No Gastric Bypass for me

I guess it just wasn't meant to be. The surgeon in Memphis said I have to lose 50 pounds before I have surgery to lose weight.. The surgeons that I called in Little Rock and a few other places in AR said that I have to be on medically supervised diets for 1-2yrs before Medicare would pay for it.. Well, I cant seem to lose any weight, much less 50 pounds....and I cant see myself waiting around for another 2yrs, trying to lose weight, going to doctors, being on a diet created by them, etc.. I wish everyone good luck though..I know the surgery would have been the right thing for me.... Lisa

Lisa, Don't let this stop you from something you want! There is a doctor that will do your surgery, you just need to keep looking. Even if you start now on trying to lose, and get on a medically supervised diet, 1-2 years isn't that long, you will be working toward your goal of having it! Don't lay down and quit! That is what they are wanting you to do! Keep fighting!!

Hi Lisa, Why not do the BIB procedure first? From all I've read, it's meant EXACTLY for cases like yours where there is a need for some weight to be lost BEFORE any other WLS. It's not surgical...read up on it! Paula

what is the BIB?

Hi Lisa, BIB is an acronym for the intragastric balloon - takes 20 minutes to place it in the stomach / no surgery. From what I've read, it's meant for those who need to lose some weight before undergoing WLS or for those who don't have hundreds to lose. (http://www)bajanor.com/ingles/bb.htm Try going to the above link to read more about it, or do a search on the internet for "BIB weight loss". Good luck. Paula

Hi Lisa, I know this post was a couple of weeks ago but i just now seen it. I also had a very high BMI, it was 73. I weighed 402lbs. I used Dr. Bruce Jones there in Jonesboro. He was wonderful. Of course he wanted me to lose some weight before surgery but I didnt. He does make you go on a liquid diet 3 weeks before surgery, that was so hard and I did cheat some and only lost about 9lbs. He would only do it open. I had wanted it done lap but he said i was too big. You should give him a call. If you want his number let me know, i will get it for you. By the way, I had surgery in October and am now 120lbs lighter. I wish you luck and never give up. chas

Dr. Jones was my first choice, however, he doesnt accept Medicare patients for the bariatric surgery Lisa