Denied RNY in Minnesota

My buddy wanted me to ask this question for him: He doesn't get on the computer that much.   He weighs around 370  BMI 54 and is diabetic and has sleep apnea and a few other problems related to his overweight.  He has been to Unity in Minneapolis as well as Southdale-Fairview.  Both places refused to do the surgery on him as they said he "wasn't a good candidate", something about not being able to stay on a diet very well???  This wasn't his insurance that turned him down (never got that far), this was the Dr's.   So, he is thinking about going to another DR in another area or another State or something, but is wondering if he should tell the new Dr that 2 other Dr's already turned him down. He obviously has to tell the new Dr what meds he is on, so they will probbaly find out about his 2 previous denials.   DavidG

Hi. I am no expert, by any means. I am still pre-op, but I can tell you that I would never believe for a moment that my surgeon would turn someone down for that reason. The BMI & co-morbidities alone are reasons enough that your friend needs the surgery. I think it is a matter of finding a doctor who sees it the same way. I say that I could not see my surgeon turning someone down for the reason of not being able to follow a diet because he wants to see people get the tool they need (WLS) to become healthy. Good luck to your friend. I hope that he finds a surgeon who will help him. Maybe go on the message boards in the states he is considering going to and ask for some names of docs that people think may help him. Jenifer