Question:
Just alittle info on my BPD/DS experience
I have recently come to find out that the BPD/DS surgery should really be reserved for people weighing at "least" 300 pounds or more. This comes from the Dr. who invented the surgery. The reason I write this to all of you who are interested in this type of surgery is because of my own experience with it. I am 5'3 and started on June 1, 1999, at 280 pounds when I had the BPD/DS. A year later, I am wayyy past goal at 115 pounds and losing more each week. I honestly am not sure if this is the fault of my surgeon ( he has had many problems with patients and some are suing for various reasons) or if it's the surgery itself. All I can tell you all, is that after talking to a few different surgeons, most have said the same thing. It was a drastic surgery for my weight. It's not just the weight loss that is a problem for me. My malabsorption level is very high. I absorb nearly nothing. This I know is the fault of the surgeon as I found out the for some unknown reason, he made my pouch smaller than usual and the intestinal line is also much shorter than usual. This might have been ok for a 400 to 500 pound person....for someone my starting weight, all it made me do is lose very very fast (165 pounds in 10 months)and I now have a multitude of health problems to go along with this weight loss. Yes, I know that 165 in 10 months is great for some people, but I think it's wondreful for people who are alittle larger. This is alittle much for someone of my size. I am absorbing none of my vitamins and mineral and God only knows that I am on a multitude of them to say the least. I am not writing this to down the BPD/DS as it's a miracle for many. I am only saying this to warn people that they need to look into the many different options for WLS before deciding. My doc almost threw many of us into this surgery because at the time, I honestly think he was practicing and wanted alot of patients to try this out on. He definately pushed the BPD/DS and still is to this day although in another hospital as I have heard that he was released from the hospital where I had it due to the many lawsuits. I am not alone talking about this doctor. There are others on this site who had similar experiences with him. I am not saying don't get the BPD/DS, only that you need to know all of the facts before entering into any surgery. I thought I did...I was wrong. There are many pluses to this surgery (BPD/DS) and one is the ability to eat anything after awhile. Just know the minuses before doing anything and weigh the different types. I went into this blind as I now can admit. I don't want anyone else to do the same. I am not totally unhappy as I look ok although, with another 10 pounds I am almost at the anorexic stage. I also know that many BPD/DS people will be upset with this writing. Please know that I am only making sure that others are totally aware first before jumping on the bandwagon. At least aware of this surgeon. Please go to my profile if you want his name as I won't mention it on here. Good luck to all! — BARBARA R. (posted on June 15, 2000)
June 14, 2000
Barbara, I'm so sorry you've been unable to stop losing. I've read in the
clinical reports that this can happen in a very small number of cases.
Seems that, sadly, you're one of them. Have you discussed this with your
surgeon? There are meds that may stop the weight loss, or failing that,
your common channel can be lengthened slightly. Best of luck to you, and I
hope you get this resolved soon.
— Duffy H.
June 14, 2000
Barbra, thank you for having the courage to tell your story. That is what
this site is for the good and the bad or "not so positive". Best
wishes to you and I hope you find an answer to your current dilema. Can
this type of surgery be reversed?
— kimberly1224
June 14, 2000
Barbara, I am sorry to hear of your complications. I do not think that
your comments have to do with the DS surgery, but rather the way your
surgeon applied it. It can be done for people under 300 pounds as well.
However, the surgeon is supposed to measure the small intestine and create
a common channel, based on a percentage, which is based on many factors.
Someone very large, with a dual history of family obesity might be left
with 9% functioning common channel. Someone 280, with no family history,
might be left with 45% common channel for instance (actual percentages may
vary upon the individual). I think, given your other comments that your
surgeon was not well informed and, unfortunately, that can happen to anyone
with any type of surgery. To help you remedy the problem, I would suggest
that you seek out an experienced and well renowned DS surgeon who can
revise your common channel to give you more absorptive surface area.
Please contact me if I can be of any assistance.
— merri B.
June 15, 2000
Thank you Barbara for your courage and honesty. I agree with Kimberly. We
need to have information on the bad as well as the good. All to often we
get caught up in the "Won't life be wonderful" pie in the sky
feelings and forget that there are some valid concerns to be confronted.
Although many surgeries, like my own at this time, have a positive outcome,
some do not. It's testimonies like your own that empower me to make the
best possible choices. Education is an awesome tool. Take care and I hope
things work out for you...
— Alicia B.
June 15, 2000
Barbara, my surgeon advised me against the BPD/DS because I only weighed
240 lbs. He said that this procedure was primarily for patients with
extremely high BMI's. He said it was in my best interest to go with the
Lap Rny, although he does a high % of BPD/DS Lap procedures. I'm going to
have to agree with you on this topic. Take care of you...
— DOROTHY A.
June 16, 2000
Thank you Barbara for your courage and honest post on your experience
with BPD/DS. I also agree with Kimberly. Everyone needs to have all
information on all the surgery types, the good, bad and the ugly.. I think
the members on AMOS do a very good job on VGB and RNY quite often, (we
tell it all) <b>I again thank you for telling your story and URGE
all those still deciding that are not SUPER OBESE to read her post
</b> I have a very dear friend that has had the very similar
experience with the BPD/DS she was 320 pounds and has since had
hers revised her surgeon watched her carefully and admitted maybe this
was not best surgery for her and advised the revision the doctors now
expect her blood levels to start to climb now that she's getting
proper absorption.. I discussed this surgery with many surgeons and all
would not even think about this surgery unless patients are "Super
Obese" 450 pounds or more. I urge you to have a revision as soon
as possible, your liver, heart, and kidneys are in grave danger if not
revised as soon as possible.. God Bless you Barbara and I pray you
get surgical help ASAP..If I can assist you in anyway let me know.. My
heart is breaking for you...All any of us (obese people) ever really want
is a chance at life as normal as possible like KIM once said
"Just a fat chic trying to be thin".. But as you said: "I
am only saying this to warn people that they need to look into the many
different options for WLS before deciding"
<b>Research</b> is the key don't be afraid to ask
questions from any doctor or surgeon, ask about any all risks not just
the immediate surgical risks but later down the line, (malabsortion) be
cautious in your decision..
— Victoria B.
June 16, 2000
Barbara--thanks so much for your post stating your experience with your
surgeon. With all the wonderful outcomes and successes we hear about with
the BPD/DS, your story bring home the fact that these exceptions are very
real and very serious and should not be overlooked. I am a bit confused
though in reading your post & your profile, you refer to your surgery
as the BPD which is a very different surgery than the BPD/DS. You also
state that your surgeon make your pouch smaller. The DS surgery doesn't
involve creating a 'pouch.' Are you sure you didn't have a distal RNY? Do
you still have your pyloric valve? I'm sorry your surgeon chose to
"practice" on you, showing his inexperience. Your post reminds
us all that research is the key. Go with an <B>experienced surgeon
and remember we must take our vitamins</B> to have success with the
new tool we've chosen. A great reminder! Thank you!
— [Deactivated Member]
June 16, 2000
I think it needs to be stated again that there are meds (you don't have to
take them forever, only for a little while) that may stop your weight loss.
IF they don't work, then it would be wise to consider a revision to make
your common tract a little longer. I'd certainly give the medication a shot
first, though. Good luck to you.
— Duffy H.
June 18, 2000
Hi Barbara - I'm so sorry to hear about the problems you are having. In
reading your profile, things looked like they were going so great! I hope
that you are able to get this resolved soon. My thoughts and prayers are
with you.
I'm curious about the lawsuits pending in regard to your surgeon. I have
friends who are considering surgery with the same doctor and would like to
share with them any actual pending lawsuits of which you might be aware.
I have been researching WLS for some time now and will be having a BPD/DS
in August. My surgeon, who is one of the founding members of the ASBS,
feels this is the most effective weight loss surgery available, long-term
for any MO individual. But, he also realizes its a personal choice and
that we all must make the decision whether or not we feel WLS is right for
us and if so, which procedure. After my extensive research, reading the
pros and cons of each WLS type, the BPD/DS, for me -- is far and away my
procedure of choice. I thank you for sharing your story and reminding us
why we should always adhere to our post-op instructions.
— Kris G.
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