Question:
Are there any BPD/DS post-ops out there?

I'm scheduled for a BPD/DS on 12/30/02. I hear and read about so many RNY's and I'd like to communicate with someone who has had BPD/DS as to the differences in post op problems and concerns. Any BPD/DS's willing to share their experience and expertise?    — MaryLisa D. (posted on December 6, 2002)

December 6, 2002
You are going to love having the DS! Check out my profile. Also you can go to www.duodenalswitch.com for more info. I am doing so well I can hardly stand it. Good Luck and if you have any questions, feel free to email me.
   — merri B.

December 6, 2002
HI... I had a DS on September 26th in Curitiba Brazil. It has been a wonderful experience. I am down almost 50lbs. I can not remember the last time I was almost 200lbs. My sister had an RNY 3 weeks ago, and has done really well, but I have so much more freedom as far as food choices go. I can eat just about anything I want, just not as much, including sugar. I feel bad when we are together, and she is having a hard time swallowing, and I am just grubbing out. I am sure she will be ok, and will be able to eat "normally" one of these days soon. But I can not stress to you enough, that the DS is a much better option than the RNY as far a as quality of life issues. There are not as many people who have had the DS as the RNY, and if the RNY was my only option I would have jumped at it. I know you will be happy with the DS. Keep in touch! Jackie
   — Jacklyn C.

December 6, 2002
I had the DS 15 months ago and just love the results. Read my profile and if you have questions, don't hesitate to write. Best wishes to you.
   — artistmama

December 6, 2002
You have made a wise choice for yourself. You will have an excellant quality of life afterwards. I will be having same surgery soon. Extensive research led me to the DS.Go to the site www.duodenalswitch.com and read the patient stories there. You will learn so much. They are very candid in their sharing of their experiences.Also, the site called www.mywls.com is also an excellant place to reference material on the DS.Best of luck to you.Blessings,
   — Leslie E.

December 6, 2002
Hi MaryLisa, I had a lap BPD with NO DS on 6/3/02. I had no complications, a great recovery period and as of today I am -93 pounds from my starting weight of 394 (though I DID lose 15 of those prior to surgery). I was terrified at the prospect of dumping and did not want to be so severely restricted. I orignially chose the DS but my surgeon stopped doing them 2 weeks before my initial consult, but she did agree to to the straight BPD for me. None of these surgeies is a magic bullet, I still have to work hard and be conscious of my food choices in order to use this 'tool' for it's highest benefit. But I'm supremely happy and hope you will be too. My story is on my profile, and feel free to email if you like. ~Peace
   — Joscelin

December 7, 2002
Hi MaryLisa, My DS was 12/17/01. My profile is also here, so please check it out. I'm down 158lbs. from a high of 360lbs. I'm hoping to lose 3 more by my 1 year anniversary date to get below 200lbs. It would be the first time in 26 years to weigh less than that. Life has been such an adventure! I can do everything, eat everything AND know I will not gain it back. Go into surgery with a positive attitude and even when things seem rough, know you will be thrilled with the results in a short time. Carol Beam
   — grammie5

December 13, 2002
I had an open BPD/DS on 4/11/01. I absolutely love my DS. I haven't had 1 problem. I'm down over 100 lbs. I eat everything and anything. I need to be very careful as I could go into old habits. "Just because I can, dsn't mean I do". I repeat this to myself when I want to eat. I did have an incisional hernia just repaired last month. Do all the research and be comfortable with your decision. I'm glad I did this and no regrets. I went from a 26-28 down to a 12 and over 60" gone!!!! Best wishes
   — Linda M.