Duodenal Switch

[hsmomof4]

My name is Shannon Randolph. I live near Atlanta, Georgia. I am a homeschool mom with 4 kids. Our oldest is Cassie. We adopted her from Vietnam, and she is 7. We also have 3 biological children Will 6, Ellie 4, and Jack 2.

I have been researching WLS for a couple of years, but it has only just become an option under my insurance. I am hoping to have my surgery with you at Baptist and am coming in at the end of the month for my psychological. BTW I still have my 6 months of physician supervised diet to go...

My BMI is 45.4, and the only comorbidity I have is sleep apnea. I realize that many folks who do the switch have much higher BMI's and more comorbidities than I do, but the DS is still the surgery that most appeals to me. I really like the fact that the pyloric valve is preserved and that many side affects that might go along with GBP can be avoided. Of course, the switch has it's own side effects : )

Is the switch something you would consider for someone in my situation?

Thanks for offering this forum!! Can't wait to meet you!

Shannon

[atspaw]

Shannon,

The DS is superior for prolonged and durable weight loss, but it has side effects that must be understood. The DS is not for for everyone, but neither is the lap band or the gastric bypass for that matter. As long as you understand the risks and life-style changes required, I think it is OK to proceed. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Al Spaw

[hsmomof4]

Thank you Dr. Spaw. I will be making the trip from Atlanta to Nashville on the 26th for my psychological : ) I am excited to get started!

[atspaw]

Shannon,

Just one more thought. If you're interested, we have an on-line seminar for each of the 4 procedures we offer called EMMI. You can call the office and they can e-mail you a site that will lead you through each of the procedure and it's free. You can view the seminar as many times as you like. Office # 615 284-2400.

[hsmomof4]

Thanks for that suggestion. I also wanted to ask, do you routinely remove the gallbladder during the DS operation?

[hsmomof4]

Dr. Spaw,
I came in for my insurance visit and psychological assessment today. It was great to meet some of your staff. Everyone was so helpful. I especially enjoyed meeting with Dr. O'Bryan. He was very warm and personable. I also was able to get my question answered about the gallbladder : )

It looks like I will be making the trek back up to Baptist in about 6 months once my doctor supervised diet visits have been completed. I am sure I will have more questions between now and then. Thanks for being so accessible!

Oh, I plan to view EMMI with my husband later this evening.

[hsmomof4]

When I talked with Dr. OBryan about mortality rate with DS, I told him I though it was about 1-2%. He thought it was much lower. Can you give me an accurate mortality rate. I am healthy and have no comorbidities, but (obviously) my greatest fear of surgery is dying!

[atspaw]

Shannon,

I recommend gall bladder removal because of the risk of future gall stone formation.

Yes, the published mortality is 1-2%. However, you must remember that most DS candidates are higher risk patients because they tend to be higher risk patients with greater BMIs and more obesity related illnesses. Fortunately, I have blessed with no mortalities after DS.

Dr. O'bryan is really nice and he is also very thorough. We receive many compliments about him.

Al Spaw