Re: : Re: New to the group

August 17, 2001

In a message dated 8/17/01 2:40:33 AM, duodenalswitch writes:

<<

BTW.. Larry died of a pulmonary embolus.. which he could have had

WITHOUT ANY SURGERY AT ALL. I think this is unfair to Dr. Husted...

and much worse than anything said thus far about Dr. Ren.. this is

character assasination based on ONE patient.

>>

Liane: I do NOT consider it character assasination to warn a patient that a

particular surgeon DOES NOT have much experience with a certain procedure.

What bothered me wasn't so much that was getting the DS but that the

surgeon wanted to switch procedures on him at the last minute - even he

HIMSELF said he felt uncomfortable with this.

What really concerned me about Larry was that he may not have had enough time

to seriously think through this change of plans (as I have mentioned in my

previous posts). If he had, perhaps he would have chosen to have the DS with

a more experienced surgeon due to his high BMI. Maybe not (this was also

expressed in my previous posts).

It does sound suspiciously to me like Dr. Husted is extremely eager to gain

experience with the DS so much so that he is switching people to the DS at

the last minute. I don't think this was Sherri's case - she wanted the DS

all along. I do not think that counting ONLY on ONE PERSON'S POSITIVE

experience is being responsible, either. OF course, should talk with

Sherri AS WELL AS find out about Larry. That's a 50-50 odds so far (unless

other surgeries have been performed) and he should weigh BOTH experiences and

go with his gut feelings.

It also sounded like was not even aware at ALL of Dr. Husteds experience

(or lack thereof) with the DS. If he IS INFORMED and does STILL feel

comfortable then GREAT! But, he should know the statistics before he

undergoes the surgery. Of course, surgeons will never gain experience unless

they start somewhere. But, they should be totally upfront and honest about

the risks of being the first, second or third, especially if the person has

such high risk factors (co-morbidities, high BMI, etc.).

I am well aware that Larry died of an embolism and this was most likely do to

his high bmi. I am also aware that he *may have been* better served with a

more experienced surgeon due to his high bmi. Every surgeon has deaths. I

never said otherwise. What concerns me is that another patient of Dr.

Husteds is being told they will get a DS at the last minute before they

really have a lot of time to research and consider their options. I'm glad

reached out to the group and now he can get ALL information --- about

the details of the surgery (this can be found at www.duodenalswitch.com),

people's individual experience, speak with others who have had Dr. Husted as

a surgeon, learn about the risks involved. I'm also glad that felt

uncomfortable just accepting Dr. Husted's decision without FIRST getting more

information.

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 230

August 17, 2001