Question:
Anyone on this website sorry they had a D.S.?

At first I was sure an RNY was my surgery of choice but since the recent postings about the D.S. I am now thinking of changing my mind and wonder is there anyone out there that is sorry they chose this particular type of surgery. My doctor does both although we haven't sat down to discuss either type as yet. I do know he doesn't do the vbg. I realize a doctor can give me medical information but I also believe in talking to those who have had it done for a first hand report. I am also not interested in ever having to consider a revision. I am a sweet but not much of a volume eater. I am primarily interested in anyone who is having trouble living with the after effects of the D.S. or wish the had considered the RNY    — Mary G. (posted on February 26, 2000)

February 26, 2000
Like most people, I too started out thinking I wanted a RNY due to the popularity of this procedure in the US. However, I did months of research and am more than thankful that I found the Duodenal Switch procedure and an excellent surgeon who was the first in the world to perform the DS laparoscopically. I had surgery 4 months ago and had no complications and have NO REGRETS! I can eat anything I wish, including milk products and fat. I have no excessive gas and my bowel movements are less frequent than pre-surgery -- about once a day on average. I have NONE of the problems and discomfort associated with RNY -- no blockages, no miniscule stomach, no dumping, no excessive chewing etc. I take 2 vitamins, calcium & iron every day and my 2 blood workups have been excellent. At 4 months I have lost half my excess weight and lost 85 pounds. Better yet, due to my research and the long track record of success of the DS, I know that I will keep my weight off and still be able to eat like the normal person I wish to be. I always hear people referring to RNY surgery as a "tool" and continue to harrange us with diet talk-- restrictions of carbs, fats, sugars, atkins, points, ossg hungry, etc. It seems like the same neverending self-defeating dieting we have never succeeded at. I did not undergo Major surgery to look for another "too". WLS should be the solution and I believe that the DS is -- and so do many, many of my peers and cohorts.
   — Jill L.

February 26, 2000
At over 300 pounds I never considered a proximal surgery because I knew that I'd eventually either regain the weight or spend my life on a diet. If I could do that, I wouldn't be here. So it came to choice between a distal RNY and the BPD/DS. Since both offer the same chance of gas/frequent BMs, I had to go with the BPD/DS because of the unrestricted diet, and what I felt was a better quality of life. No worries about dumping, even if I choose to someday have a Margarita. And so on. Now it turns out that I'm one of the few who is experiencing more frequent BMs than most do. So the question is, would I still go for the BPD/DS or would I choose a proximal or medial RNY? I would still have the DS. Because I find it's not really a problem. No sudden urges. No uncontrollable gas or explosive BMs. I don't need to live my life within 10 feet of a bathroom. In fact, I run all over town on a daily basis, normally going hours between bathroom visits, just as normal people do. It's just that when I go, I usually have a small BM. This may be what we call TMI (too much information), but you asked! Best wishes to you, whichever surgery you choose.
   — Duffy H.

July 28, 2003
Just to update Melanie's post about the DS discussion group, it is now at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/duodenalswitch/ Love my DS!!
   — Chris T.

October 4, 2003
I'm not sorry that I had the DS. This was the best answer for me - I'm down 90# in 7 mo, I can eat what I want when I want and my eating habits appear normal to all those around me. I get gas - but doesn't everyone sometime? I do have a question though - Why does it seem that lately more and more RNYers are getting revisions to the DS?
   — Cera H.

October 4, 2003
Hi Mary: If I were to do it again I'd have the DS. The only concern I'd have would be having to make sure you get enough protein. Although since they can eat more than the RNYer it's probably not as bad to try and get the protein in earlier postop. I believe the DS is always distal correct? So the more intestine bypassed the more you need the extra protein. I could be wrong, because I had already committed to the RNY before I found out about the DS and didn't research it as much as I would have had I been willing to throw away my couple of months of waiting for the RNY and resubmit for insurance for the DS. Now that my stoma had stretched I really kick myself for being so impatient. I do have gas occasionally, but I do think it's maybe less than the average DSer. But I'd take the gas and maybe going to the bathroom more often over some of the problems you get with the RNY. Another serious consideration with RNY is not being able to take NSAID (advil, motrin, aspirin etc.) If you think you're going to get arthritis or have it the RNY isn't the way to go. So those are my thoughts for what they're worth. I didn't do a lot of research so don't take anything as gospel. Whichever surgery you choice I wish you luck with it. S
   — sherry hedgecock