Question:
RNY now, or wait for Duodenal Switch?

I've been through the whole process and finally have RNY surgery date for early July! NOW I just started reading about duodenal switch in detail, and it sounds so much better, but to have that done I must switch docs ad wait about 6-8 months. Is it worth it? I have several co-morbities.    — Postop_nurse (posted on June 25, 2003)

June 25, 2003
Barb: I had a DS in Oct 2001 in NYC. You don't state where you are, so I don't know if there are any DS docs in your area. I've lost 166 lbs in less than 2 years and can eat anything that doesn't eat me first! In my opinion the DS is worth waiting and fighting for. You must be committed to lifetime follow up with vitamin and mineral supplements as well as a high protein diet. I feel that the trade off is worth it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Email me privately if you have any other questions.
   — dantevolta

June 25, 2003
Hi Barb, <p>That is a tough question because not all insurance companies approve the DS. Some will cover the RNY but not the DS because they deem it "experimental" although that is pure hogwash. What it really comes down to is money. The DS costs more--plain and simple, and the insurance companies that deny the DS just don't want to pay it (My never to be humble opinion). The DS has been done extensively in Europe for close to 20 years. It is just now picking up steam here in the states because of it's high success rate.<p>I had the DS and I'm so glad I had this opportunity. I really don't know what I would have done if my insurance had denied the DS but approved the RNY. That's a really tough call because not knowing then what I know now may have influenced my decision. But having the benefit now of knowing how successful I ended up being, how healthy I am and how happy I am with my new life, I would have waited if I had had the little crystal ball to look into. <p>I know of people who have waited to have the DS and were so glad they did. But I have also read other accounts of people who had the RNY because that was all that was available or that was all their insurance would cover, and they are happy to get the weight off no matter how it happens. I think some post-op RNY folks struggle more with hunger issues, weight gain, dieting issues, etc., than I do, but ultimately it is your decision and you will be the one who lives with that decision long term. <p>If you know your insurance will cover it, then, shoot!, I'd go for it. A few month's longer will not make that much difference unless you are super M.O. with severe comorbids. <<p>Is that about as clear as mud? I bet that really helped you make a decision, eh? Whatever you decide, I really wish you God speed and a safe WLS journey.
   — artistmama

June 25, 2003
Barb, I found myself in the same postion. I chose to go for the DS. I have to start the whole process over again, but I feel it will be so worth it! Good Luck and if you need someone to talk to, email me=)
   — JessieL

June 25, 2003
Barb- I looked into the DS/BPD and the RNY and chose the RNY for a few reasons. First, I was concerned about the malabsorption issues and didn't think that I would be disciplined enough to maintain the vitamin regimine. Second, I wanted to get away from my addiction to food and felt that the RNY, by drastically reducing the size of my stomach, would give me that freedom. Thirdly, I understood that the frequency with which one must go the restroom after the BPD/DS would be excessive for my lifestyle. I guess for me, it was an advantage that I wouldn't be able to eat as much as I once did and that I wouldn't be able to eat the white carbs that had gotten me into so much trouble-- and that's why I chose the RNY. Good luck in your decision.
   — SteveColarossi

June 25, 2003
Barb, go to ask a question...chose the category long term post ops and READ. This is what I did, as I am in the same position you are in...approved for RNY after waiting many months...would have to start over to get DS. Read about DS and wanted to change, then read long term post ops section, and have decided to stay with RNY. It is a very individual choice.
   — Donna C.

June 25, 2003
I chose RNY over DS for many reasons: I needed the dumping effect... I was THAT sugar-oriented!; I could have it LAP; I could have it faster, and with a better surgeon; the long-term effects are better known, according to the research I have done... but I don't know everything, okay? Really research the difference before backing out of RNY. Weigh the good and the bad, the amount of weight you want to lose, the side effects of both, etc. I'm 18 months out and have lost 220 lbs!! I was 378 to start and 5'6/7". Email me if you want to chat! :~)
   — Sharon M. B.

June 29, 2003
A six or eight month wait may seem long now, but in the scope of the rest of your life, it's a blip. The choice you make needs to be based on an objective assessment of pros and cons of both procedures as you see them. Educate yourself about the clinical outcomes of both procedures. The published reports show significant differences in long-term success rates. Read the patient stories on the DS website (http://www.duodenalswitch.com). Take a look at my profile for links to various DS resources. Good luck!
   — mmagruder