Are there any people with MS who can share their experience with modified duodenal switch surgery? Have there been any challenges that you would have liked to know about before surgery? Has nutrient deficiency been a problem? Also do you have a surgeon recommendation? How much time would you suggest to take off of work? Thank you kindly.

Edited January 21, 20242 yr by TwinkleToes87

I can't help from any specific experience, but on the East coast, I would suggest talking to Dr. Mitchell Roslin in NYC. He is one of the big promoter/developers of the SADI (modified DS) but is also long experienced with the traditional Hess DS along with the RNY and VSG. Having all of the major procedures in his toolbox, he can give you better advice as to which procedure best fits your specific needs; certainly better than your corner "WLS R Us" practice that just does the RNY and VSG. While he may not be a big fan of the RNY (common amongst DS capable surgeons who find that procedure better in most circumstances,) I have seen him actively refusing to do a DS to a lapband revision patient because the RNY was the more appropriate procedure in his case.

Unfortunately, many surgeons will recommend whatever procedure they do as the best one, as it is the best for them even if it may not be the best for the patient. Finding someone skilled with all of the major procedures if very helpful when one has special needs.

I don't have MS, but I do have several autoimmune diseases along with Fibro and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I am almost 3 months out from a traditional duodenal switch. I have found my energy level and ability to exercise has increased a lot, I no longer get post exertional malaise. I also have less pain because the surgery causes your inflammation levels to decrease and as you lose weight, those levels will continue to go down. Since I am so early out, I have not had any nutritional issues. However, my surgeon did advise I go with a longer common channel than the standard 100cm cookie cutter length that most doctors go with, because I have a history of nutritional deficiencies. I went with 175cm.

I'm really glad I had the DS, I'd do it again every year if I had to just for the fact it put my diabetes and high blood pressure into remission immediately after surgery!! Plus I have more energy than I've had in 2 decades. There is a different forum that has more DS patients on it, you might try posting there. It is www.bariatricfacts.org I'm not sure if anyone there has MS, but they are great with recommendations. There's also a support group for DS patients on FB called "Duodenal Switch SUPPORT Group" and there are a TON of DS patients there, you might try posting and seeing if any have experience with the switch and MS.

As for surgeons, I had my surgery done with Dr. Pilati at WakeMed Bariatrics in Cary, NC which is right outside of Raleigh. We have a number of excellent DS surgeons in this area because of our world class healthcare centers. I don't know of any in the DE area but the women at bariatricfacts might, a lot of them are vets of the surgery for 10+ years!

Thank you all!