While most people are familiar with lapband surgery and gastric bypass surgery, there are two other surgeries that are "gaining" popularity. One is the vertical sleeve. The other is DS surgery which is the most complex and is usually reserved for the most obese population. Some people have DS surgery in 2 parts (the first being the vertical sleeve) while others have it in one surgery. Some have an open surgery and some have a lap. approach.

So, to those who have had DS surgery and to those who are considering it, let's get this forum up and running!

Liz

Edited December 5, 201312 yr by Elisabethsew

^{I have heard of Dr. McCullough and I'm sure you'll be in good hands with his partner. Hopefully, more surgeons will develop expertise in the DS procedure. Not a lot do this surgery.}

Thank you! My surgeons name is Dr. Tarek Waked. He isn't on this site he is new, but he works with Dr. Daniel Mccullough.

_{Welcome and congratulations on making the decision to get DS. You have lost a phenomenal amount of weight already. What surgeon did you select to do your procedure?}

Your surgeon Dr. Tarek Waked has been added to our directory.

Hey DS people. Nice to see you all here.

One is the vertical sleeve. The other is DS surgery

Not a coincidence. As sleevers like me hit maintenance and have no metabolism left, the only choice is DS completion!

Edited December 18, 201312 yr by DS Switcher

Hi DS-ers. What's the difference between a bypass and the DS? They sound pretty similar.

Also, I see that you can revise from a sleeve to a DS but can you revise from a bypass to DS?

Thanks.

Welcome Nikki! I'm hoping for a late January surgery -- getting all my pre-op stuff done during all the holiday rush is a bear! Maybe we'll have similar surgiversaries!

Hi DS-ers. What's the difference between a bypass and the DS? They sound pretty similar.

Also, I see that you can revise from a sleeve to a DS but can you revise from a bypass to DS?

Thanks.

Hi there, from what I've researched the duodenal switch leaves the integrity of your stomach intact, but removes about 70-80% (off the side which creates the 4-6oz "sleeve") - whereas the bypass renders all but a one ounce pouch created out of the top of your stomach. The rest of the stomach isn't removed, it's just moved out of the way. The bypass portion of intestines is a bit of a different configuration.

You can have revisions to DS from both the sleeve and the rny/gastric bypass because your stomach is still viable - hanging out looking for a job . The surgery is more complicated with the rny/gastric bypass, so you want to look for an experienced surgeon that is vetted and comfortable with revisions.

Hope that helps! Best of luck to you and Happy Christmas!

Please don't take someone's word on any on-line forum as to whether you qualify for the DS or not. You need to see a qualified surgeon who actually DOES the Duodenal Switch in order to see if you are a candidate. BMI is not the only qualifier. You can also qualify with additional co-morbidities, as far as your insurance goes.

Make sure before you choose a surgeon that yours actually has DONE the Duodenal Switch. Because if they don't, you're not going to hear anything good about it. Even my own surgeon bad-mouthed the DS. You do have to be proactive about your labs and Vitamins with the DS. Most surgeons do not understand our needs, and it is frustratingly common for surgeons to give bad advice post-op to DSers. They historically hand us RNY data to follow.

Good points, Sheanie. For patients who are diabetic and obese, DS can be the best choice. Many diabetics no longer need insulin when they reach a healthy weight.

The DS is no longer reserved for higher BMI's. There are a LOT of lightweights, BMI 35-40 that have had the DS and do very well. A DS surgeon can adjust the stomach size and length of the common channel to be appropriate for lightweight patients.

They have been doing the intestinal portion only on normal weight people in Europe for over 20 years to cure Type II diabetes. My diabetes was resolved the day of surgery. My blood sugars went to normal and have stayed there for 8 1/2 years.

I'm very early on in the process but DS is on my list near the top. My current BMI is 50.9. So I'm pretty sure it would be a great option for me. My mom just had a sleeve done 18 months ago, but she was no where near as heavy as I am.

My main concern with any sort of bypass is the malnutrition aspect. I'd like to eventually have more children and don't want any risks for malnutrition to add complications to a pregnancy. Any thoughts?

Elizabethsew, do I read correctly that you are an RN? If so, I am very confused about your statement that Type 2 Diabetics still need insulin until they reach a "healthy weight". This is simply not true. Most do not need insulin any longer IN THE HOSPITAL. Second, I think that your initial opening statement leads newbies to think that it's routine and acceptable to perform the Duodenal Switch in two parts, that is, two separate surgeries. It is not desirable. The best metabolic advantage to the Duodenal Switch is attained when it is done in one operation all at once. Also, the DS is not rare or selectively done only on patients with a higher Body Mass Index, or BMI. It is frequently done on much smaller obese people and has been for several years now. I would visit as many sites as possible if I were researching weight loss surgery today.

Good points, Sheanie. For patients who are diabetic and obese, DS can be the best choice. Many diabetics no longer need insulin when they reach a healthy weight.

My blood sugars went to normal the day after surgery. They have been normal for 8.5 years now. Most Type II patients will find immediate results depending on how long they have been diabetic. They have been doing the intestinal portion of the DS on thin Type II's for over 20 years in Europe as a cure for TD2.

Elizabethsew, do I read correctly that you are an RN? If so, I am very confused about your statement that Type 2 Diabetics still need insulin until they reach a "healthy weight". This is simply not true. Most do not need insulin any longer IN THE HOSPITAL.

Yes, you do read correctly but perhaps you misread what I wrote. I did not specify when I said diabetics. Type 1 diabetics can significantly decrease their dosages of Insulin. Type 2 diabetics may be cured and no longer require PO (by mouth) or insulin. Each person is unique so I could never make an all or none claim.

Second, I think that your initial opening statement leads newbies to think that it's routine and acceptable to perform the Duodenal Switch in two parts, that is, two separate surgeries. It is not desirable. The best metabolic advantage to the Duodenal Switch is attained when it is done in one operation all at once.

Again, I think you are reading into what I type. I am a proponent of having the DS in ONE surgery. Had I known about it before I had the sleeve, it would have been my first choice and I think my outcome would have been better.

Also, the DS is not rare or selectively done only on patients with a higher Body Mass Index, or BMI. It is frequently done on much smaller obese people and has been for several years now.

When compared with other weight loss surgeries, the DS procedure remains the least performed. This is a skilled surgery that many band and sleeve surgeons do not perform. All surgeries, regardless of BMI, must be discussed in relation to co-morbidities and a host of other factors before the "right" weigh loss procedure is selected. I advise several MD consults.

I would visit as many sites as possible if I were researching weight loss surgery today.

You are correct. This is a new site where all people are encouraged to share. As it grows, I am sure we'll have many "vets" like yourself to offer their opinions and experiences.

Thank you.

The DS was my first choice, I just wasn't able to make it happen with insurance (plus my doc has concerns about previous intestinal surgeries), etc. I've opted for the sleeve for now since I see a lot of people succeeding with it, and I'm going to work it as hard as I can but I still keep one eye on the DS world. It's comforting to know the "other half" of the surgery is still an option later if I need it. Best of luck to everyone who is getting switched!