is the thing...the DS is the most malabsorbing (sp?) of all the WLS. BUT if you get JUST the 1st step done...the gastric sleeve..its is VERY safe..all your insides stay where God and nature placed them, there is little PBing if any. Even through your BMI is higher...if you lose enough weight with just the 1st half of the surgery U will not need the rest of it and will be much healthier for it. No cutting of pills with the Gastric Sleeve like there is with the Lap Band. Good luck
   — chell1957

October 2, 2008
DSers all seem to love their surgery...and think it to be the superior of all WLS. It's not as common as RNY or Lapband...but I have heard many wonderful first hand stories about their happiness and success. The malabsorption is far greater with DS than RNY because they take more of the small intestines. Some surgeons do take more of the small intestines when they do RNY and that can sometimes make them similar to a DSer. There is a Proximinal RNY and a Distal RNY...Distal means the surgeon takes more than the normal amount of intestines than with Proximinal and there is more malabsorption of nutrients...Then they make the "Y" section and attach the shortened intestines to an altered stomach or "pouch"...DSer, don't have a pouch...They have even less small intestines and all of their stomach...They can and MUST eat more...take more vitamins daily and protein and stay on top of nutrition. RNYer grads (after a year or so) eat about 1000-1800 calories on average...(Some eat less and some can handle more and maintain their weight) But DSers eat about 3500-5000 calories daily...This will give you a mild idea of how much they malabsorb! That means vitamins and fats and all! If you have DS...you must eat a lot of food. Sounds almost like a dream...That is a lifestyle that is a very personal choice. I chose RNY because i want to eat like a normal small sized person who eats healthy and wise choices! I wanted to give up junk and show my kids and future grandkids a good example of how to eat right! Not live to eat but eat to live....DSers give new meaning to eating to live...They must have food and lots of it! I can't imagine being stuck in a long meeting or having a job where a meal might need to be skipped...DSers cannot afford to not eat. Being sick will be near impossible to recover from if you have nausea or just can't eat.... It was a little too scary for me...There are days I wish I could eat like a DSer...but I didn't want to eat like there was no tomorrow EVERY single day! Their food and vitamin bills must be enormous! But they sware by it and love it! So whatever works for you! I cannot imagine an 70-80 year old trying to eat 5000 calories a day and going shopping/preparing food so often for all those calories...It's just mind boggling to me. Being thin was not nearly as important to me as getting healthy...and I've had malnutrition issues with my RNY. I can't imagine the trouble I might be in with DS! I do believe there is a DS board...They will try to convert you into a believer! LOL Just be sure you pick one that is right for YOU and your eating habits and life style...Just because the doctor does not touch your stomach, does not make it less drastic...Taking most of your nutrient gathering/absorbing intestines is far more drastic, while it may SEEM less invasive...Just research in every nook and cranny of these surgeries and learn learn learn!
   — .Anita R.

October 3, 2008
With that high of a BMI, the DS would provide you the best shot as losing all your weight. There are DSers out there over 15 years and in good health. Contrary to what others have said - I haven't eaten 5000 calories one day since my DS. Most are done in ONE part. Please, research, research, research. I love my DS. Come to the DS forum here on OH and please check out www.duodenalswitch.com for a vetted list of DS surgeons.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 3, 2008
I am very happy with my DS and I would have it done again in a heartbeat.As far as eating goes,I do not believe that we eat 5,000 calories a day(I know I don't)nor do we need to.I love the fact that I can eat a little food and be quite content with it,I never crave anything and for me that is good.Please just do your research,come to duodenalswitch.com to learn from other DS'ers. Good luck in whatever choice you make. Debbie
   — Marleymeluv

October 3, 2008
I think Anita needs to do more research on the DS before she talks about it.
   — Marleymeluv

October 16, 2008
Deborah Allen is right...I think the DS does have pouch after all and got a that little confused with another surgery! This is why we need to fully research the surgeries we want to have and be certain of what we are getting into. I usually don't answer these kinda questions for fear of mistakes...I should be more careful when talking about surgeries I did not have! I have no trouble admitting I make mistakes ocassionally... Please be fully aware of malabsorption issues which was mainly what I wanted to relay! Be safe and happy with your choices! Know all about the surgery you are having...I'll try to be more careful when comparing other surgeries to the one I had...
   — .Anita R.