A small victory!

[Guest guest]

Well, my husband and I rode with my parents to my aunt and uncle's house for

Thanksgiving. My Mom (who has not been supportive of my wanting the DS) and I

sat in the back seat and we talked about the surgery. I was thrilled when my

mom said that she thought the surgery would be good for me. I was shocked at

her change of opinion and asked her why, and she said that she didn't realize it

was reversible if I had problems later. Apparently, my Dad told her it was

because he asked me that question the other day. So now she is supportive. I

am so relieved. I know it doesn't matter what my mom thinks but I still want

her approval. I don't feel as scared about having knowing that she will be

there to support me. Thank to all of you for your help in beginning to talk

about my decision to have WLS with others, which can be so scary.

On the other end of the spectrum we have my mother-in-law who said she'd pay for

me to go to Weight Watchers if I wouldn't have the surgery. LOL! She doesn't

realize that I've done WW several times and always gained the weight back plus

some. She is not overweight, but still diets sometimes to loose 5 pounds here

and there, so cannot relate to someone who would need do have surgery to loose

weight.

I may have already said this, but at my consult with Dr. last week he told

me that people with morbid obesity are different than people without it. He

said that he has lost weight over his life, but has never faced MO. He said

that when a person becomes MO there is only a 2% chance of loosing all the

excess weight and keeping it off for more than a year. That statement really

put things in perspective for me, and I have held on to it since the consult.

It's not my fault!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone else in my shoes would have the same

experience. We just can't do it on our own, we need medical help. That is such

a comfort to me, as I have always beat myself up and been so ashamed of myself

and my appearance.

Thanks for reading.

[Guest guest]

DS should not be considered reversable. You really should clear this

up with your surgeon.

> Well, my husband and I rode with my parents to my aunt and uncle's

house for

> Thanksgiving. My Mom (who has not been supportive of my wanting the

DS) and I

> sat in the back seat and we talked about the surgery. I was

thrilled when my

> mom said that she thought the surgery would be good for me. I was

shocked at

> her change of opinion and asked her why, and she said that she

didn't realize it

> was reversible if I had problems later. Apparently, my Dad told

her it was

> because he asked me that question the other day.

>

> Thanks for reading.

>

>

[Guest guest]

DS should not be considered reversable. You really should clear this

> up with your surgeon.>>>>>>.

It is considered reversable if something goes wrong down the road.....if

someone has a terrible protein deficency the common channel can be

lenghtened to allow more absorption of proteins, for example. The only

thing that they cant reverse is the stomach but even then the stomach will

double in size within a year.

But the bowels are reversable and they can put them back where they were

before.

Judie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/23/01 6:17:42 AM, duodenalswitch writes:

<<

DS should not be considered reversable. You really should clear this

up with your surgeon.

>>

I think that ANY WLS surgery is not to be entered into lightly as if one

could just 'reverse' it if they didn't like it, etc. It is only if one

experiences severe difficulties that a surgeon would even consider a

reversal. There's a guy on the AMOS boards who had an RNY reversal and has

experienced SEVERE problems as a result (he had serious reactions to the

surgery and this was the reason for the reversal). I'm sure that, even

though the stomach portion would not be an issue as with the RNY, 'rehooking'

the intestines after they had been cut and rearranged wouldn't be an easy

task and there may be side effects to the bodies healing after this.

That being said, it is possible to 'reverse' the BPD intestinal portion of

the surgery (or adjust it as necessary - making a common channel longer or

shorter, etc.). The stomach involves a sleeve gastrectomy so it is NOT

reversable but the stomach retains 'normal' functionality and purpose so I

don't see where this would be an issue... So, I think that patients who are

concerned that (especially in their later years) the malapsorption issues

could present health problems, etc. this would be a possibility.

I often wondered if I developed cancer or something and required chemo or had

some other unfortunate event in which the malapsorption would be a detriment

to my health whether I would be able to address these issues to maintain my

health. I'm sure other things would be tried before 'reversing' the surgery

(i.e. - parental feedings, etc.) but it IS a fact that the intestinal portion

CAN be 'reversed' although it is debatable as to the necessity for this

and/or surgeon's willingness to do it.

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

almost 10 months post-op and still feelin' fabu

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 204 lbs/size sweet 16/large in normal people's clothing!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/23/2001 9:46:33 AM Central Standard Time,

ruisha@... writes:

> I often wondered if I developed cancer or something and required chemo or

> had

> some other unfortunate event in which the malapsorption would be a

> detriment

> to my health whether I would be able to address these issues to maintain my

> health

No one would want it. But they could always put a feeding tube into the

bilio limb if you were in quick need of added nutrition. The intestinal

portion (in my non medical humble opinion) has numerous ways they can work

with it to overcome any of these problems.

Dawn--South Suburban Chicago area

Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH

BPD/DS

4/27/00

www.duodenalswitch.com

267 to 165 5' 4 "

size 22 to size 10

have made size goal

no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting

[Guest guest]

They cannot undo the stomach portion, as they actually remove part of

it. However, if the wt loss is too great, and there is malnutrition

happening--they can put the intestines back to normal---or do as they

did for Joe Frost, they lengthened the CC and ailementary limb.

But this surgery has evolved and has been tweaked since Scoparino's

inception, that there is little chance of this being needed. My doc

in spain had to reverse one patient because of excessive alcohol use--

which the liver couldn't cope with. I have heard or read of very few

who had to be revised longer.

Technically, it is " reversable " . But --- it is a " rarity " .

Pammi

[Guest guest]

I specifically asked Dr.Hess is my stomach would stretch back to original

size and he said definately not.

Dawn--South Suburban Chicago area

Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH

BPD/DS

4/27/00

www.duodenalswitch.com

267 to 165 5' 4 "

size 22 to size 10

have made size goal

no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/23/01 5:12:39 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< This is very interesting, as when I had my revision at almost 19 months

out,

my stomach was only 5.5oz. as it was measured at that time. It was made to

3 oz, at the time of my original DS. I don't think it is a standard rule

that we all stretch back, and I also thought we will never get back to the

original size.

>>

Hi, there Patti: I would have to agree on this -- I think the stomach does

'stretch' but not back to 'normal' pre-op size. OUr stomachs will always be

a 'banana shape' and be missing the 'fundus' or storage area that was

removed..... The intestines also adapt, creating more surface receptors for

absorption and elongating (the process is set at about 12-18 months post-op

and this is part of the reason why our bodies 'regulate' and 'maintain' a

regular weight at that point).

I have always been able to eat about 4 oz (from the first days post-op) and

my stomach was made the 'standard' size (I think Dr. G mentioned 200 or 250

cc? I can't remember). I think my ability to hold this was due to my lack of

stomach irritation and lack of nausea after surgery. I eat about 8-10 oz now

at a meal and am totally satisfied.

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

almost 10 months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 204 (gained 3 lbs, bummer man!)/size sweet 16/large in normal people's

clothing!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/23/01 5:12:39 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< We will have normal sized

tummys after 12-18 months post-op. Yea!!!!!!!

>>

Well, whatever the size I can assure ya that we can definately eat NORMALLY

as a post-op! I'm 10 months post-op and I can finally eat as a normal person

does -- In decent amounts that provide my body with enough nutrition as well

as a variety of foods that satisfy my tastes. :)

It really is WONDERFUL!!! Child sized portions are usually just right or

I'll get an adult portion, eat most of it (protein first), save some for

home/share with the kids and/or finish it if I'm really famished! LOL

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

almost 10 months post-op and still feelin' fabu

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 204 lbs (gained 3 lbs - yikes!)/size sweet 16/large in normal people's

clothing!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/23/01 5:12:32 PM Eastern Standard Time,

duodenalswitch writes:

<< MY SURGEON IS WHO TOLD ME IT WAS REVERSIBLE. At my consult he said

that the tummy would stretch back to near normal size within a year

and that the intestines could be put back the way they were to start

with if it became neessay. I don't appreciate your raining on my

parade. >>

- I wasn't the one you wrote the above to.......Dr. Hess also says

the surgery is reversible in his letter to insurance companies. And Dr. Hess

is the one who developed this surgery. I don't think anyone was trying to

make you feel like you didn't know what you were saying (I certainly didn't

think that), so please don't feel upset. We are all rooting for each other

here! Your surgeon was right!

Carole

[Guest guest]

MY SURGEON IS WHO TOLD ME IT WAS REVERSIBLE. At my consult he said

that the tummy would stretch back to near normal size within a year

and that the intestines could be put back the way they were to start

with if it became neessay. I don't appreciate your raining on my

parade. You should get your facts straight before bashing what

someone says. It's not like they open you up, rip out your guts, and

throw them in the trashcan. Because they leave all of your intestines

in, but just shorten the length where food travels, it could be

reversed if there became a problem.

> DS should not be considered reversable. You really should clear

this

> up with your surgeon.

[Guest guest]

I'm sure other things would be tried before 'reversing' the surgery

> (i.e. - parental feedings, etc.) but it IS a fact that the

intestinal portion

> CAN be 'reversed'

THANK YOU.

although it is debatable as to the necessity for this

> and/or surgeon's willingness to do it.

Yes, I'm sure that is true, but my particular surgeon told me point

blank that he could and would reverse it if that became necessary.

[Guest guest]

.. At my consult he said

> that the tummy would stretch back to near normal size within a year

This is very interesting, as when I had my revision at almost 19 months out,

my stomach was only 5.5oz. as it was measured at that time. It was made to

3 oz, at the time of my original DS. I don't think it is a standard rule

that we all stretch back, and I also thought we will never get back to the

original size.

Patti

[Guest guest]

Was Dr. your surgeon? He definitely told me that my stomach

would strtch back to *near* normal size after a year, to where I

could eat a normal sized meal, but with just a little bit smaller

portions than pre-op. I don't remember if he gave me the exact number

of ounces that it would hold. He said all of this with a fair amount

of certainty. Perhaps when he does the surgery he makes the stomach

a larger size than other doctors do? I don't know, but I'm just

telling you all what he told me.

> This is very interesting, as when I had my revision at almost 19

months out,

> my stomach was only 5.5oz. as it was measured at that time. It was

made to

> 3 oz, at the time of my original DS. I don't think it is a

standard rule

> that we all stretch back, and I also thought we will never get back

to the

> original size.

[Guest guest]

>

>

>

> . At my consult he said

> >

a standard rule

I also thought we will never get back to the

> original size.

> Patti

>

> we dont stretch back to the origional size....we stretch out to a " normal

size " a normal sized thin persons stomach!

Im already eating 2000 calories a day or more and to eat that much it had to

have stretched from a 3-5 ounce stomach to greater than that! You should

see what we ate for Thanksgiving yesterday LOL

Judie

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Go Judy....exactely!

Dan

>

> >

> >

> >

> > . At my consult he said

> > >

> a standard rule

> I also thought we will never get back to the

> > original size.

> > Patti

> >

> > we dont stretch back to the origional size....we stretch out to

a " normal

> size " a normal sized thin persons stomach!

> Im already eating 2000 calories a day or more and to eat that much

it had to

> have stretched from a 3-5 ounce stomach to greater than that! You

should

> see what we ate for Thanksgiving yesterday LOL

>

> Judie

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

> Go Judy....exactely!

Dan>>>>>>

Dan,

I cant believe what I ate yesterday becuz I lost a pound today!

I had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, 3 kinds of salads

(very small amounts...about a spoonful each) candied yams, homemade rolls,

creamed onions, cranberry sauce, butter on potatoes and roll, cinnamon

pickles and there were 7 different kinds of pies but I only had one small

sliver of pumpkin an hour later after dinner as I had no room for that! Of

course, I did leave food on the plate as I could not finish it if I tried!

To lose a pound was a dream come true!

Judie

[Guest guest]

> > we dont stretch back to the origional size....we stretch out to

a " normal

> size " a normal sized thin persons stomach!

Yep, you're right . . . I stand corrected. Now that you mention it I

do remember that he did say that my stomach would stretch back to

a " normal " size, rather than that it would stretch back to

it's " original " size. My tummy is too big right now for sure.

[Guest guest]

> --- In duodenalswitch@y..., " B. Standard " <hbstandard@p...>

>

> > I

> >

We will have normal sized

> tummys after 12-18 months post-op. Yea!!!!!!!

>

>

>

Yep! I think I got my normal sized tummy at about 7 months as that is when

I began eating alot more! Im guessing Im eating around 2,000 to 2500

calories a day now and only absorbing half of that.

How wonderful to have a " normal sized tummy " like the skinny people do! It

even has a built in " stop gap " as if you pass that point you get mighty

uncomfortable!

Hugs, Judie

[Guest guest]

--- In duodenalswitch@y..., " B. Standard " <hbstandard@p...>

> Yep, you're right . . . I stand corrected. Now that you mention it

I

> do remember that he did say that my stomach would stretch back to

> a " normal " size, rather than that it would stretch back to

> it's " original " size. My tummy is too big right now for sure.

Actually in re-reading my original post I did use the correct

word " normal " not " original " so I didn't need to stand corrected, but

I am glad that we have cleared this up. We will have normal sized

tummys after 12-18 months post-op. Yea!!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

,

I am 14 months out and I can definately eat a normal sized meal.

Granted not as much as pre-op...but pre-op I could eat WAY too much.

Now I look at the amount I can eat as normal in comparison with my

friends who are of average weight. I'm sure it is an individual

thing, but in my case by stomach definately did stretch back out.

Brynn

Surgery 9/12/00

then 299.5, size 3X

now 157, size 10-12

5'7 "

[Guest guest]

Judie,

I ate more than I have in the last 5 months go figure today I weigh myself and I

am down 3 lbs I guess Dan is right the more I eat the more I lose and let me

tell you I ate LOL

Lisbeth

Judie Hensel wrote: > Go Judy....exactely!

Dan>>>>>>

Dan,

I cant believe what I ate yesterday becuz I lost a pound today!

I had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, 3 kinds of salads

(very small amounts...about a spoonful each) candied yams, homemade rolls,

creamed onions, cranberry sauce, butter on potatoes and roll, cinnamon

pickles and there were 7 different kinds of pies but I only had one small

sliver of pumpkin an hour later after dinner as I had no room for that! Of

course, I did leave food on the plate as I could not finish it if I tried!

To lose a pound was a dream come true!

Judie

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

The issue is not the reversibility of the surgery. The issue is your

mother's support. She wanted to be reassured that you will not be

permanently altered in a way that would be detrimental to you. It is

part of the protective nature of every mother. You have reassured her

enough for her to support your surgery and THAT is the true victory.

I didn't have my mothers support before I had surgery but she is so

happy for me now.

I hope that your mother's support puts the wind in your sails and you

are able to move quickly through surgery and on to a new life that

will be so brilliant and happy that you wont have to worry about

getting anything reversed.

Congratulation.

Machelle

Surgery 5-8-01

Dr. Rabkin

Loss 93 lbs

[Guest guest]

Patti -

The intestinal part of the surgery is reversible - no question about it!

The stomach part cannot. That make no difference, anyway, because the

stomach stretches back to near normal size.

We're not talking philosophy here, we're talking facts. Case closed!

Nick in Sage

Re: A small victory!

> Was Dr. your surgeon? He definitely told me that my stomach

> would strtch back to *near* normal size after a year, to where I

> could eat a normal sized meal, but with just a little bit smaller

> portions than pre-op. I don't remember if he gave me the exact number

> of ounces that it would hold. He said all of this with a fair amount

> of certainty. Perhaps when he does the surgery he makes the stomach

> a larger size than other doctors do? I don't know, but I'm just

> telling you all what he told me.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> > This is very interesting, as when I had my revision at almost 19

> months out,

> > my stomach was only 5.5oz. as it was measured at that time. It was

> made to

> > 3 oz, at the time of my original DS. I don't think it is a

> standard rule

> > that we all stretch back, and I also thought we will never get back

> to the

> > original size.

>

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Nick, I KNOW the intestinal part is reversible, I didn't say it wasn't, I

merely stated that my stomach was still only 5.5 ounces after being 19

months out, and after almost 2 years I can still only eat under 6 oz., and

that my dear is a fact. It states it in my operative report. I don't

consider this even near pre-operative size. I am just stating that it does

vary. I think I do have the right to state the truth about myself even if

it is not the normal for what Doctors are telling their patients.

Patti

Re: A small victory!

>

>

> > Was Dr. your surgeon? He definitely told me that my stomach

> > would strtch back to *near* normal size after a year, to where I

> > could eat a normal sized meal, but with just a little bit smaller

> > portions than pre-op. I don't remember if he gave me the exact number

> > of ounces that it would hold. He said all of this with a fair amount

> > of certainty. Perhaps when he does the surgery he makes the stomach

> > a larger size than other doctors do? I don't know, but I'm just

> > telling you all what he told me.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > > This is very interesting, as when I had my revision at almost 19

> > months out,

> > > my stomach was only 5.5oz. as it was measured at that time. It was

> > made to

> > > 3 oz, at the time of my original DS. I don't think it is a

> > standard rule

> > > that we all stretch back, and I also thought we will never get back

> > to the

> > > original size.

> >

> >

> >

> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------

> >