Question:
Choosing between DS/BPD V. RNY-Proximal

I think that I am on information overload. I'm 37 years old with a BMI of 51. My only significant co-morbidity is severe arthritis. I'm scheduled for a RNY - Proximal Laparoscopic procedure for July 25th, BUT, I've been reading many success stories about the DS/BPD procedure. It appears that the DS/BPD procedure allows you to eat/chew more "normally" and also drink more "normally", than the RNY procedure. I'm really confused and nervous. I don't really want to start this long process over, BUT, I also want to make the correct short and long term decision for the best quality of life. I'm concerned about having to take baby bites of food and only sips of liquids the rest of my life. Please help with your experience and input. Thank you.    — David F. (posted on June 16, 2003)

June 16, 2003
Hey sweetie, I can't tell you about DS/BPD but I can tell you about the LAP RNY. I'm now 8 months out and take normal size bites and can chug non carbonated beverages just fine. Its been like that since about 3 months out. Now not everyone can do this, I'm sure you'll hear from others who will tell you they would never dare, but for me I can. This is a very tough decision. Good for you for exploring your options.
   — Heather B.

June 16, 2003
Hi. I think you're on the right path. I am six weeks out, and I can take normal size bites of food. I can't gulp liquids but I can take a normal drink at this point. Good luck to you.
   — Bonnie R.

June 16, 2003
Hi David, Congrats on doing your research. If you go to the duodenal switch web site and read the research done by Dr Hess, I think you will get some objective information with which to make your decision, You may also want to join the Yahoo duodenal switch group for information from folks who have had the procedure. Most of the folks on this site have had the rny. Good luck, I am sure you will make the right decision for yourself. Kathy
   — kathleen S.

June 16, 2003
David, there are more issues between these two procedures than just food/drink amounts. While it might be easier to forego research, your decision will affect the rest of your life. Please don't take the path of ignorance. Learn all you can, then choose that which will work best for you...Good Luck! By the way, have you considered a consultation with a doc who does the DS?
   — merri B.

June 17, 2003
It depends on why you want this surgery. The RNY (and I had the lap proximal RNY)restricts sugar and high fat foods and causes dumping in most (not all) if you have them, or too much of them. The tiny bites and little sips are just in the beginning and eventually after a few months you eat and drink normally, just smaller amounts, and hopefully better choices. The drawback to the DS, in my opinion is that many of them end up with severe gas and diahrea daily and have BMs several times a day. Not all, but many do. I have also heard those with the DS say that the long term statistics of keeping the weight off with the DS are higher than the RNY, but I have not seen any studies that indicate that. Also with the DS, you malabsorb more than with the proximal RNY which means you have to be more vigilant to supplement. I'm a proponent of less bypassed rather than more. The more bypassed, the less opportunity for the vitamins in food to be absorbed naturally. There are no long term studies yet on the impact of WLS patients supplementing vs. absorbing naturally. Proximals still lose their weight as successfully as distals yet have the advantage of less bypassed. Go to the yahoo group that is for DS'ers and discuss this with them for their perspective. Also, check with your insurance to ensure that they cover both surgeries before making a final decision. I had originally thought to get the lap band but my insurance co did not cover it.
   — Cindy R.