Question:
RNY or Duodenal Switch ???????

I have already meet with my surgeon..I told him I wanted the RNY..he told me he might have to do the duodenal switch because of two c sections and scar tissue...What I have read about this I think I might like this surgery better...not sure what to do..no surgery date yet..as I have one more thest to do...appericate any help..thanks Bev    — Bev Bucklin (posted on January 11, 2009)

January 10, 2009
When I had my RNY I was heaver than you are now, I had had two C-Sections and Gall Bladder removal before RNY. The doctor did run into two small spots of scar tissue, he was still able to do lap rny in less than an hour. I only tell you that to let you know it is doable. You need to do some serious evaluating of yourself and your habbits and abilities to help you decide what surgery is best for you. Both will work, if you work the tool. Usually patients from each camp will tell you how their surgery is better than the other. I know people who want RNY, but I know should consider DS. I know their habbits and I know why they were unable to lose weight or keep it off. I know as their friend that they would hate RNY and it's lifestyle. This is one of the most personal decisions you can make. You and you alone will be the one living it daily. Educate yourself and choose wisely! The best to you! Brandy
   — queenbrandy

January 11, 2009
I don't know if this will help, but I had surgery for an ectopic pregnancy, followed by an ovarian cyst removal, followed by a hysterectomy. I also had gall bladder surgery and an apendectomy. These were all open surgeries in the 1970's. No problem with the RNY just some scar tissue around the hysterectomy incision. My Doc said that the scarring took him an extra 20 minutes and it went really well. No after problems whatsoever. I had my RNY on Aug, 2008. Whatever you do good luck!
   — katiecakes

January 11, 2009
I would look more at how the tool works than anything in making my choice. Pick what fits you. That stuff about C-sections is malarky. Lots of us have had c-sections and other abdominal surgery. I had an open RNY without issue. It was my choice though. If he is insisting on the DS he needs to have a better reason. If you WANT the DS then congrats on finding a doctor who will do and obviously prefers doing it.
   — Launa N.

January 11, 2009
You should be aware that duodenal switch is quite different surgery than RNY. I had the ds years ago and no problems. You should be aware and if you have major scar tissue I think the ds would be the better choice. Good Luck in whatever you decide. vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 11, 2009
BEV, 3 YRS I TRIED TO HAVE THE RNY BUT COULDN'T D/T MESHING FROM 3 PREVIOUS SURGERYS. AND TOMORROW I AM GOING FOR THE SLEEVE. MY DR SAID THIS IS MY ONLY HOPE. I HAVE READ EVERYTHING I COULD GET MY EYES ON ABOUT THIS AND AM VERY HAPPY. I JUST WISH MY DR COULD HAVE DONE IT AT THE TIME HE FOUND THE MESHING WAS IN THE WAY OF THE RNY. BUT INSURANCE IS ALWAYS AN ISSUE! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU. DON'T GIVE UP. GOD BLESS. CATHY
   — CATHYSDAN

January 12, 2009
I had 3 c-sections and had RNY. One of my c-sections had been two years before.
   — Carlyn M.

January 12, 2009
I don't know what type of insurance you have, but you need to find out if your insurance will cover DS. I wanted DS but my insurance wouldnt cover it, most won't! Good luck.
   — slcompton

January 12, 2009
I am scheduled for DS next month. From my research, I think the DS is a great surgery. This might be a blessing in disguise. Best of luck in your journey!!
   — julie_2009