Did This Dr *lie* to me? Here's what he said...

I had a visit with a surgeon today, and I'm really upset. I KNOW what I've read, between the literature available here (on Obesithelp) and what people have posted about their experiences, and I think he flat out LIED to me.

True or False?

1) BPD/DS is only done on people 700lbs or more.
2) DS patients have to have protein INJECTIONS for the rest of their lives.
3) That the common channel in someone my size (250lbs) would be about 6 inches long and I've have chronic diarrhea 6-8x a day.


He mainly does Roux-En-Y, and both he and his staff became antagonistic when I said I wasn't interested in that. I want the DS, and that I've read a lot about it. He basically told me my research was flawed, that I didn't know what I was talking about, and the only surgery he would do on me would be RNY.

Was he BS'ing me?

(I received a couple of replies indicating that yes - these were all lies, to which I responded:)

Thank you, both of you. I was really feeling blindsided, because several people here locally had just raved about him, but I walked out feeling like I was being railroaded.

Fortunately I had an appointment with my regular physician yesterday and she told me there is another bariatric doctor coming to town who not only does this surgery, but does it laproscopically. (And he's never lost a patient).

I just had such high hopes. I didn't walk in uninformed. I took the time to read about all of the different types of surgeries, and it made me angry to have my intellect, and my choice summarily dismissed.

I appreciate the support! (and some part of me is shouting "Vindicated!" *hehe*)

Terri Schiavo

I live here in Florida where the whole Terri Schiavo contreversy happened.....I'm definitely making sure I have both a will and a living will before I undergo the knife - but oddly enough, I find that comforting, knowing I'll be taken care of no matter what.

I don't think everyone has to have plastic surgery, but it's something to keep in mind that you *may* need.

Deciding Which Surgery is Right For Me

I'm pre-op, so I'm in the same stage you are - deciding which surgery is right for me, and I'm really sold on this one for several reasons.

1) The digestive system as God created it still exists in its entirety. The stomach is smaller, and part of the intestines are bypassed, but each section of the digestive system still exists. I have to believe the creator knew what he was doing, and want to keep as close to the original design as possible.

2) Because the duodenum still exists, there is still a gatekeeper between the stomach and the intestines. This is important (to me) for a couple of reasons. It allows for more normal absorption of calcium and iron, and B12, and it prevents the 'dumping syndrome' that goes with the RNY.

3) The only consistent negative I've seen anyone talk about is foul-smelling stools.....and I would think something like Beano could take care of that.

4) It seems to have a greater success in weight loss and getting you all the way to goal - not just 70% of the way.

5) The social aspects of eating are still in tact.....which is really important to me. I went through a medical fast, and it wasn't fun to be the only one not having birthday cake, or wedding cake. It seemed less 'celebratory' not to eat turkey & dressing on Thanksgiving, and dating gets really complicated when you say "I'm not eating".

Now - you have to commit to a lifetime of taking care of yourself - taking vitamins, being observant of your eating and getting some exercise, but if you're like me - taking a few vitamins is better than the 5 or 6 prescriptions I take now.