The Doctor said she agreed! - ThinnerTimes

Squishy · 01-19-2007, 09:38 PM

Well, I just crossed one big hurdle. I met with my doctor this morning. I had scheduled the appointment to talk about the medications I was on and that I had not only plateaued, but had actually started gaining again. I explained that I had been thinking about a gastric bypass and she surprised me by saying that she had been thinking the same thing. She said that she felt that I was a good candidate for it and that we had pretty much exhausted the medicinal approaches.

I called Blue Cross/Blue shield when I got home and found that the procedure is covered as long as I meet their qualifications. I meet them all, except the one I am not sure of is the year of documented inability to sustain weight loss. It says that the doctors notes are not adequate to support this. I have no idea of what records she kept, so hopefully the records of medications, weight checks, blood pressure checks, and my visits to meet with her will suffice.

Assuming that I will get through all that, that leads me to a few big decisions. What type of procedure should I have? Open surgery or laproscopic? Which Doctor/Hospital?

I also found out today that I tore the cartilidge in my knee and have to have surgery for that. ( A step-aerobics injury. ) While at that clinic I was chatting with the nurse waiting for the doctor and she was talking about the effect of my weight on my knees. I explained the earlier appointment in which I discussed the bypass and she immediately said "Don't get anything but the lap-band." She said it was the least invasive and that if the pouch ever stretched, they could always tighten the belt. That is probably all true, but I got the feeling that I knew as much about it as her, because she seemed to be basing her opinion on one of her friends who got the band.

My doctor said she would refer me wherever I wanted to go but suggested that the doctor she knows who does it, is very good. Another doctor at the clinic went to him to have his done. I called that hospital and found out that he only does open procedures, not laproscopic. I really don't think I want to do the open one, so I am still looking. If it was a one or two time trip, I could go just about anywhere, but it sounds like there are many pre and post appointments, so I probably need to find someplace close.

Now that it appears this could be a reality, my head is spinnig with the details. If you have any recommendations for books, websites, etc to use for research, please let me know.

Thanks again for your support!
-Mike-

As you all have pointed out, I have a lot of research to do now.

Duckie · 01-19-2007, 09:49 PM

Congrats on your doctors agreement to help you get the surgery. Where are you located btw? Are you in California like most of the people here?
I would suggest the lap RNY. BUT it will ultimately be up to the surgeon whether you have open or lap. Good luck.

JenBear7 · 01-19-2007, 10:12 PM

See?? That wasnt so bad was it! Congrats on the meeting with the doc.. I personally wouldnt go to a surgeon that wouldnt at least TRY to lap .. If its not possible, I am prepared for open.. but heck.. I want there to at least be that option! But, its a personal decision, and judging from the peeps on here.. most of them have had pretty good luck with it ..

Alleusion · 01-19-2007, 10:29 PM

Mike, first off, congratulations. Now the hard work begins. Even if you have the best intentions to have the surgery lap, there could always be something that forces them to go open mid-surgery, or even after. The way I see it, there's going to be horror stories. It's like childbirth, everyone has their own experience (or a friend or family member if they don't have kids) to relate, and most often, it's been a bit skewed from what actually happened.

This surgery is nothing to sneeze at. It's certainly not an impulsive decision. If you are to the point where you brought it up to your doctor, I'm sure that you've thought long and hard about this. As far as invasiveness....come on. For both surgeries, your body is cut into and altered in some way. They are both invasive.

Do some online research, do some searches here. Pouch Rules for Dummies is a really good resource. I found it handy even pre-op. It let me know what I was getting into. No matter what, don't let anyone talk you into something you don't want just because it worked better for their sister's best friend's babysitter's second cousin's neighbor.

desmccoy · 01-20-2007, 05:24 AM

As with all types of surgery there are all different kinds of complications. My doctor refuses to the lap band on the MO because it has a bigger chance to roll, rust or snap. He also said that MOSt patients aren't as successful with this type of surgery. I asked because I wanted a little less invasive too ( with young children I thought the quicker I heal the better.) But whatever you decide remember that its you and your familys decision.

Squishy · 01-20-2007, 09:00 AM

Hello again,
Unfortunately, I am not in California Michelle.

I would definitely enjoy the sunny, warm weather this time of year. I am puppy-sitting for a friend today and took the dog for a walk at 6:00 this morning. It was -4F with a pretty brisk wind. That'll wake you up!

The lows have been between -4F and -28F and the highs have been between 10F and 31F here for the past week or so. I'm ready for Spring!

Also thanks to everyone (again) for the advice. I'm setting off on a strange, and hopefully wonderful, journey. Glad you all are with me for the adventure!

-Mike-

Duckie · 01-20-2007, 09:25 AM

BRRRRRRRRR! I used to live in WI. I know first hand how cold it can get out there! -40 kicks your ass man!

eyesthatkissu · 01-20-2007, 09:57 AM

Look at that! You were fretting over something simple! Now the hard work begins. But I'm sure you'll do fine. Like has been suggested, you need to research, research, research. Knowledge is the key! Research the procedures, the outcomes, the statistics, the surgeons the facilities. Know absolutely everything possible! Maybe if you try OH... Obesityhelp.com they can have some referrals for you. Good luck on all that comes next!

Bella · 01-20-2007, 10:47 AM

I wanted to go with the Lap Band it at first because it's less invasive ... BUT it doesn't always work so well ... AND .... it's a hassle.

My doctor does 2 - 3 'revison' surgerys a week. These are surgeries to undo the lap band and take the RNY or another WLS.

The RNY is the 'gold standard' of WLS and ... it works 'for sure' - not for 'maybe'.

Read www.lapbandtalk.com and see the complaints as compared to the complaints this forum or http://www.obesityhelp.com.

You'll see what I mean about the hassles.

Of course, everyone is biased here .. based on the surgery they have chosen so the folks in the lapband forums will try to talk you out of the RNY surgery.

You just have to read and read and come to your own conclusions.

coptergirl · 01-20-2007, 02:12 PM

The lap band does have its successes, and that is the reason my surgeons group started doing them again recently. With the RNY, it is the gold standard of the surgeries as the weight loss is much faster versus the lap band. When it takes one person 1 yr to 18 months to get to goal, it might take another with the lap band five years to get to goal because it does not produce the dumping effects, and you can still eat anything you want. I am no expert, however, as I chose without a doubt the RNY - I was goining to do it lap, but decided on open after talking with my surgeon - everyones choice is so personal. But yes - research research research - knowledge is your power, and you must be your own advocate. Good luck with everything - glad you are here asking great questions!