Question:
Looking for a great surgeon that does the DS procedure Lap.

I am trying to find a great surgeon that performs the Duodenal switch procedure lap. Any sugestions? Location does not matter because I live in Texas and will have to fly regardless.    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 31, 2001)

August 31, 2001
You can find a list of most of the surgeons worldwide who perform the DS at duodenalswitch.com, and plenty of discussion of the merits of the various surgeons--and of who has done it laparoscopically, how many times, and with how much skill--at the Duodenal Switch Yahoo group ([email protected]). But, take the individual responses you're likely to get as to who is a "great" DS laparoscopic surgeon with a grain of salt. Most such responses are likely to reflect how good the surgeon's bedside manner was with that particular patient, and whether the person has developed any complications as yet. Your best bet is to research the number of procedures the surgeon has performed and his complication rate.
   — Kay B.

August 31, 2001
While you are doing your research check out the Mt. Sinai group. You will find they are outstanding and have a lot of experience with this surgery lap. Their web-site is www.surgicallyslim.com I think you will be impressed.
   — blank first name B.

August 31, 2001
Hi: Just wanted to share with u a story about the Lap. My Dad had this done 2 weeks ago on 8/16 and on 8/17 he had it removed the pain of the band was too much for him to handle. Just a thought i would share. On the other hand on 8/16 as well I went thru the Roux NY and I am so happy i chose that. Its 2 wks post op and I lost 26 lbs already. Im really feeling good. A little pain still but on the right track! Good luck...However, I will tell u I used Dr. Alfons Pomp in NYC he was wonderful! He is afflilitated with Mt. Sinai....good luck on your journey!
   — Melissa S.

August 31, 2001
Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco performs the DS lap,So does Dr. Gagner in NY.
   — Kim B.

August 31, 2001
Hello. I had the DS Lap performed by Dr Clark Warden in Ocean Springs, MS on 5/29/01, down 70 lbs so far! Another girl from TX was there the same day I was having my surgery done, I think you'll find that he is the closest to you. If you read my profile, I'm not gonna rave about his bedside manner, cuz he was really impressive in this dept, he was very matter of fact and businesslike (although all his staff is really sweet and awesome!) BUT, although he has been doing the lap ds for a little over one year, he is a very skilled LAP surgeon with over 12 YEARS experience with lap procedures so there was absolutely NO apprehension on my part with his qualifications!! Finding a skilled DS surgeon is one thing, but if you're gonna do it lap, find a skilled lap surgeon! Lap's a whole other ballgame from an open procedure!! =) ps - I would recommend that you ck with your insurance and make sure HE and the hospital are IN NETWORK for you first!! U can read my profile for more info on that too, since I went out of network to go to him. Blessings,
   — ChristiMNB

August 31, 2001
OOps, me again. I forgot to mention that his waiting list is considerably smaller than most other DS surgeons!! I was already approved when I switched to his office and I was scheduled for surgery within two weeks! (remember, this was 3 months ago!). His number is toll free 1-866-776-5860.
   — ChristiMNB

September 1, 2001
Dr Dennis C Smith in Marietta GA (metro Atlanta area) does BPD/DS laparoscopically, but he's very hard to get in with. He has a support group online at Yahoogroupscom. I'm not sure of the exact address. His phone number is (770)424-4328.
   — gvlgal

November 11, 2001
My surgeon Dr Piotr Gorecki is the Chief of Lap. Surgery at New York Methodist Hospital, Park Slope, NY. I don't know if he does the stitch. I had an Open RNY because he couldn't see to do the lap. He did repair the Hiatial Hernia by Lap. He is a great surgeon and person. Neci
   — Nynese W.