Question:
What reasons did you use to ask your surgeon for DS surgery?

The surgeon I have chosen does duodenal switch surgery (occasionally). What reasons did you use to ask for DS surgery? I want to eat as normally as possible, and I want my stomach altered as little as possible. My BMI is 47, and I have no co-morbidities. I want to convince my surgeon to have DS not an RNY.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on February 5, 2002)

February 5, 2002
I chose the DS, then picked the best surgeon who does them. The reasons were these: 1. I wanted to retain my stomach in as normal a function as possible and I wanted to retain the pyloric valve: fewer complications, no dumping. (I think the use of 'dumping' as a behavioral reinforcer is barbaric and completely unecessary). 2. People who have the DS do just as well as people with RNY for weight loss and never gain it back. 3. I know myself. I want to eat like a normal person, because I enjoy eating. To believe that I could be compliant with eating miniscule amounts of food, never eat sweets and chew food until it is complete mush is unrealistic. Those are my reasons in the order of importance. 19 months post op and I am doing GREAT! Good Luck to you.
   — merri B.

February 6, 2002
I agree that if you want the DS you should talk to your surgeon about it. BUT I also suggest that you research the procedure very well before you make any decision. You made statement in your question about wanting your stomach altered as little as possible. I'm wondering exactly what you mean by that? The DS procedure does keep the pyloric valve intact which is a good thing. But the DS also includes a partial gastrectomy (removes part of the stomach). That is why I am wondering what you meant by saying you want your stomach altered as little as possible. I am not advocating RNY over the DS in any way. I just went to the duodenalswitch.com website and found some good information there. Maybe you should check it out if you haven't. Good luck with your decision whatever it is.
   — georgiacarol

February 6, 2002
Hi! I had my DS 12/17/01 and I am down 43 lbs. You do have a more normal stomach since it is cut along the natural curvature. You still have some digestion going on because of this and the pyloric valve. (I am beginning to believe those with the RNY can actually eat more than me since any liquids, soups, etc. just flow on through. That's why they are not to drink with meals but many do which washes the food out of the pouch.) I can take any over the counter medications now that I took before surgery. I can have a more normal life as far as special occasions (birthdays etc.) because I can eat anything. I do not absorb most of the fats (and do not dump) so can have that piece of cake or goodie once in a while. I had an open surgery and recovery was no longer than for an RNY done lap. I wasn't willing to take the chance that I would be one of the RNY patients who did not throw up on a regular basis either. No, it doesn't happen to everyone but too many for me. The bad BM's and gas problems associated with DS, have been a non-issue for me. Yes, I would have had an RNY if the DS had not been availble. We each have to decide which is best for us and the years ahead of us.
   — grammie5

February 8, 2002
Georgia, I believe what she meant by 'wanting my stomach altered as little as possible', is the DS makes the stomach smaller without disturbing the natural function of the stomach. Whereas, the RNY completely destroys the functionality of the stomach and creates a new "pouch" to hold the food in. Hope this helps...
   — [Deactivated Member]