Lost hope

Well, my life just took a turn for the worse. I have struggled to complete the package the MGB surgeons require, but I finally got it all in. They kept asking for more info, then they asked for more money. They called me today to tell me they will not do the surgery on me. Said I am too large and too great a health risk. They had previously said they could do a BMI of up to 60 and I am a 56. But apparently the comorbidities put me at higher risk. Well, DUH!! That is why I wanted the surgery in the first place. They are sending me back to my primary care physician. But they would not even tell me how much weight I have to lose before they would operate. This is pretty tough, as I had lost hope of all normalcy in my life. Then, this surgery gave me hope. I have faithfully done all they asked. But this losing an undetermined amount of weight is too much. I went to them because I have gotten to the point that I almost cannot lose weight through dieting and I am physically incapable of excersse, It feels like I have been senetenced to death. i know I am more at risk without the surgery that with it. I guess I am just venting. But it has been nice reading all of your posts, and I wish you all luck. I know there are surgeons in Mexico and elsewhere that would do a surgery anyway. They do not seem to be as worried about their success rates. Perhaps they will help me. But I am not sure of any there doing the MGB. Which seems to be the best surgery, statisticaly speaking. Anyone know of an MGB surgeon who will take a high risk patient? David

David, my PCP and I did a lot of research together and decided on RNY instead of MGB. Why don't you consider that route? I've been very pleased with the results. Pam 5'2" 282/164/145

HI all, Yes, I considered the RNY. It was what I had been planning since my brother AND his girlfriend both had it and had good weight loss. However, they BOTH have complications. Both will have to have hernias repaired and she is going to have to go back for gall bladder surgery now. Don't get me wrong, they both look and feel great. But the complication rate is far higher for the more invasive RNY than it is for the MGB. The cost is also far greater. The 17k or 20k for the MGB is all inclusive, hospital, anesthesia, surgeon and follow up. Some of the early procedures, when it was experimental, were done very conservatively and had only a 2 foot bypass. But since they started doing the 6 foot bypass, revisions are rare. They will do up to an 8 foot bypass on the first time, and will revise to 12 foot if needed. The MGB surgery time is about 30 mins. For people of my size complications from anesthesia are no small concern with longer surgeries. Also, the MGB is reversible and cancer runs in my family. RNY is not reversible. For all of those reasons and more, I had my heart and mind set on the MGB. Today they told me I must lose 50 lbs, due to my weight and heart problems combined. They say I do not have to worry about keeping it off, just get down for the surgery, then it will keep it off. But this seems like a daunting task. I have lost many hundreds of lbs in my life. Just doing it one more time I guess. The RNY does have some things to recommend it, not the least of which is that there are more surgeons performing it due to its being around for so long. It appears that there are less than 10 well trained and experienced MGB surgeons in the country. I appreciate all the encouragement. Believe me, at this point I would take anything. Like the saying goes, "A drowning man will grab the point of a sword!" I have begun dieting again today. And may get help in the form of Xenical on Monday. Doctor says that this is the only weightloss drug I can take with my arithmia. They want me to do Optifast, but they are centered too far from me. Again, i appreciate all the prayers, hugs, and encouragement! David

David, I agree with Pam , the RNY has saved my life. DO not give up yet, most on here are turn down the first time, shucks I was turned down by insurance, so I self paid ,,, If you have a Will there will be a WAY, keep looking , call other doctors,, come to Charlotte,,,, We are your family now, do not leave us, we are here for you .

Hi David. I'm sorry that you've had to go through all of this. It would seem like they knew all along that you weighed what you did, why did they wait until the end of the process to let you know that you didn't meet their criteria? I would be upset too. I have a couple of thoughts. I know that insurance limits you, but most insurances will pay some on out of network doctors and procedures, so I would start looking for another doctor or hospital. There is a fantastic surgery group in Greenville, which would be a drive for you, but is worth looking at. They're with the Brody School of Medicine at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Also, there is a program that accepts a lot of high risk patients in Charlottesville, VA at University of Virginia Health Systems. I just moved to Greenville from there where I had been in the process with them. The doctors in both programs, Schirmer at UVA and Chapmand and McDonald at ECU are extremely experienced and well regarded in their field. The one caveat is that both of these practices only do RNY. They both feel that RNY has the best overall results. It's worth thinking about at any rate. Take care and good luck. ~Ellen

Hi again David. I just read your profile. I do hope they are refunding your money!!

My BMI is 60 and my surgeon is going to do a RNY (he only does the banding and rny). He does want you to get clearence from drs, basicly treated and under control. He is in pinehurst . Dr. Mitchell. Shellie

David first of all I'm sending you a big hug!!!! But, don't give up! I would concur with everyone above, you may want to concider RNY, I would suggest Pitt Memorial Hospital I believe you would be in excellent hands there. Being your in Pittsoboro, you may wanna attend an informational session at First Health in Pinehurst, and ask Dr Mitchell personally all the questions you can think of ..he presents the informational sessions in Pinehurst, the next one is Thursday July 6th, and if he tells you your a perfect candidate and he will perform the proceedure, that would be my number one pick for you (can you tell he's going to hopefully be my surgeon). David I commend you for wanting to take the step to becoming a more healthier you and don't let anyone make you accept less than what your wanting in this life!!!!! Good Luck to you

David, I know you are feeling at wits end---living this way is so hard--we all know this---but please don't give up! Maybe you think you are being attacked here too--for wanting the MGB---please don't take it wrong from us---But the RNY did save my life. I too had looked at the MGB a few years back--they sure sell it good at the meetings but I am so happy I decided to go this route! While the MGB has success risk of complications and revisions down the road are quite high too---so therefore even if you got them to operate---you might run into problems down the road---Please keep looking and trying for a solution--I have given up before too--and got side tracked for 3 years before I was able to go back and have the RNY! I am thankful and my life is on track--I too had insurance issues--and although have the same employer for 22 years there was no getting around the exclusion! I went through NC vocational rehab--and they were able to help with me paying a portion of the surgery--which was much less than the quote for your MGB! If that doesn't work--yes you can travel and have the surgery for a reasonable price also! And in the scheme of things--if someone told you they would operate in 30 days---would it be worth it to lose 20 lbs before then! I think so! Just relax--breath deep--and step forward! I just know you can make it! Lisa 3/15/05 338.5/169/?

David, I know you are feeling at wits end---living this way is so hard--we all know this---but please don't give up! Maybe you think you are being attacked here too--for wanting the MGB---please don't take it wrong from us---But the RNY did save my life. I too had looked at the MGB a few years back--they sure sell it good at the meetings but I am so happy I decided to go this route! While the MGB has success risk of complications and revisions down the road are quite high too---so therefore even if you got them to operate---you might run into problems down the road---Please keep looking and trying for a solution--I have given up before too--and got side tracked for 3 years before I was able to go back and have the RNY! I am thankful and my life is on track--I too had insurance issues--and although have the same employer for 22 years there was no getting around the exclusion! I went through NC vocational rehab--and they were able to help with me paying a portion of the surgery--which was much less than the quote for your MGB! If that doesn't work--yes you can travel and have the surgery for a reasonable price also! And in the scheme of things--if someone told you they would operate in 30 days---would it be worth it to lose 20 lbs before then! I think so! Just relax--breath deep--and step forward! I just know you can make it! Lisa 3/15/05 338.5/169/?