NOTE: I use the phrases "this procedure" and "BPD/DS" throughout this document to mean the "BilioPancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch"
Why weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is as safe as other major operations, is extremely effective, and the results are long-term. It improves health and quality of life.
Why this weight loss surgery?
I've researched many weight loss surgeries. I have come to the conclusion that this is the best surgery for me because the results are quick, dramatic and there is almost no late regain of weight in individuals who have had it. Other surgeries are not as successful, especially in the area of "late regain of weight".
I chose this procedure over the Fobi Pouch (the operation RoseAnn had) because, even though I know I need stomach restriction to be successful, the Fobi Pouch was TOO restrictive for my tastes. The Fobi Pouch leaves you with an approximately 1 ounce stomach. This procedure leaves you with an approximately 4-6 ounce stomach, along with a gastric bypass.
I chose this procedure over the "RNY" or "Roux-en-Y" (the operation Carnie Wilson had) because the BPD/DS procedure leaves the pyloric valve and duodenum in tact which eliminates the "dumping syndrome" that can happen with the RNY. With the RNY, the pyloric valve and duodenum are removed. The BPD/DS also seems to have better long term results than the RNY.
Finally, I chose this procedure because I have food issues and I will always have food issues. For years now I've heard of these other procedures where the stomach is SO restricted (Fobi Pouch - other pouch/staple procedures), but I knew that there was no way they were for me. I know that no matter how hard I try, there are going to be times when I will want more than 1 ounce of food whether I am hungry or not. I imagined nightmare scenarios of stuffing myself and popping the stitches/staples. So I knew these were not for me.
I have also known about the RNY gastric bypass procedures for years, but had always heard of this dumping syndrome and of getting sick if you eat sweets or fat. Well, of course I should be perfect and never eat sweets or fat, but I know that wouldn't happen. I will occasionally want sweets & fat, no matter how much better I am eating and exercising. So I knew the RNY was not for me.
Then, 2-1/2 months ago (in July of 2000) I heard of the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Larger restricted stomach capacity, leaving the pyloric valve and duodenum intact (so I can eat like a normal person - not too much/not too little), with gastric bypass (to create the malabsorption of calories necessary for long term success).
The thing that really sold me on it, though, (yes, I needed even MORE convincing) was coming across the personal account of someone who was JUST LIKE ME before surgery. Food issues, etc. She said that this surgery changed her feelings about food FOR THE MOST PART and that she craved the foods that would make her body feel good & healthy and that most of her "bad" cravings went away. In addition, and this was really the biggest part for me, she said that during those times when she feels the need to eat for reasons other than nutritional sustenance (like thanksgiving, bdays, or just 'cause she wants a cookie) that she can DO that and not get absolutely sick, like you would with other surgeries. That was the kicker. That is why I chose the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.
What is a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch?
Basically, it's a procedure where a surgeon removes about 60% of the stomach with a vertical cut, keeping the pyloric valve and duodenum intact. In addition, it is a bypass, which is done by switching the biliopancreatic loop and the digestive loop at the duodenum, thereby shortening the common channel, effectively reducing the absorption of calories.
For a more detailed account, and for statistics that follow, for 8 years, the first 440 people to have the bpd/ds go to: http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Procedure/1998Hess/1998hess.html
Why not just diet and exercise?
Weight loss surgery, for me, was the last resort. The final straw. It took going on countless diets over the last 25 years (since the age of 8) to finally get it through my head that dieting is not the way for ME to lose weight and keep it off. After trying everything else out there, this is it for me. Period.
Does that mean I lack willpower and determination? I don't know; does it take willpower and determination to lose 500+ pounds? Because that is what I've lost. I've dieted, exercised, taken pills, tried therapy, tried "obssessing" on something besides food, and more only to have each of these things ultimately fail. The drive to eat to regain the weight that was lost during starvation was always too much.
I personally think the issue of being obese, morbidly obese, or super-morbidly obese (which is what I am) is an issue that is bigger than just diet & exercise and even therapy. I believe it's an anti-starvation/deprivation drive that is as strong as the survival instinct itself. Which is why, when that drive goes wildly off-course like mine has, it is necessary to take drastic measures to correct it. Thus the surgery.
What are the risks?
The risks are the same as with any major surgery. Major surgery is traumatic to the body and there is no getting around that. In addition, since this is a malabsorptive procedure, I will need to take vitamin supplements (prenatal vitamins) every day without fail. One cannot mess around with this! If I am not vigilant about my vitamins, I will get sick & I could die. I would be harming my health by not taking my vitamins!
Is it guaranteed?
The surgery doesn't not come with a money-back guarantee, per se, but there is no way you will NOT lose weight and keep it off. Some lose more of their excess weight than others. And some keep off more than their excess weight than others. It depends on a variety of things. You don't have to exercise for the weight to come off, but if you do, you will lose more weight. You don't have to exercise to keep the weight off, but if you do, you will be more likely to keep the weight off. However, even if you make poor food choices and don't exercise, you are still going to lose a good portion of your excess weight and keep most of that off.
What are the drawbacks?
One of the drawbacks includes having to be vigilant about taking vitamin supplements (see the answer in the "what are the risks" question above). You also need to make sure to get enough protein. These are the only real nutritional "nags" that go along with this procedure.
Many people experience thinning hair once they start to drop a significant amount of weight quickly (this is not limited to people who have the BPD/DS procedure). This can be upsetting, but the good news is that the hair eventually comes back in as the weight loss slows down and the body regains it's hormonal balance.
