Question:
Which type of wls is recommended most for BMI's over 60??

I have a cousin who is seriously considering wls. Her bmi is currently around 62, and quickly rising!! She is in pretty good health, but is a heavy smoker, and has had open heart surgery when she was a child (to patch a hole), but no major heart problems now, or maybe I should say, YET!! Anyway, which type of wls is recommended most often for people with high bmi's?? Thanks!!    — Cat S. (posted on March 19, 2003)

March 19, 2003
My BMI was 61 when I had my surgery. I had the open Roux-en-Y. I'm almost 10 months out and I have not had any problems or complications. You can e-mail me with any questions you might have.
   — Shirley C.

March 19, 2003
I was BMI of 67 and had lap. RNY. Now 6 months postop with BMI of 49 and down 110#. If she could quit smoking, that is the best thing she can do for a successful outcome. Best wishes to her.
   — Dana S.

March 19, 2003
My BMI at the time of surgery (Lap-RNY) 2 months ago was 81. Since then, my BMI has gone down to 68 and down 83 lbs! RNY is considered the "Gold standard" among WLS and your cousin will have better luck finding a surgeon who does RNY rather than any other WLS. Her high BMI might warrent a larger amount of small intestine bypassed making weight loss faster and to last longer. I wish her much success.
   — thumpiez

March 19, 2003
Hi there, Cat! When I had my surgery, my BMI was 61. I had the open RNY on 9/23/02 and have lost 117 lbs. And my BMI is now 38.9! YAY :-) I guess it would have to be up to your cousin and which one she wants to try and pursue and finding a surgeon and which he performs. I hope her journey goes well. Vi
   — Vi F.

March 20, 2003
Hi - my BMI was 64 and I had lap with no problem at all. Back at work in 1 1/2 weeks.
   — jen41766