Not big enough for RNy

Hello I am getting the lap band surgery. My Dr. said that my BMi is 42 I am 5'3 about 234. My doctor said that he think I not a candidate for the RNY. but would benefit from lap band. BUt i envy rny'ers the weight just melts off.

How about a 2nd opinion? I would talk to another doctor.

BMI of 42 is within RNY range. I suggest a second opinion. Good Luck, Matthew

Get a second opinion because I do not think he knows what he is talking about. I was only at 42 myself and had RNY.

Definately get a second opinion, my BMI was 40 and I qualified for the RNY. Good luck!

No way he's misinformed, anything 40 & over is morbidly obese, I'm with the others, get a second opinion! Good Luck!

I just wanted to inform you that i had the lap-band done on Sept. 26. Granted the weight doesnt come off as fast but after 2 years the weight that lap-banders lose and the weight RNY'ers lose come out to the same. Look into the lap-band it really isnt that bad. I have nothing against people that have had the RNY i myself was going to have it done but then decided to go the lap-band route. There is less complications with the lap-band. Really look into the lap-band and visit the lap-band forum. I promise you wont regret it. Kate

I'm guessing that this is your PCP and not a bariatric doctor, so don't worry about it. And if he is a bariatric doctor, I'm surprised. The surgery is not based just on BMI, it's also based how over "average" weight you are and your health condition. I was 100 pounds overweight and my BMI was 38, but because of my other health concerns, I was a candidate for RNY at Barix Clinic in Belvidere, IL. However, there's something else I need to address in your post. The weight doesn't just "melt off", it's because of malabsorption and carries a whole host of other issues that you need to know about. Exercise is paramount, and you'll never eat the same way again. My advice is to really research bariatric surgery and all the different types. This isn't about how fast you can lose the weight, it's about changing your life, and keeping the weight off for good.

Definately go for the second opinion. Just like those Dr's that say that open is better, there's many who disagree!! I highly recommend my surgeon, Dr Frantizides. He and his entire staff are just amazing and he tells it like it is. He's based at Evanston NW - you can get to his profile thru mine. They are not supporters of the lap band and will clearly tell you how many people they've fixed from bad placements or placements that included the liver or other organs. He's head of the non invasive surgical team (ie, there's little to no chance you'll have an open procedure) and is credited with inventing many of the procedures and tools used for RNY lap. Good luck to you.