Starting the Process

[TaterB 0]

Hi there! I have been snooping on this website and reading tons of posts. I have made the decision and started the paperwork to talk with a surgeon for weightloss surgery.

I choose the Gal's Rooms as my first stop to say hello and let you know that many of you - are so inspirational and motivational! Thank you!! I don't speak out often and rarely jump in and say howdy - but all of the threads and replies made me excited to join in.

I am not completely sure if I want the Duodenal Switch or the RNY Gastric Bypass. My mom had the RNY back in 2003 and has done so great with it. After I meet with the surgeon, I am sure that we will figure the best surgery for me and where I am at. It has been so long since I have even seen the scale say anything under 200.

Hopefully I will get surgery date in the coming months, and some guidance on what my weight should be. I will be a self-pay/finance patient as my insurance will not cover weight loss assistance of any kind. My pcp- sees me as a walking diagnosis - anything that I am having issues with is due to my weight; yet won't help me with that. I have high hopes that the weight loss center I have been in contract with will not leave me to figure things out on my own. And this website!!!! Wow!! I am so thrilled that I found this!

Thank you all for participating here and doing so in a way that encourages shy folks like myself!

[BigSue 1,320]

Welcome! I’m glad you found us. This forum is extremely helpful. Feel free to ask any questions that come up. It’s great that you have your mom as a resource, too!

Duodenal switch is not nearly as common as RNY or VSG. I don’t think very many bariatric surgeons do duodenal switch, so if you are seriously considering that, it may be harder to find a surgeon who offers it.

It’s too bad that your insurance won’t pay for it, but the good news is that you should be able to get the surgery more quickly since you won’t have to jump through as many hoops. You might want to look into practices that specialize in fast-track bariatric surgery for self-pay patients (such as Blossom Bariatrics and Mexico Bariatric Center). I can’t vouch for any of those, but there are people on this forum who have used them.

[TaterB 0]

Thank you Sue!

Luckily I found a clinic in WA. There is a team of surgeons and they offer the sleeve, SIPS, Duodenal Switch, RNY Gastric Bypass and a mini gastric bypass. I have been doing a lot of reading and research and since I am on blood pressure meds, and have pre-diabetes along with watching my cholesterol ... per the phone conversation with the clinics staff they said that the RNY and DDS (duodenal switch) are probably good options but that it will be looked at more closely when I have my in person consultation.

I looked at the Mexico options, but I feel more comfortable having a clinic that I can get to in a matter of a couple of hours drive in case I need it.

Happy 2021!

[waterwoman 172]

Welcome! I’m in the greater Seattle area and used Franciscan Hospital in Federal Way. Was very impressed! Who are you planning to use?

[BigSue 1,320]

9 hours ago, TaterB said:

Thank you Sue!

Luckily I found a clinic in WA. There is a team of surgeons and they offer the sleeve, SIPS, Duodenal Switch, RNY Gastric Bypass and a mini gastric bypass. I have been doing a lot of reading and research and since I am on blood pressure meds, and have pre-diabetes along with watching my cholesterol ... per the phone conversation with the clinics staff they said that the RNY and DDS (duodenal switch) are probably good options but that it will be looked at more closely when I have my in person consultation.

I looked at the Mexico options, but I feel more comfortable having a clinic that I can get to in a matter of a couple of hours drive in case I need it.

Happy 2021!

Looks like you have done your research! That's great that you found a clinic you like close to home. Which way are you leaning for the type of surgery to have? No matter what the surgeon says, it is ultimately your decision. I actually went into my consultation leaning toward the sleeve, but my surgeon recommended gastric bypass and I ended up going with that. I never really considered duodenal switch because not many surgeons even do it, but I have since realized that it is more common than I thought.

[TaterB 0]

Yea- I tend to do too much homework on everything. When it comes to a major decision like surgery - it makes sense but it is just my personality to research all of my decisions.

When I started looking into surgery - I was thinking that I wanted the sleeve as well. The more I learned, and with my other conditions.. Well - feels like each day I switch from leaning to the gastric bypass to the duodenal.

Side note- this forum, and YOU, have made my weekend! I found myself today looking forward to jumping online to come here.

[ChubRub 1,696]

Welcome to the board!! I don't know much about the DS, but there are many here who have found success with the DS, RNY, and Sleeve! I had RNY myself!

The upside to being self-pay is there is no mandatory waiting period, so as soon as you and your surgeon make a plan, you can get scheduled!!! Best of luck to you!

[TaterB 0]

Thank you Aspiring! Not having to go through the waiting game and the stress of "will the deny the procedure" are definite pluses! Maybe also being self-pay will help me stick with the life change. WOW! I just looked at your stats!!

[lynnh 12]

What's a mini bypass?