LAP surgery for BMI over 50

Hi all, Just wondering if anyone out there had LAP RNY with a BMI 50+ and who your surgeon was. I'm really not wanting an open RNY and am told there are alot of surgeons out there who will do LAP on someone "high risk". Amy input would be GREATLY appreciated, thanks! ~Jenn

yes, lapband is done with BMIs over 50...check out the lap band forum on here for LOTS of info...also Dr. Horgan with U of I has done a few.

I guess I should have been more specific.. I meant gastric bypass surgery done laporoscopically, didn't mean lap band.. oops! thank you for your response though ~Jenn

Dr. Stephen Marshall, Peoria, did lap on me and my bmi was 58 -- BUT I am a pear and carry my weight below the waist. Waist was only 50. If I'd been an apple, it would have been open.

I don't think I'm pear shaped.. more like a barrel or an apple.. hehe, thanks for the suggestion

Dr. Frantzides, last summer, did a 700+lb man lap with no complications. He may have done a higher bmi since then..not sure. His conversion rate to open is almost non-existent, I believe AND he's all-around awesome!!

Kathy, I have an appointment with Dr. Frantzides on July 16th Wish me luck and THANKS for the suggestion he is exactly what I had been looking for! ~Jenn

Hi Jen, I am going through the process myself and didn't want open RYN. After researching, I decided to go through the Wellness Center @ Northwestern with Dr. Nagle. He does the high BMI's Lap. Good Luck! Kathy

Kathy, I'm gonna call and check it out.. thanks so much!!!! ~Jenn

I had LAP RNY on 4/12/04 at the University of Chicago. Dr John Alverdy was my surgeon. My BMI was 57. Best of luck to you!