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Post by dcinohio on Jan 9, 2015 11:40:42 GMT -5
I have been looking for weight loss surgery, and DS was not an option listed at the seminar I attended. I asked about it and they do the surgery but only for higher BMI. I spoke to the surgeon after the seminar and he did say I would be a candidate for this. I wanting to know if this is a good choice? Your experience with it? I am nervous but so anxious. Insurance would not cover WLS until now, and I really want to try this. I have tried everything else. Are you able to keep the weight off?
Thanks, Debbie |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jan 9, 2015 12:54:23 GMT -5
I have been looking for weight loss surgery, and DS was not an option listed at the seminar I attended. I asked about it and they do the surgery but only for higher BMI. I spoke to the surgeon after the seminar and he did say I would be a candidate for this. I wanting to know if this is a good choice? Your experience with it? I am nervous but so anxious. Insurance would not cover WLS until now, and I really want to try this. I have tried everything else. Are you able to keep the weight off?
Thanks, Debbie Debbie please do some reading on this site. This site is full of people who are successful with the DS. |
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Post by caprice on Jan 9, 2015 13:55:15 GMT -5
Welcome, Debbie!
Two things I want to make sure you "hear"...
1. What NYB said. This DS board is the good, the bad and the ugly. And you need to hear all of it -- AND, it would not be possible to get it all in responses to your questions.
2. I'm in Ohio, too, and I can say with a fair amount of certainty that DS surgeons in this state are few and far between. I am particularly concerned that it wasn't even presented as an option until you asked. Before you put your life in this surgeon's hands, I would suggest that you find out how many DS surgeries that surgeon has performed. (in my opinion, that "higher BMI only" thing is bullshit. I was a 40 or so, and I had no problems due to that BMI.) Also, you might want to get in writing that you WILL be given a DS, not some experimental procedure that's "like a DS". Will this be your first weight loss surgery? If not, it's far more complicated, and should absolutely only be performed by a surgeon who is experienced with revisions.
Please, read, read, read, then ask questions and read some more. This place is a great source of information.
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Post by dcinohio on Jan 9, 2015 16:39:41 GMT -5
This is all good to know, I have been reading and reading on several forums. MY surgery will actually be done in Florida, I have since moved here several months ago, but I have kept my email the same. I asked several questions with the surgeon, he does several DS surgeries a week. I have spoken to several that he has performed the surgery on also, just a FYI. He also explained to me that since I have had abdominal surgery he may have to do a cut instead of the laproscopy due to scar tissue. I have my appointment with him next week and I already have started a list of questions for him. Thank you Thank you Thank you, I appreciate all the information!
Debbie |
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Post by west4thavenue on Jan 9, 2015 17:29:01 GMT -5
Welcome, Debbie,
Your choice of surgeon is critical. Many of us have traveled in order to have a vetted surgeon do our DS's. Please consider that option. Here is a link to our list of vetted DS surgeons in North America:
weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/2084/list-vetted-surgeons-north-America
Research like crazy before you commit, and by all means listen to caprice when she says to get it in writing that you are having a DS and not any other procedure. Bait and don't switch happens!
Aside from cautioning you with respect to your surgeon, the most important thing I can say about the DS is that it comes with -- and REQUIRES -- enormous change. Change of all kinds...physical, mental, emotional and social. You must be absolutely prepared to accept and to make many, many profound changes in order to be successful with the DS. And from what I understand from our revered veterans on this site, the change just keeps on coming. So, as newyorkbitch has advised, please read the posts on this site and take them to heart.
Choosing the DS involves a lifelong commitment to your health and nutrition. It's a super-effective tool for permanent weight loss. A tool, not a magic wand.
Best of luck, read up, and then ask your questions.
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Post by caprice on Jan 9, 2015 17:34:43 GMT -5
This is all good to know, I have been reading and reading on several forums. MY surgery will actually be done in Florida, I have since moved here several months ago, but I have kept my email the same. I asked several questions with the surgeon, he does several DS surgeries a week. I have spoken to several that he has performed the surgery on also, just a FYI. He also explained to me that since I have had abdominal surgery he may have to do a cut instead of the laproscopy due to scar tissue. I have my appointment with him next week and I already have started a list of questions for him. Thank you Thank you Thank you, I appreciate all the information!
Debbie Really not trying to beat a dead horse, but... how many REVISIONS has your surgeon done? That's the important question now. I guess it's an assumption on my part that when you say "abdominal surgery", you mean bariatric surgery. It requires so much more expertise (and experience) than a virgin surgery. |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jan 9, 2015 22:08:40 GMT -5
This is all good to know, I have been reading and reading on several forums. MY surgery will actually be done in Florida, I have since moved here several months ago, but I have kept my email the same. I asked several questions with the surgeon, he does several DS surgeries a week. I have spoken to several that he has performed the surgery on also, just a FYI. He also explained to me that since I have had abdominal surgery he may have to do a cut instead of the laproscopy due to scar tissue. I have my appointment with him next week and I already have started a list of questions for him. Thank you Thank you Thank you, I appreciate all the information!
Debbie Who is the surgeon? |
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Post by bboop on Jan 9, 2015 23:45:53 GMT -5
Yeah, what's your surgeon's name? Is he/she on the vetted surgeons list.
There are many, more that I would like to think, surgeons who will pull a bait and switch on you. Buyer beware.
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Post by goodkel on Jan 10, 2015 15:54:49 GMT -5
This is all good to know, I have been reading and reading on several forums. MY surgery will actually be done in Florida, I have since moved here several months ago, but I have kept my email the same. I asked several questions with the surgeon, he does several DS surgeries a week. I have spoken to several that he has performed the surgery on also, just a FYI. He also explained to me that since I have had abdominal surgery he may have to do a cut instead of the laproscopy due to scar tissue. I have my appointment with him next week and I already have started a list of questions for him. Thank you Thank you Thank you, I appreciate all the information!
Debbie Welcome, Debbie! Not in years have I heard of a ds surgeon in FL. Beware of the "bait and don't switch" that many surgeons, who don't really do the DS tend to pull on people. Once he thinks he has you hooked, he'll try to convince you that the RnY or another surgery would be much better for you. Don't fall for it. According to our list, the closest DS surgeons to you are these: Donald Maynard, MD Email: dmaynard@samabariatrics.com Surgical Associates of Metro Atlanta 1612-B Milstead Rd NE. Conyers, GA 30012 Phone: 770-602-1292 Fax: 770-602-1296 Contact: Donna Edwards, Practice Manager Email: dedwards@samabariatrics.com Dennis C. Smith, Jr., MD, FACS * Email: drsmith@advancedobesitysurgery.com WellStar Comprehensive Bariatric Services 780 Canton Road, Suite 320 Marietta, GA 30060 Phone: 770-919-7050 or 1-866-535-0966 toll free Fax: 770-919-7051 Email: inquiries@advancedobesitysurgery.com Read more: weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/2084/list-vetted-surgeons-north-america#ixzz3ORzLuKzVThe high BMI requirement is a farce. I had a 41.something BMI when I was switched and I know several people who have had the DS with a BMI around 35. No problems due to lighter weight at all. After you have lost all your weight, the DS provides you with a normal metabolism. So just like all normal people, you will have to watch your carbs. Eat too many and you'll gain weight. But, the beautiful thing is that the weight will come off and stay off much easier than before. Plus, you have the added weapon of being able to eat as much protein and fat as you'd like. They won't make you gain due to your malabsorption. No weight loss surgery or pill gives you a free ride to eat carbs. There is a lifelong commitment you must make in exchange for never having to go hungry again. You MUST take a lot of vitamins daily for the rest of your life and have labs drawn that you will follow yourself. You will have to consume 120 grams of protein daily. To not follow the rules will result in deficiencies that can be debilitating and life threatening. The DS is a gift, but it come with a price. It has the highest percentage excess weight lost than every other WLS and the highest percentage of excess weight loss maintained long term. Check out our Data section if you'd like to see more studies: weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/board/60/ds-dataAs your BMI is over 50, it gives you the best chance of losing your excess weight and keeping it off. |
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Post by dcinohio on Jan 11, 2015 19:44:13 GMT -5
This has been very helpful. I have found the dr is not on the ds list but I have found one who is and highly recommended. Going to see if he accepts my insurance tomorrow. One note I want to add this is not a revision. I have never had WLS. I have had abdominal surgery prior though for when I was septic.
I appreciate the warnings, I feel the dr wanted to do the sleeve and if I had problems etc then he would go back in and do the ds. This is not what I want...I want the ds from all that I have read I would have the best success rate. BMI is 48...fyi.
Again all this is very helpful, thank you!
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jan 11, 2015 20:46:39 GMT -5
Who is the doctor, and highly recommended by whom?
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Post by dcinohio on Jan 12, 2015 8:48:10 GMT -5
Who is the doctor, and highly recommended by whom? |
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Post by dcinohio on Jan 12, 2015 8:49:04 GMT -5
Sharma Sunil K MD....referred by another DS patient
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Post by bboop on Jan 12, 2015 11:32:38 GMT -5
Never heard of him. But I will say one thing...please don't have the DS in two parts. Cut once and be done with it. It's not a simple operation at all...it's very complex and there are many doctors who can do it in one step. Please reconsider your choice.
Oh yes, welcome to the forum. We love to answer questions and I'm sure you have many.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jan 12, 2015 11:37:58 GMT -5
His website says that the DS is usually an open operation.
Please at least do more research on surgeons, and consult with more than just him.
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Post by dcinohio on Jan 12, 2015 13:35:20 GMT -5
I met with him and he does do this in one step. Thank goodness, the other surgeons I met wanted it in two steps. He does 2 DS surgeries a week also, very pleased with my first visit this morning. He can do this laproscopy (spelling???) but with previous abdominal surgery, scarring maybe a issue with the scope. I had a partial hysterectomy in 2006 and 2 weeks later in emergency surgery where I ended up with a full hysterectomy and I was septic, my kidneys were not functioning etc and I have permanent Kidney damage from this. So I have a lot of scarring there which could be an issue. No previous WLS but other issues going on there. Very pleased from my first visit today.....
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flslim
New Member
Posts: 15 
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Feb 2015
Surgeon: TBD
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Post by flslim on Jan 13, 2015 2:10:21 GMT -5
Dr. Sharma is on the list provided by dsfacts, and does his surgery laparoscopy. He is the only one in Florida who is qualified although others claim to do the D's, its often bait and switch. I will be having surgery with him next month.
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Post by west4thavenue on Jan 13, 2015 8:52:06 GMT -5
I met with him and he does do this in one step. Thank goodness, the other surgeons I met wanted it in two steps. He does 2 DS surgeries a week also, very pleased with my first visit this morning. He can do this laproscopy (spelling???) but with previous abdominal surgery, scarring maybe a issue with the scope. I had a partial hysterectomy in 2006 and 2 weeks later in emergency surgery where I ended up with a full hysterectomy and I was septic, my kidneys were not functioning etc and I have permanent Kidney damage from this. So I have a lot of scarring there which could be an issue. No previous WLS but other issues going on there. Very pleased from my first visit today..... If he finds he cannot do a Lap DS due to scar tissue, what is your agreement with him? Will he do an open DS, perform another procedure, or close you back up? Your choice needs to be in writing in the surgical release you sign with him before you go into the ER. |
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Post by dcinohio on Jan 13, 2015 11:22:43 GMT -5
Thank you, so good to hear, can you keep me posted on your progress with Dr. Sharma? I heard he has a great follow up program and he works individually with each patient. |
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Post by dcinohio on Jan 13, 2015 11:25:22 GMT -5
We have already discussed this as well, if there is too much scar tissue once he is in there, he will open up and still do the DS surgery, this is the only surgery I have agreed upon. He is in total agreement with this, but he believes he can do it with the scope. My BMI is 48, so it is high and I really believe this is the only one I can have success with. I do not want to go through this a second time if possible.
thanks, Debbie |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jan 13, 2015 12:04:04 GMT -5
Thank you, so good to hear, can you keep me posted on your progress with Dr. Sharma? I heard he has a great follow up program and he works individually with each patient. Please get his post instructions now, diet, supplements, labs, etc. |
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Post by dcinohio on Jan 14, 2015 11:28:11 GMT -5
I will, thank you. I will see him again Friday and I will request it also. Have a great day! This forum has been so helpful!
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