changing surgeons

I need help. I found out my ins united healthcare has approved surgery for me. My problem is Dr. Lambert probably want a cardiac clearance since I have congestive heart failure with an ejection fraction of 25%, which my cardiologist wont give. I am in a catch 22 situation, I need wls to help my heart, but chf makes surgery risky. I want to have surgery badly and the surgical risk does not bother me. The cardio docs cant do anything for me but give me a heart transplant, whick is difficult if you are obese. Does anyone know of any surgeons who would operate on me?

David, I don't know for sure, but you might want to check with Dr. John Baker in Little Rock. He is an excellent surgeon and comes highly recommended. If you don't mind a few more details...just where is your ejection fraction? Is it mitral???? It makes a difference. Dr. Baker has a web site.. www.obesity-surgery.net. Good luck

David, I also had conjestive heart failure and Respritory Failure. But What is Ejection fraction %. I don't remember this. My surgery is Sept. 22nd Thank's Debbie

My situation was very, very similar to yours. I have had two heart attacks, three angioplasties, and six stents, with an EF of about 28%. My situation differed from yours, though, in that after my last stent placement, my cardiologist walked into my room, handed me a card and said, "Here's the doctor who is going to perform your gastric bypass. You've got to do this if you want to live." I spoke with my gastroenterologist (Dr. Mark Gibbs --- Little Rock) about the risks of people with CHF having this surgery, and he reassured me that he had performed the procedure many, many times on people in much worse condition that I was. As a matter of fact, he told me he had had to perform the gastric bypass to help patients become eligible for a heart transplant (they are reluctant to let you receive a heart transplant if you are severely obese). I had surgery six weeks ago and came through with flying colors. Yes, I have been experiencing the negative side effects of the procedure (as have many others), but none of those are due to my having a less-than-perfect heart.