Question:
How many have had Duodenal Switch (Proximal or Distal)

I visited my doctor (Dr. Marcus) today for a consult and he mentioned doing this procedure as oppose to RNY. This has thrown me off! Can anyone give me any input from this procedure? I noticed the majority of members are doing RNY or is it just my perception?    — Kimberly D. (posted on May 30, 2001)

May 29, 2001
Kim, I had the BPD/DS and yes, there are many more having the RNY surgery. There are pros and cons to both proceedures and I loved Barb Day's answer. I made my decision on my eating habits and what I thought I could live with for the rest of my life. Others have done the same thing. It's such an individual thing and I think both surgeries work for weight loss. You just have to endure different things for life with each one. I can tell you this, and BPD/DS people dont' like it I know, when I say this but, I am honestly not sure that I made the right decision in the end. This is after 2 years. I have had many problems with the BPD/DS but I did lose all my weight. I can't say that I would have been as successful in that respect with the RNY due to my eating habits but, I think I would have had fewer long term problems. It's a matter of choice. Know what you are getting into and really really ask yourself if you can live with all the problems (if they arise) for the rest of your life. Each surgery, as I said is good in it's own way. Each also has it's problems sometimes.
   — Barbara H.

May 29, 2001
Hi Kimberly, I originally thought I wanted the RNY since that was all the program I went to offered. After some problems with this program I decided to look elsewhere. I landed at a program who does both surgeries. I had my consult and left with a date with an RNY plus 2 other surgeries. In a week, my surgeon called asking me to consider the BPD/DS as FOR ME it was a health risk due to surgery for acid reflux. So, I started doing my homework. Different people need different surgeries. Dsn't mean one is better than the other. I'm glad I had the opportunity as my surgeon wouldn't have done the RNY and I'd be forever a Moribidly obese individual. For me, the thought of taking vitamins 3x day for life was no big deal. Sometimes I'm in the bathroom alot(at night)but things are tappering down(I'm only 7 weeks post op)I love how I'm able to eat. Very normal. My DS is 100cm as my surgeon will not do them any less as his opinion is it isn't safe(dsn't mean he's right or wrong,this is what he's comfortable with).I don't think my surgery is any better than the RNY-it's just what's right for me. Make sure you do your research on all aspects. I have friends who recently had RNY and regret it due to problems with the stoma's shrinking and now they're being dilated. Know in advance all the pro's and con's so if something comes up you can't say-I didn't know, I wouldn't have done this etc....I knew everything I could about this surgery. If something happens that I may not like I can't blame it on the surgeon for not telling me-I'm willing to accept my responsibilities. Some surgeon's don't tell all,that's why you must ask(for whatever procedure you choose). Both surgeries are good for varied reasons. Yes, most Dr.'s do RNY because most insurance companies pay for RNY. Many do not pay for BPD/DS as it is a much more expensive surgery. Why put out the extra money when they can get away with a less expensive procedure? My advice is talk to as many people from this site as you can. The good and the bad. It's good to hear people who have had difficulties because that it reality. Things happen! You have a wonderful gift at your fingertips with the website. You have thousands of post-ops at your fingertips. You just need to ask(as you've done)but don't be afraid to read profiles and write to people individually for their experiences. This will help you make an informed decision. Please don't let anyone tell you one procedure is better than the other. Their procedure may have been right for them and only you and your surgeon will know what's right for you. Best wishes on this wonderful journey!
   — Linda M.

May 30, 2001
Kimberly, Hi! I had the DGB/DS procedure 6 weeks ago, and I'm feeling great. Barb is right, there are not a whole lot of surgeons performing this procedure yet, but It may change over time. I had to travel 6 hrs for mine, but feel it was well worth it. I did a lot of research before I made a decision, and I would encourage you to do the same. I found a lot of information on the DS procedure at www.duodenalswitch.com. Please take a look, it describes in detail the differences in both procedures, with diagrams. I wish you the best of luck, and remember, You need to make the decision that is right for you!
   — Kim B.

May 30, 2001
Hi Kimberly, I had the DS 18 months ago and love it! There are lots of people having this procedure. There are over 1200 people on the DS mailing list. Here's the address: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/duodenalswitch. The DS is the latest in the evolution of weight loss surgeries, so this is why there are less surgeons performing it. It's a field that is growing by leaps and bounds. When I had surgery Oct 1999, there were 12 surgeons to choose from world wide. In 18 short months, that number has more than tripled. The DS has a 15 year history in the US. You can read many Published Clinical Studies at the DS website: http://www.duodenalswitch.com. Feel free to write me or ask questions on our message board: http://www.mywls.com/discus. Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]