Question:
Does anyone know of a surgeon in FL who performs the DS Lap.

I have three small children and traveling would be a hardship. I have checked the Dr lists, but with the exception of the list in the Duodenal Switch site, I have been unable to find any Dr's in FL. Any help would be appreciated. Also has anyone had surgery with Dr Verdeja?    — Suri (posted on December 18, 2001)

December 18, 2001
Hi there, When I was researching WLS, I was also unable to find any doc in FLorida performing the DS switch. The nearest 'recommended' doctor I could find was in Atlanta. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. -Tracie
   — Tracie B.

December 18, 2001
There are not any surgeons who perform the DS in Florida. There is Dr. Smith in Atlanta (as mentioned in a previous response) and Dr. Booth (in Ocean Springs)... I think these may be the two closest to you. I'm not sure if they do the surgery lap, though. You can find a complete list of DS surgeons (lap and open) at www.duodenalswitch.com. This is a great site and also has a description of the surgery as well as online copies of studies that have been done on the DS. There's also a yahoo group called 'duodenalswitch' and there are quite a few people from Florida who post there and are members. If you subscribe (it's free, just join the list), you can hook up with those in your area and also get people's experiences with various surgeons. All the best, (lap ds with gallbladder removal, January 25, 2001, 10 months post-op and feelin' fabu, preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45 now: 198 lbs/bmi 28/size sweet 16 but squeezin' into a 14!),
   — Teresa N.

December 18, 2001
Hi there, I am in Florida wanting the lap DS too. I am heading to California to have my surgery. I hope you can find someone closer. I wouldn't give up on the DS though even if you do have to travel ;) If it helps to know, the normal time you have to be near your surgeon seems to be a few days before surgery and at least a week after you are released from the hospital... so 3-5 days in the hospital + 7 give or take, and you'll end up with close to two weeks you will need to be out of town. I hope you work something out! Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]