Question:
I'd like to hear feedback from anyone who is 2yrs+ post-op who had the DS surgery?

   — Cindy S. (posted on March 3, 2001)

March 3, 2001
Cindy: I'm one year and 5 months and 170 lbs down from my lap BPD/DS. I haven't personally met anyone who is much further along as my surgeon started adding the DS to his program June of '99. Last I heard he has also revised about 45 RNYers to DS this year. I was his 7th DS patient and along with everyone I know, am doing great. I have no problems with gas or BMs, no blockages, ulcers, food intolerances or problems of any kind. I take 4 vitamins/calcium/iron pills a day to maintain my perfect blood work and will continue to for the rest of my life. I know that my weight will remain stable for the rest of my life as I have followed research on the BPD that goes back 22 years. Regain is not an issue as we don't absorb fat. Believe me, I have tested this more and more as time goes on and if I eat a 7oz Hershey bar at (for instance), I have two, rather than one BMs when I arise in the am and the 2nd is the Hershey bar. In any case, you won't find many WLS patients hanging around after two years. The ones who are doing great don't have time or interest and have moved on with their lives. I'm only still here because I'm somewhat slowed down from being in the midst of reconstructive total body lift. When I'm done I'm moving to Tahiti with my bikini and you'll never hear from me again.
   — Jill L.

March 4, 2001
Hi Cindy... I'm not quite your 2 years, but 16 months. You can read my story at http://www.mywls.com. There is a DS postop list you can read, as well as the main DS list where you might find what you're looking for... You can get the addressess to both those lists, and many more at my website by clicking on the Duodenal Switch button. Good luck to you! ---->>>
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 7, 2001
I am 4+ years post op w/the BPD/DS. I have lost 193lbs with a up/down flux of 20lbs. I give myself a hard time often, but that is just the sick overeater in me. I am very proud of what I have accomplished and my life is totally different because I am no longer morbidly obese. I go to the doctor every 6-8 months to have my bloodwork taken and for the most part it has always been normal. I just found out I should have been taking Calcium Citrate instead of Calcium Carbonate, and several long term DS patients I know have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, at very young ages. So please stay in touch with these lists and do your homework, so you stay up with the research. I do very well now, my side effects were pretty bad in the beginning because I was eating a high fat diet, but I have accomotated a lot and I barely have any side effects now. I am very happy I had the surgery and would still do it over 1000 times if I had to. Good luck to all considering, remember this is not the cure only a tool! Hugs, Allison
   — Allison Mupas

May 7, 2001
Cindy, I had the BPD/DS surgery June 1 of 1999. Guess that makes me 2 years almost to the month. Yes, I have had problems, (lots) but, possibly because I was one of the first ones done. My surgeon had only done about 8 before me. Hopefully, things are alot better now for BPD/DS patients and it seems so because most don't have nearly all the problems that I have had. I just ask everyone to please research what you are going to do and then make the best informed decision in "your" case. Good luck
   — Barbara H.