Advice?

Tomorrow is my consult with Dr B...finally...any advice on ensuring he approves me? I can use all the advice I can get because I am super nervous.

Not much advise needed, If you have repeatedly tried to loose weightr, only to gain it back and more, he will approve you .  Oh yes, the reason you want this surgery is to be healthy or live linger.

Thanks. I am just so concerned because I fought with Medicare for 2 years just trying to convince them that just because I don't have a lot of tangible proof of weight loss attempts, does not mean I haven't tried. I guess I'm worried whether Dr B will want tangible as well or specific dates, etc.. I cannot provide either. I've lost a substantial amount of weight on two different occasions, years apart, but I cannot give exact dates for them. I've just waited so long for this first step that I'm nearly worn out just from worry. I don't know what to expect and that concerns me. Anyway, thanks very much for your input. I'll just have to hope for the best.

I am not sure what my family doctor put in my referral but when I saw Dr. Beau, he did not require "tangible proof"  nor did he ask for dates and weight loss amounts.  He saw me sitting there in all my obese glory and asked me why I wanted to lose weight.  I answered him honestly.  I told him about my weight loss history, about my yo yo habits, about losing around 100 pounds twice in the past.  I told him that mostly I just wanted to be able to do things with my family, to be healthy and to live long enough to see my grandson and granddaughter grow up.  I told him I knew that at my age - 55 - I would never be a bathing beauty but that I wanted to be able to walk on the beach without getting exhausted after just a few steps.  After we talked for a while he said I was a candidate.  I think my family doctor had told him that I had struggled with obesity for most of my adult life but I am not sure, however Dr. Beau seemed to be of the opinion that I have been obese for a long time.  I guess you dont get referred unless its an issue.  I know he looks also at your current weight, your BMI and wants to know if you have any other "co-morbidities"  like high BP, joint and muscle issues, stomach problems etc.  He leads the conversation, he has his own way of doing things.  Just be honest and tell him how your life is now and how it has been for you.  He will do what is best for you I am sure of it.  Today is 2 weeks since my surgery and I am very happy to say, I am banded and I am looking forward to a healthy life and a long life.
Ann

Well, I've made it back...even through the storm-yuck-the only question he asked me was what I think will happen if I don't have the surgery. I told him I will have a heart attack. he said I am one of his lighter patients and he refuses to do the RNY...too risky I guess...asthma. Anyway, he will do the banding and he said I will be done in 3 to 4 months...by April. I am not very happy because I had my heart set on the RNY. I did everything I could do to convince him that is what I want but he flatly refused. At least I'll get some help though. I am just afraid it won't work for me. I don't really know why I'm so convinced of that but I am. He told me about all of you guys who are doing great with it but I'm still very scared and skeptical. Maybe by the time April rolls around, I'll warm up to it. It's been a long wait so I'll take what I can get at this point. Thanks for all your support. It really does help a great deal. Starr

Hi,
Do you mind me asking your BMI?    In Europe it is very common to have WLS earlier rather then later...so that people can nip the problem in the bud...before they get to my delicate 350 pounds.  So, I think this is the future...getting WLS earlier rather then later.

So, you have two options really.  One, get on board with the Band or look to Dr. S for the sleeve.  If you are too light for a RNY....then probably you are too light for a ds.

Something for you to think about anway.  And once you choose...go into it with all your energy...and your choice will work...because you will feel better about it...and positive thinking goes a long way!

Take Care,
C

According to Dr B, if youhave a BMI of less than 60 and he does fills frequently, ylou will loose as much and as fast with the band as with the RNY. RNY is only as effective as you make it by eating right. No magic. You have to diet either way.  We have all heard of RYN patients not loosing or loosing it and gaining it all back.  the band is just as effective and much safer.

I am definately not 'light'. I am 268 lbs and BMI is 45.9. He also told me that he would only do the RNY on me if my BMI was over 60 and that he would still be cautious because of my lungs. I do realize there will be much work needed and alot of dedication put forth for either surgery to work, I guess I just had my heart set on the RNY. I'm sure by the time March rolls around, I'll warm up to the idea. You guys really are the best. Thanks. Starr

a BMI of 45 is certainly Obese...so I am not sure why it has to be 60. 

And Charlene, I am not sure I agree with you on the Band vs RNY...one offers malabsorption and one does not. 

So...with RNY...I don't believe there is quite as much "dieting" per sed. 

I do agree that if people do eat alot and make unhealthy choices then they could have regains.  But....I would expect they will always be able to eat more with a RNY then with a band...just because the food is not all absorbed into their body.  They are both very effective surgeries....but, Bandsters get all the calories they eat...RNYers do not. 

They are both good surgeries...but it needs to be clear...the Band is not better then the RNY.  Or the RNY is not better then the band.  They BOTH have pros and cons.  And new people should research both.

And yes the Band is a much less evasive surgery, but...after you have the surgery...do you really feel this difference.  I had the DS...the most evasive surgery...and I never feel like I had any operation...so...for me...this was not on my pro/con list.  In fact for me...the band felt more complicated...because of the need to have fills.   I guess (and perhaps foolishly) I figured what happened on the table was my well selected surgeons problem, not mine.  It was after the surgery my responsibilities kicked in. 

C

ps.  I am a real advocate for choosing the surgery YOU want to live with.  I only wanted to have one WLS kick at the can...so you really need to make sure you are going down the right path.  It will help yo to be successful in the long run.    There are other Drs who will do other surgeries.  I don't even mean Dr. S.  I could of had a free RNY.....I wanted a DS.  So...I borrowed the money from the bank and got the surgery I wanted.  Call me crazy...but I have never ever been happier.

And I hope I don't ruffle any feathers, I really dont meant to...I just really want you all to be happy...and to take control of your life at this key time.  And make what is needed for you...Happen!!

I don't think I said that one was better than the other, I try not to do that except in reference to myself. As for the BMI of 60 etc- I was quoting what Dr B told me.   He said he will not do an RNY on someone with a BMI of less than 60.  He said that when properly managed (the fills), the band is as effective as RNY for people with BMI's of less than 60.  I am sceptical, but that is what he said when I asked if I were younger, would he still recommend the band. He said my BMI was too low for RNY.