Duodenal Switch Surgery Forum

802 topics in this forum

Okay so is it odd that am this happy to be sliced and diced. (Apologies if i offended someone) I got the call this morning about my surgery after fighting over a broken fax machine and which doctor is in the network and so forth i was approved and set up just got to go in for labs and i'll be ready for surgery december 5th. I am concerned about you know things going wrong However my need for this far outweigh my concerns. I am ready for a new life. I have been on this site for a few months now and i have to say reading all of your stories and seeing all the progress really inspires me that i can do this too. Any advice that you may want to share with me before my…

How many pills do you take on a daily basis? How much do you spend on them per month? Where do you buy your vitamins? Have you had any issues with deficiency?

I had the Duodenal Switch surgery a few years ago and have struggled with getting my Iron supplement in. Because it has to be taken 2-4 hours before/after having Calcium, it takes a lot of planning to make sure they are not conflicting. Then a light bulb came on - we do not absorb nutrients and Vitamins from our food, which is why we have to take all the supplements. So does that mean I can take my iron supplement and still eat cheese and other dairy products inside that 2-4 hour window? Sure would make life easier if we can. My main problem is I forget to take the iron at the time I'm able, and setting an alarm to remind me on my phone or other devices is not an opt…

Hey Gang! I'm currently going through my 13-step process for insurance approval to undergo a duodenal switch, as a corrective measure following eight years with a malfunctioning laproscopic band. I anticipate undergoing surgery in mid- to late December. One question I'm repeatedly asked is what my weight loss expectations are. To be honest, I don't have a number of pounds in mind - my success with this will be measured by other means. I made a mistake setting pound-specific goals with the band, then becoming increasingly discouraged when reality didn't come close to matching expectation. But that said, I'd like to ask those who've gone through the duodenal switch…

Watching pizza commercials is like watching a commercial for dirty ashtrays. Pizza was my favorite food and it was always agonizing watching those commercial during my pre op phase. I'm liking the dirty ashtray commercials. Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using the BariatricPal App

Would love to hear your stories! I've had the sleeve done, but not much success with it (you can read my story which I posted here for a better understanding: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/360924-my-unsuccessful-sleeve/) After some long and intense research, I truly feel like the Loop DS is the tool which my body needs to get this weight loss going. I feel like the sleeve is an amazing tool but as we are all different I guess my body needed more than just the sleeve itself. Looking forward to any options/stories!!

The 3rd SouthEast Weight Loss Surgery Regional Conference which will be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Mach 10-12th, 2017 is for all pre and post bariatric patients (no matter which surgery you’ve had). It will help you and those who support you, find or maintain your motivation, inspiration, get some education and meet new friends who are on the same journey as you. We’ll have world renown speakers, cooking demonstrations, raffles, door prizes, support group meetings, fitness activities, vendors, free samples, Mardi Gras themed banquet and so much more. Early Bird Tickets are now on sale through November 5, 2016. Visit www.southeastvsg.com for more info. Share this in…

Please tell us something that you wish you had been told BEFORE your surgery that you think might be helpful for us to know.

Is this normal I am feeling really sluggish I'm taking my b12 Vitamins thinking about going to the Er after work Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all, I am 4yr post op from the ds. When I started I was over 500 lbs(515ish), now I am at 198-200 but feel like I am stuck.... I am definitely getting over 110 grams of Protein a day, working out vigorously (I feel anyway), tracking my food with time of day and mood, but I feel like I should at least at my goal by now. How much have you been able to loose, and are you happy with it? I have made myself feel like a failure.. Any suggestions? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Does anyone on here have experience with Kaiser Norcal referring them for the DS recently? Particularly the Richmond facililty? I don't think that they do it in house. I've found a lot of people in forums who have had to fight and petition to get their referral, but none in the last 5 years. My BMI at orientation was 51. I meet with the surgeon soon, and I'd like to know if I should be gearing up for a fight. I'm at the very beginning of this adventure, and any and all advice would be much appreciated!

Hello I am new to this page, I am also new to the ds journey. My husbands job only offers 4 insurance plans all of which exclude Bariatric surgery. So here I am, planning a trip to Tijuana Mexico to have the ds surgery with dr Lopez. I would love any feed back from yal who have used him. Since I am self paying my surgery goal is March of 2018.

After a long long road, i get a call yesterday and i finally have my insurance approval!! Surgery date is Dec 27th!! I cannot wait!! I will keep you all posted!!

I was sleeved Aug 2012. I am a low BMI sleever: highest weight ever = 210, was 198 on the day of surgery, got down to 148 in 8 months and then started regaining, even though I was not doing anything differently. I still, to this day, have plenty of restriction. When I started regaining, I gained 26 lbs in 5 months and I've been stuck there since. I have been hovering between 174-178 for almost two years. Whether I restrict my calories, run and lift weights or do nothing and eat whatever I want, I remain the same weight. I have been considering revision surgery for quite sometime now and will most likely have the DS. I am looking to hear from those of you who had the DS …

I have read and heard from DS patients about temporary hair loss post-op. Just curious how many of you experienced this and how extensive the loss was and how long. Thank you for sharing.

Has anybody had a bypass and had then transferred to a DS switch One I have not been able to find much on it, and just wanted to know if it is a better option for revision as I have read gain some weight from the bypass after a few years, and it hit up with this and would like to know is the DS switch will help as a better revision, then just a normal bypass revision . Urgent response please

What kind of sweeteners are good to use since sugar is now the Devil ... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sending someone into a restaurant to see if they have tables. The look on peoples faces when they see me when elevator doors open. taking someone with me to a grocery store/restaurant so i can have an excuse for buying junk food or lots of food. Being the bag holder while everyone else is on a ride at carnival,Water park, or basically anywhere there is fun and tight crowds. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

I am 2 weeks post op from DS. I am struggling with food. I do not want to eat. I was great on liquids. I lived on Ice Water and still do. but I am struggling with Protein, and what I can and can't eat now that I am in puree..... The sound of liquidizing everything is disgusting to me. I would rather struggle with no protein until i get to the soft food portion of my diet so i can eat meatloaf and chicken and what not. I don't have that large of a menu i enjoy eating from to begin with, but I am really having a hard time in the puree phase. Every time I open a Protein shake I start gagging so I cant even get help there.

I know everyone is different, but how long after your ds surgery were you told to stay home before headed back to work. In a physical and sedentary job. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

I am 2 weeks out and I'm feeling good but I'm not able to get in all 120 mg of the Protein that I'm needing. I sip Water and Gatorade all day can't finish one in a day this is really troubling I'm not even hungry I eat Jello a lot I'm tired of jello I can start my soft foods tomorrow so hopefully I can get more protein in with that. I ordered GENEPRO protein to make the size of protein to go in the food or drink and not change the consistency. Any other ideas on getting in protein?? Help me!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am also worried about all the Vitamins we are supposed to take. Sounds like alot and my guess is insurance will not pay for them right. What about if you have to take them by iv like Iron? Anyone know? Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Anyone have trouble changing their old ways even after surgery. As far as eating goes. I am afraid of not being able to do it or getting to comfortable. I am still waiting for approval and these thoughts keep going through my head like its not going to work for me. Or something really negative. I really want and need this tool for weight loss but doubt is setting in during the waiting period. Anyone else feel this or something similar. Please share your stories. And thank you all for listening. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Hey folks - I'm brand new to this forum. After months of research and (im)patiently waiting, my surgery is set! I'm scheduled for SIPS on March 10th 2016 in Raleigh, NC. I'll start my liver reduction diet in about a week. In the meantime, I'm enjoying my last few sips of Coke Zero, while I can. Super stoked about this new chapter and finally having the tools to work the weight loss, after an entire life of being heavy. It's all I've ever known, but I'm really looking forward to a new lifestyle. Anyway, I'll refrain from getting into some heavy-duty topics for now. I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi!

Finally I'm home from surgery it was a quick surgery but the pain Omg the pain was something serious I went in on Wednesday morning about 630 am. Was happy go luckily taking pictures and clowning around with my sister went through surgery and came out it was a whole different story we can just say slept through Thursday and friday. Honestly if I had to do it over I wouldn't I'm definitely not into pain. On my way to a healthy me!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone!! I've made the decision to have WLS, and have already started the process. I was originally set on the sleeve but after talking to my surgeon, I've decided on the DS. * What are some things that helped you prior to surgery in preparation for the lifestyle change? * How was life after surgery? * Does anyone have the issue of saggy skin, if so how do you deal with it? -- I'd love any insight, suggestions, negative and positive things you've experienced so far and to learn about your success story behind DS. Thanks in advance! I'm super excited for this lifestyle change but looking for all the information I can. Sent from my SM-G928T using the…

Hello all from the Northen Shenandoah Valley of Virginia! I'm in the beginning process of this wls journey. I had my initial consult w/ my surgeon and have all my appointments scheduled out. The last of them is set for mid Jan. I imagine, if ins approves, surgery would be sometime after that. Initially I was thinking about RNY but I'm feeling more confident about having the DS now that I've researched it. My surgeon also thinks it's a great option for me. What are somethings I could start doing now that would make this new lifestyle a bit easier post op? Sent from my SM-G930P using the BariatricPal App

I'm here again on this journey hopefully Wednesday comes with no hang ups! Last time it was 2 days before the surgery and Iron was to low☹️.so now I'm 4 days out and I hoping wishing and praying I don't get that call from the Doctors office. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am so excited! I had the DS on April 27, 2016 with a starting weight of 267 at 5'2" tall. Today I weigh 198! I don't think I've been under 200 lbs in over 27 years! My highest ever weight was 320. I just had to share my excitement! I just turned 49 a few weeks ago and I'm wishing I would have done this years ago. It is wonderful to bypass the plus size section of the store and actually shop the non plus women's section! I've been diagnosed type 2 diabetic since 2003 and since I was discharged from the hospital I have been off all diabetes meds (Metformin, Amaryl and Victoza), off blood pressure meds and off cholesterol meds. My last A1C was 5.5 and bef…

OMG, My Surgery was just approved by insurance! I'm soooo excited and happy.

Im ???? my surgery was postponed.... Got my bloodwork back and Iron way too low have to get a iron infusion.. stress test showed issues with my ❤ i have to see a cardiologist to get cleared.. I know its for the best but i was right there 2 days aways and BOOM!!! Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

Hi Everyone, Lorraine here. I'm pre-op DS with Dr Rabkin in San Francisco, CA. Has anyone had their DS done by Dr. Rabkin? Any reviews? Does he have a list of pre-requisites that the pre-op patients need to follow before surgery? I haven't been in to see him, but my insurance approved him to do the surgery and I will have no out of pocket cost, so I'm pretty excited about that. I'm expecting a call from Matt or Anna very soon. Any info that anyone can provide is much appreciated! Thank you in advance, Lorraine

Surgery today. 2 p.m. Dr. Bruce at Wake Med, Cary NC I'm going to try to update this thread daily until I return to work on 9/12, if things go as planned. Pre-op weight: 381.2 Max rec. weight: 425, 8/2015 At start of liver diet: 405, 7/24 Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

I received my surgery date for the 25th of October. Can you all tell me where is the best place to get Vitamins? Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Hi DSers! I originally considered GB or maybe even GS as my tool but on advice from a doctor at my bariatric center I am now considering the DS surgery. But guys I gotta know...are their any veteran DSers who have NOT had issues with foul bowel movements and flatulance? From what I have been reading this seems to be much more of an issue with this particular surgery than the others. Thank you to anyone who responds to such a question. I know it is of a personal nature.

Hey y'all. I recently posted shortly after my July 18 surgery thinking that perhaps I made a mistake. I am no longer thinking I made a poor decision, but am so frustrated I could scream. After losing about 20 lbs the first month, I stalled for three weeks. I was struggling with meeting my Protein and Water goals due to travel and a few other issues so I increased to my recommended intake (80+ oz of water and 100-120 grams of protein) and broke the stall, losing about 7 additional lbs. Yay, right? Well, after a week I'm stalled again. I spoke to the Dr's office and was told if I don't lose anymore weight in the next three weeks, to see them and they will possibly order an …

Hello everyone! I am new to the group and I am planning on having the DS Surgery. I am in the process of attending information sessions for 3 different surgical practices so I have not yet decided on a surgeon. I live in the Raleigh / Wake Forest area. My insurance requires that I have 6 months of a medically supervised diet prior to surgery. I have heard that you do better if you can lose more before the surgery so I guess that will help me out and that the time will fly. I will likely have the surgery in May. I hope to learn from all of you as I read your entries in the various forums. Please continue to post even after surgery and beyond. It really helps the…

I went in for my scope today, the surgeon told me to call the program and get set up for a surgery date!! This is getting real now! I am nervous and excited. The scheduler stated she would apply today and would know at the very latest within a week * fingers crossed *

Morning all, I'm having my first taste of cramping post op. I just hit my 3rd week today (8/15 Surgery Day). After I had a BM today and did have to slightly push, I'm having alot of lower belly cramping. Is that normal? I haven't experienced this before and its making me nervous, have I pulled something loose in my small intestine. I go for my first post op appointment tomorrow, Ill ask then. But scared today. Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

Greetings everyone, I just had my second consultation with my surgeon last week, Since I am nearly 300lbs he said either the sleeve or the DS surgery would be my best options. However, he did seem to be leaning more toward the DS. I'll be honest, I am terrified of some of the "side effects" of any of the procedures. I thought I was leaning more toward the sleeve when I went in for my initial consult, but now I am seriously considering the DS. My surgeon mentioned how the DS is a near guarantee of never regaining whereas the sleeve has a relatively substantial rate of weight regain, no matter how modest, and he explained that regain wreaks havoc on a bariatric patient's …

I'm not the support group type really, but four days out from DS, it would be helpful to hear about post-op recovery from folks who have been through it. Thanks.

Starting weight 342 on 6/8/16 Surgery weight 326 on 6/22/16 Current weight 292 on 8/3/16

Duodenal Switch patients, did anyone else have this continues fear that they were going to pull apart their new plumbing when using the bathroom, pushing out a toot, or even stretching? I can not stop thinking Ive pulled something loose. Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

Hi there. I used to weigh 500 pounds and had a VSG in July of 2014 that I self-paid. I went down to 299 pounds last fall, but after a really hard time I went back up to about 360. I'm down to 340 after recommitting to eating better, but I'm just not seeing much movement on the scale. For 2 weeks I've eaten less than 800 calories most days, and I actually gained 1 pound this week. I've had several people tell me that at that large of a size I shouldn't have gotten the sleeve, but should have gotten a D/S. My current insurance does pay for weight loss surgery, but I'm not sure if they'd pay for a revision to a gastric bypass and I *think* I read that they don't cov…

The practice I started going through for surgery seemingly does not have any awareness of or knowledge of DS - which I find difficult to believe, but the lack of knowledge of it has been verified by the blank faces when I attempt to ask a general question - so I am in search of a solid practice and surgeon with whom I can discuss DS as an option. Any suggestions? Or has anyone travelled just for surgery and really liked the surgeon? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So I have come upon the dreaded stall. And yes I have read all the posts on it. Yes I am making sure to follow my instructions. Yes. I am just focusing on doing what I need to do. I know the weight will come off. My actual question is what has these stalls been like for DSers? I've read lots of posts from sleevers and Bypassers. Is it a different time frame for DS? How long did your stall last for? For my personal info, SW was 249. Surgery was done July 20th. CW is 236. I have been at this weight for a week now. Again, I'm not worried. Just curious if the experience is different for DSers as opposed to others. Sent from my iPhone using the Bariatric…

Pre admission complete. Surgery Friday at 3 and under 300 lbs before surgery!! So excited!!! ❤ can't wait to begin this new chapter and regain my life back!!

anyone wanna give or need advice?

What is the difference in single anastomoses vs double anastomoses and Is there difference in the weight loss

Ok y'all, seriously... How long after your surgery did you stop having this thought?? I had surgery a week ago. The pain pills I was on (hydrocodone 5/ acetemen 325) hasn't done poop aside from make me nauseous so I stopped taking them. Called the Dr and was told they'll discuss when I come in on Wednesday for my follow up. Ugh. I literally look like a giant bus came and punched me in the pooch, y'all! Water tastes differently to me now and where I was getting 200+ oz a day in before, I'm doing well to get in 20 now. I drink Powerade zero and get at least 75 oz if sugar free fluids a day, but I know it's not the same. Protein is a joke. Taking meds is a joke. The …