Question:
Just read the Q&A on Reversal and I have 2 follow up ?'s

First, good luck to you Barbara on your reversal and I'll keep you in my prayers. Question 1, what is BPD/DS? Second question, are there any other long-term post-ops out there who truly would not do this again IF they had it to do all over again. There are SOOO many positive stories out there and I really want this to do this, but I'm also really scared and just want to hear all the angles. Thanks for the feedback.    — D W. (posted on August 17, 2002)

August 17, 2002
BPD = Bileo Pancreatic Diversion; DS - Duodenal Switch. This is a variation of gastric bypass surgery which removes 2/3's of the stomach, but leaves the stomach function intact. It is a highly distal procedure, bypassing most of the intestinal tract, leaving only 50 - 150 cms of common channel. The food you eat travels down one tract of bowel; digestive enzyme travel down another - so there is very little absorption of nutrients. The procedure requires some pretty dedicated supplementation. You can read more about the procedure at www.duodenalswitch.com if you are interested. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

August 17, 2002
Thanks for the kind words and thank you to the person who gave the explaination. There are a few of us out here who are having problems but many don't stick around online or say much on many sites. We're not too welcome on many of them. Hugs, Barb
   — Barbara H.

August 18, 2002
I'm not a long term post op---just had Lap RNY on 6/4/02. I believe there are so many positive stories because there is so many successes with the surgery. However, I also believe that the negative stories should be posted as well. Its not fair to only have the "good" side and not hear of what CAN happen. Currently in my own life, would I do this again? Yep. I'm down 50.5 lbs and my back is not in constant pain as it was before. Is it hard? Sometimes. Sometimes if I am bored it becomes more difficult cos food was my life before this. What am I gonna eat...where...etc. Now I have to think differently--what is high protein for me to eat..etc. I had quite a few instances where I kept throwing up what I ate because I was apparently eating too fast. I know you are scared and you should be. Surgery is not without risks. Do your homework. Investigate all the procedures. Personally I'm for the procedure I had because it seemed the best choice for me. But I have to admit I do not know all that much about the DS procedure but I trust my surgeon's judgement. It is key to get a surgeon that you are comfortable with--one that listens and answers ALL of your questions. If he rushes you and doesn't seem genuinely interested in your well being then throw him back into the pond! Good Luck and God Bless.
   — Bambi C.