BMI 58

This may be a silly question, but I figured here would be a good place to ask. I know from my informational meeting with Dr. Rupp that usually witha BMI of 58 they would reccommend gastric bypass over the LapBand, but my question is, with my high BMI do I have to have a open surgery or can it still be done laparoscopically? I haven't had on consult with my surgeon yet, but this was just something I have been thinking about, because I would much rather have it be laparoscopically than open.  Thanks Rose

Good question!  From what I understand (Me no genius), it all depends on your liver size and other factors.  And from what I understand, the higher the BMI the more likely it is open due to higher risks.  I COULD BE WRONG!!  I will look forward to the expertise of the more wise.

Hi Rose Dr. Rupp was my surgeon. I had my surgery 10/15/02. Back then, he only did his surgeries open. I've heard that this has changed now. I believe, but I could be wrong, that the determining factor for doing lap vs. open, is your waist size. This is due to the length of the instruments that they use. They have to be able to reach through your tummy to do the surgery. Best of luck to you. Peggy

That was one of my main concerns also, when starting this.... as my BMI was 70 at the time.  When I met with the surgeon, he said they nearly always to it laproscopy now.   The open is usually only needed when someone has had previous abdominal surgerys that might have left scar tissue behind, making the laproscopy not possible. My recovery time was the same as  those with much lower BMIs.  Was in the hospital just two nights.  My BMI is now down to 49 - and have lost 114 lbs in 7 months.   Let me know if you have any other questions.  Whatever program you go through would probably be able to give you even more specific info.

Bev

 

Hi Rose, As most my friends know...I'm not a fan of Dr Rupps.  He prefers opens because that's what he's done a lot of and that's what he's comfortable with.  Those are words he told me when I went to an info session.  I figure, it's all about MY comfort level, not his, so I found a doctor who would do it laparoscolically.  I have heard that Dr Rupp does both now, so unless he has a great reason that is about YOUR health and safety....tell him your choice of procedures.  Take a look at my before pictures on my profile and see if your size and shape it like mine.  Dr Svendsen had noooo issues with doing mine laparoscopically! Best wishes, Edi

Hi Rose, I am a patient of Dr. Rupp and had my surgery in August.  I had an open RNY completed and I have done very well.  I totally agree with Edi's post in which Dr. Rupp HIGHLY prefers to do open RNY.  I believe that this is the procedure he is used to doing and prefers to do.  I wanted to have a Lap RNY but I was also told my insurance (Healthpartners) would only allow open.  I think they were in the process of changing that however.  I dunno... Anyway, if you are going with Dr. Rupp, expect open RNY to be on the table.  I have done very well with my surgery and my weightloss... 98 pounds since August.  I have no complaints regarding Dr Rupp or his office.  He is a good surgeon but does prefer doing the open RNY.   Good Luck!  Tracie

My BMI was over 60 but Dr. Jones said he would do everything possible to prevent an open procedure because those are harder to recover from.  He did 13 lap points on me but completed the procedure without opening me up.  I have had a rough time the past 6 months, not sure if it was from surgery or not. Important decision for you, but know you do have options. Merry Christmas to you

not a silly quiestion, rose. my bmi was 65 and my bypass was done laparascopically almost three years ago. i'm down about 200 lbs - hope to lose more once i can move around some more. - broke a foot.

happy holidays, and best of luck. hugs

I'm sure it partly depends on your surgeon, among other things that have been posted. I was BMI 55 when I had surgery and it was no problem to do lap, even though I'd had previous abdominal surgeries. My surgeon was an expert in minimally invasive surgery though, so I'm not sure that every doctor could have done it. I'd just wait and see what they say when you go in for a consult. Good luck!!