Sales Tactic?

 So I finally have insurance that will actually cover weight loss and had my initial consult with the surgeon.

A month before, I had my annual physical (including all blood work) with my regular doctor.  Aside from what you would normally see in an obese man, things were relatively normal, including my blood sugar levels.  I have been making efforts to eat better.  

So the surgeon offers two procedures, LAP Band and gastric bypass.  The doc comes in and says "I recommend bypass for you".  When I asked why, he said because of my "BMI and Diabetes".  OK - my BMI is the reason I am there in the first place but I have not been diagnosed with Diabetes, not even 'borderline'.

Everyone at the weight loss clinic seems to promote bypass more than LAP band.  I know they can charge more for bypass than LAP band.  Is my doctor trying to 'upsell' me?

I find it hard to believe that I cannot lose weight with a restrictive band around my stomach that only allows me to eat 4 ounces of healthy food.

Advice?  Insight?

Find a different doctor.  No doctor should tell you that you should have one or the other surgery simply because of BMI and diabetes...My BMI was 48 and I had type 2 diabetes...now my BMI is 37 and my diabetes is completely under control...A1c is 5.5.  RNY has some scary, life threatening complications.  PM me and I will share the experience of a member of my family.

 Thanks Steph:

I know that a person will drop more weight faster with bypass....blah blah blah.  BUT - as you pointed out, I am totally not comfortable with the levels of risks associated with bypass.

A good friend of mine, who is an RN, had a bypass about 6 years ago.  He now says that if he has the chance to do it over again, he would have chosen the LAP band.  A co-worker got banded this past January 30th and has already dropped 60 pounds!  I think its all in how the patient chooses to manage his/her situation too.  

I am not seeing surgery as a total solution for me but only a TOOL to assist me in reaching my goal.  I am currently and plan to continue to exercise to help with sagging skin and overall muscle tone.  

 I know that a person will drop more weight faster with bypass....blah blah blah.

Not necessarily! I dropped weight like mad: 100 pounds in 6 months. That is the EXCEPTION and not the norm, but it's possible!

BTW - my BMI was 54, I was diabetic (2 insulins & 2 oral meds/day) and now my diabetes is in remission. My PCP, who's an endocrinologist, refuses to say that diabetes is ever "cured" but there is always the possibility that it can come back.

 It is scary that your doc doesn't have the correct info on you. I would get a second opinion. I would not be comfortable continuing with this doctor. Trust your instincts. 

 wish I could 'shop around'.  However, with my insurance, I have no choice but to go the this "Center of Blue Distinction" for weight loss surgery.  Cant afford to go somewhere it will not be covered.

I am not one to accept what a doctor tells me at face value usually.  I ask questions and sometimes challenge their decisions.  

I appreciate the advice and I look forward to using this community throughout my journey.

My Dr recommended the bi pass as well, I was leery of having my stomach removed and then having it left in me...yes I know that's not the perfect reason for preferring the band but that was on my list of reasons.....

As surgery neared I asked him why he had said the bi pass he said it was easier to get approval and people lost weight more rapidly. He even told me I would only lose about 50lbs...  My insurance approved the band and my weight loss? Hmmm ya I think i GOT this. 

Granted the band only helped with the eating...I am the one that drags self to the gym every day and I am the one that says no to sliders...and I am the one that makes myself accountable for my choices...but guess what....I am very happy with my choice and the successes I have had :)  A person has to decide what is right for them, I hope you find the right choice for you and above all 
I WISH YOU GREAT SUCCESS!!!! :)

Just keep swimming your successes are coming,
Swoosh :)

 @ Ms Swoosh - Congrats!  I like your approach and perspective!

Even with a bypass, the choices made by the patient ultimately effects the results.  No surgery is the complete solution - only a tool to help you get to where you need to be.

Peace and Protein Shakes!

I think you need to share your thoughts with this doctor, including being uncomfortable with him "pushing" his preference on you...time for a heart to heart. 

Some points you might want to bring up;

Your doctor's expertise is essential for your surgery to be successful.  Is his steering you away from the band because he feels more proficient at bypass surgery vs lapband?  If not, ask him to share some actual stats from his practice. 

Are his banding patients successful, within the expectations put out by the manufacturers of the bands?

Share your thoughts about RNY complications with him...ask him to reassure you with hard evidence that his patients don't experience a high rate of hospitalization, re-operation  and re-gain.  Our god-daughter has been hospitalized over a dozen times in less than 3 years and dropped below 100 lbs, she is 5'9" tall.  She has had at least 9 surgeries post op for life threatening complications of RNY.  She had her surgery at Stanford University, need I say more?

Does your doctor do the VSG...if I were to lose my band for any reason, the VSG would be my revision choice.

Ask for this information in writing....

...forgot to add, re god-daughter; she is currently up to 140 lbs and gaining...she is absorbing calories and is finally able to eat, not just drink her meals, for the first time in 2 years, but is now terrified of regaining all of her weight.