Guest guest Posted August 1, 2001 Report Share Posted August 1, 2001 , Sue's articles are very informative and definitely scary. She lays out all the possibilities. This duodenal switch surgery is not a quick fix for obesity; it is a very serious decision. It is a decision to be made only if a person is morbidly obese and has tried everything else. I qualified for weight loss surgery for over 20 years, but had not tried everything else and failed and did not have the comorbidities staring me in the face. The one thing I have learned in my years of dieting is that for me they do not work for the long-term and being supermorbidly obese prevents me from being able to participate in an exercise program as vigorously as I would like. This surgery was the only hope for me. My insurance company would not pay for the duodenal switch for me (although they were considering the RNY). I only wanted the DS so I chose to go to Spain and self-pay for this surgery. I have no regrets. Sandy C. DS Dr. Baltasar 5/31/01 -52 pounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2001 Report Share Posted August 1, 2001 - You have to take anything Sue W. says with a grain of salt. You hit the nail on the head that she " appears " knowledgeable. She is an advocate against weight loss surgery and spews half truths and false statistics all over the place. She will twist and turn an article around and definitely has reading comprehension problems. Please make sure to check on any reports she cites and see what they REALLY say. Also, be sure to ask for cites on the information for which she hasn't provided them. I ran across her website as a pre-op and it scared me too -- I preferred to make my decision based on talking to people who actually had the surgery (Sue did not) and interpreting the medical reports accurately. You will want to research in depth before you decide if the surgery is right for you. Because there ARE complications that could happen, but for me, those risks were worth it, because I wasn't living life as a pre-op. Now, I have my life back and its one of the best gifts I've ever received. Take good care - Kris G Cincinnati, Ohio 5'7 " , 40 years old 8/22 - 283 - BMI 44.3 7/22 - 141 - BMI 22.1 Reached goal set by Dr. of 147 at 9 months/3 wks. ciao to 142 lbs. & 149.75 inches in 11 months Open BPD/DS 08/22/00 Bowel obstruction surgery 4/21/01 Dr. Maguire, Kettering OH HumanaFreedom Plus Plan iwillbefit@... http://www.newlifeteams.org Disturbing DS Article | Hi- I came across 2 articles by a woman named Sue Widemark. They | both are rather disturbing because her tone in the articles suggest | that she condemns this surgery but she tries to appear highly | knowledgable on the topic. A lot of what she mentions I feel sure | isn't true and she also mentions a few side affects that I hadn't | heard about. She claims we will be more likely to get osteoperosis | (which I can understand) but she also mentions Lupus. Isn't Lupus a | genetic disorder that is most often inherited? Has anyone else read | these before? I got very cranky after reading these, cause I think | she is just using false data and rumors. What do you think? Here | are are web sites: | | http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/nuwls_faq.htm | | http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/wlswalk.htm | | I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on these articles. | | Take care, | | | | | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 , Sue is notorious in the WLS world for her never ending misinformation, not just on the DS. She craves attention and discussion, and this is a way she can get both. I too read those articles, and much of what she is siting is based on the old BPD. What ever you do, dont waste your time on her ramblings. She is neither respected nor knowledgable. Meli -- In duodenalswitch@y..., Porcia30@a... wrote: > Hi- I came across 2 articles by a woman named Sue Widemark. They > both are rather disturbing because her tone in the articles suggest > that she condemns this surgery but she tries to appear highly > knowledgable on the topic. A lot of what she mentions I feel sure > isn't true and she also mentions a few side affects that I hadn't > heard about. She claims we will be more likely to get osteoperosis > (which I can understand) but she also mentions Lupus. Isn't Lupus a > genetic disorder that is most often inherited? Has anyone else read > these before? I got very cranky after reading these, cause I think > she is just using false data and rumors. What do you think? Here > are are web sites: > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/nuwls_faq.htm > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/wlswalk.htm > > I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on these articles. > > Take care, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 Sue Widemark is a few sandwiches short of a picnic.. she is a self-proclaimed " expert " on WLS, even though she herself has not had any herself and she is not a surgeon, WLS nutritionist, nurse, or even in the medical field. She is a know-it-all with a physician as a son, & that is her big claim to " expertise " .. her son says so. I wonder if her son practices medicine in Ahoskie, NC?? It would explain a LOT about Kathy's doctor visit... Don't take Sue seriously.. she just wants attention.. I corresponded with her for a few months, and when I could provide citations from medical journals time & time again that disproved her claims(and she could not cite current literature that supported the same), she finally just quit answering my emails. Save your anger for better challenges... Sue will never change her mind, no matter how much research she's shown.. because then she wouldn't get the attention. My .02. Liane > Hi- I came across 2 articles by a woman named Sue Widemark. They > both are rather disturbing because her tone in the articles suggest > that she condemns this surgery but she tries to appear highly > knowledgable on the topic. A lot of what she mentions I feel sure > isn't true and she also mentions a few side affects that I hadn't > heard about. She claims we will be more likely to get osteoperosis > (which I can understand) but she also mentions Lupus. Isn't Lupus a > genetic disorder that is most often inherited? Has anyone else read > these before? I got very cranky after reading these, cause I think > she is just using false data and rumors. What do you think? Here > are are web sites: > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/nuwls_faq.htm > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/wlswalk.htm > > I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on these articles. > > Take care, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 In a message dated 8/2/01 2:38:45 AM, duodenalswitch writes: << , Sue's articles are very informative and definitely scary. She lays out all the possibilities. This duodenal switch surgery is not a quick fix for obesity; it is a very serious decision. It is a decision to be made only if a person is morbidly obese and has tried everything else. >> Yes, this is true but much of Sue's 'research' and her conclusions are off base. I remember when I heard from her list that post-op DS had higher pancreatic and stomach cancer rates. I did my own investigations and it turns out that an antrectomy (partial gastrectomy involving the lower part of the stomach and removal of the pyloric valve, which occurs in the older BPD but NOT the BPD/DS) has a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Gastric cancer is rare but having stomach surgery (of any type) can be a risk factor. Other factors include eating preserved foods/meats, etc. Anyway, it turned out that her 'warnings' were pretty unfounded. Yes, the surgery is relatively 'new' (even the RNY is in there isn't a whole lot of info from 70 year olds + on how the surgery has affected their lives and health). No, we don't know all the possible complications that can arise from it. This is why we receive and must be committed to regular aftercare, including extensive bloodwork panels, etc. and myself have asked her several times to provide solid references for her statements and she has YET to provide these. It is one thing to have medical research that points to these facts when one states them. But, to pull them from the air and not provide solid references for people to continue their investigations makes me wonder about her motivations in sharing her thoughts about the dangers of surgery with everyone, IMHO. all the best, Noverr-Chin lap ds with gallbladder removal January 25, 2001 Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC co-moderator/duodenalswitch pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5'9 1/2 " ) now: 229 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 In a message dated 8/2/01 2:38:45 AM, duodenalswitch writes: << I ran across her website as a pre-op and it scared me too -- I preferred to make my decision based on talking to people who actually had the surgery (Sue did not) and interpreting the medical reports accurately. >> I think it's also important to note that many of the odd complications she mentions are NOT backed up with post-op DS studies. Look at the studies done on DS -- I think the longest are 10 year post-op studies. You can find them at duodenalswitch.com. Another thing to mention is that Sue thinks that she thinks the gastric mini-bypass (the one WLS that many surgeons and specialists HAVE SAID is potentially dangerous and has a direct connection with gastric cancer!) is the best option... huh????? She chooses to ignore the solid evidence against this procedure but prefers to propegate unsubstantiated claims about the DS surgery. Go figure. I'm not saying don't investigate -- read, read, read! Not all information is going to come from your surgeon. This is a life-altering and rather permanant experience so you want to be absolutely sure it is for you. There are many risks involved with the surgery itself and even nutritional risks, etc. as a post-op (if one does NOT maintain proper medical aftercare to detect such deficiencies early and/or do not adhere to the supplementation, etc.). I actually posted a lot about gastric and pancreatic cancer and the DS on this list --- I think all those references would be in the archives. all the best, lap ds with gallbladder removal January 25, 2001 six months post-op and still feelin' fabu! preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5'9 1/2 " ) now: 229 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 I found the article to be fair. I know you dont agree with me and that's ok.. Im still going to have my DS done. That Sue doesnt agree with this Sue that DS is a great thing..she can just stay fat. lol.. Its such an individual decision, that someone against something, anything will find places to find negativity.. a well rounded, thought out decision (informed in every way) is necessary when going under.. I have done mine, and feel the risk is worth it.. > Hi- I came across 2 articles by a woman named Sue Widemark. They > both are rather disturbing because her tone in the articles suggest > that she condemns this surgery but she tries to appear highly > knowledgable on the topic. A lot of what she mentions I feel sure > isn't true and she also mentions a few side affects that I hadn't > heard about. She claims we will be more likely to get osteoperosis > (which I can understand) but she also mentions Lupus. Isn't Lupus a > genetic disorder that is most often inherited? Has anyone else read > these before? I got very cranky after reading these, cause I think > she is just using false data and rumors. What do you think? Here > are are web sites: > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/nuwls_faq.htm > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/wlswalk.htm > > I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on these articles. > > Take care, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 Anybody that has done extensive research on wls eventually runs into Sue Widemark. She wants you to. She truly believes what she is saying and like any evangelist will stop at nothing to " save " the lost. I read her stuff because I wanted an all encompassing view, I cross check what she claims as best I can (as I do with all info) and ultimately think she is a scare monger. I don't understand her agenda, but I have learned her words are poison to me. I now take what she says with a grain of salt. I just feel bad for the people who would greatly benefit from the surgery and who see her site first and go no further. There are always going to be Sue Widemarks in this world. > Hi- I came across 2 articles by a woman named Sue Widemark. They > both are rather disturbing because her tone in the articles suggest > that she condemns this surgery but she tries to appear highly > knowledgable on the topic. A lot of what she mentions I feel sure > isn't true and she also mentions a few side affects that I hadn't > heard about. She claims we will be more likely to get osteoperosis > (which I can understand) but she also mentions Lupus. Isn't Lupus a > genetic disorder that is most often inherited? Has anyone else read > these before? I got very cranky after reading these, cause I think > she is just using false data and rumors. What do you think? Here > are are web sites: > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/nuwls_faq.htm > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/wlswalk.htm > > I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on these articles. > > Take care, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 Think of this woman as the National Enquirer of WLS, and that'll give you an idea of how much credence to give her. She sensationalizes the risks and presents them as if they are a fait accompli for anyone who undergoes WLS. She rarely gives cites for her pulled-out-of-her-arse statistics, and when she does, they are almost invariably based on an incorrect reading on her part (she has a serious problem with reading comprehension). Literally, almost everything that comes off her keyboard is skewed and twisted to fit her agenda, and truth be damned. Although she has the ability to write seemingly intelligently, it takes only a small bit of discernment to see that her claims do not stand up to scrutiny. She's best ignored. > Disturbing DS Article > > > Hi- I came across 2 articles by a woman named Sue Widemark. They > both are rather disturbing because her tone in the articles suggest > that she condemns this surgery but she tries to appear highly > knowledgable on the topic. A lot of what she mentions I feel sure > isn't true and she also mentions a few side affects that I hadn't > heard about. She claims we will be more likely to get osteoperosis > (which I can understand) but she also mentions Lupus. Isn't Lupus a > genetic disorder that is most often inherited? Has anyone else read > these before? I got very cranky after reading these, cause I think > she is just using false data and rumors. What do you think? Here > are are web sites: > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/nuwls_faq.htm http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/wlswalk.htm I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on these articles. Take care, ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 In a message dated 08/02/2001 6:05:54 PM Central Daylight Time, dreamweavergirlus@... writes: << I can no longer down a can of diet coke in 15 minutes, 8 times a day. >> Oh, but have faith because I am 15 months out and I CAN do this! And I am very proud of it I might add!!!! Dawn Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH BPD/DS 4/27/00 www.duodenalswitch.com 267 to 165 size 22 to size 10 have made size goal, weight goal may need to be adjusted. no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 Sue apparently is working with out of date data. she also needs to do more research into DS and RNY becuase her facts are off. Sue states " This surgery produces a slightly larger stomach pouch than other gastric bypasses (about 4.5 oz) and leaves two inches of the duodenum to stop dumping syndrome. " From the reading I have done Dumping sydrome is cause by a lack the removal of the pyloric valve. DS patients have an intact pyloric valve. She even says that you can not have a peice of birthday cake. I can eat a slice of cake but to be honest with you I would rather have a steak smothered in cheese which has more calories but I don't have to worry about that now. All I have to worry about as a Post-Op DS patient is getting in enough protein, chewing my yummy regiment of vitamins and drinking plenty of fluids. DS has changed my life I do have to be more careful about what I put in my body. But my cravings have changed to protein oriented food. I am not interested in sweets as most of them contain chocolate. And chocolate repulses me now. I have to make sure that I always have my supplements with me. I premeasure my liquids to make sure that I always take in atleast the minimum. I can no longer down a can of diet coke in 15 minutes, 8 times a day. In exchange for these changes I am now 40lbs lighter. I do not have to some home and put my feet up for hours to relieve the swelling. My foot swelling has disappeared. I no longer feel guilty after eating. I am able to enjoy conversation at dinner because I am not concentrating on stuffing as much food into my stomach as possible. My fiance has joined the band wagon and has lost 9 pounds and is building some pretty sexy muscles in his calves and thighs. I have unwittingly finally succeeded at the Atkins diet which I tried 3 times pre-op before tossing it into the recycling bin. I am down a size in clothing. I am fitting into chairs that I had to wedge myself into just a couple of months ago. For the first time in my life the more I eat the more I lose. I no longer feel constantly thirsty, and contantly hungry. I can only drink about 6 ounces of cofee a day. But for the first time in my life I am getting in 200+% of the daily recommended calcium. > Hi- I came across 2 articles by a woman named Sue Widemark. They > both are rather disturbing because her tone in the articles suggest > that she condemns this surgery but she tries to appear highly > knowledgable on the topic. A lot of what she mentions I feel sure > isn't true and she also mentions a few side affects that I hadn't > heard about. She claims we will be more likely to get osteoperosis > (which I can understand) but she also mentions Lupus. Isn't Lupus a > genetic disorder that is most often inherited? Has anyone else read > these before? I got very cranky after reading these, cause I think > she is just using false data and rumors. What do you think? Here > are are web sites: > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/nuwls_faq.htm > > http://www.users.qwest.net/~swidemark/wlswalk.htm > > I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on these articles. > > Take care, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2001 Report Share Posted August 2, 2001 > Think of this woman as the National Enquirer of WLS, and that'll give - How could you be so insulting to the National Enquirer? Nick in Sage - who is still grooming his flamed tailfeathers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2001 Report Share Posted August 3, 2001 > > Think of this woman as the National Enquirer of WLS, and that'll > give > > - > > How could you be so insulting to the National Enquirer? > > Nick in Sage - who is still grooming his flamed tailfeathers How about the Star? Weekly World News? _________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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